Jamie inquired, recovering from his initial surprise.
“Oh, yes, I am,” Daphne replied. Riordan had explained she’d suffered a bit of a stomach ailment that evening. “The lobster didn’t quite agree with me.”
“Perhaps you’d prefer oysters. Some people respond to shellfish differently.” Jamie smiled, his brown eyes warm and laughing with his secret joke.
“I do like a good oyster now and then.”
“I know it’s late, but might I ask if you’d enjoy a walk in the fresh air?” Jamie raised a dark brow.
“I would.”
“Mother, if you’ll excuse us?” He was all polite restraint as he slipped her arm through his and took his leave most properly.
This time they left by the front door, Jamie’s pace quickening as they headed down the front steps. He clearly had a destination in mind. She had to run to keep up. “Where are we going?”
“To St. Paul’s to watch the sunrise. I have it on good authority it’s something you’ve always wanted to do. Then I’m going to do something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“What’s that?”
“Propose to a woman I love.” Jamie paused at the street corner and kissed her hard on the mouth.
Daphne laughed and threw her arms about his neck. “I think you just did.”
* * *
There’d been a grumpy monk to wake, but they’d made it to the top with a minute or two to spare. London lay below them; Mayfair’s mansions, Piccadilly, the Strand, St. James’s and Green Park. Even the Tyburn Pool sparkled in the distance, each marker a reminder of their night, of their journey to this moment.
Jamie interlaced his fingers through hers. “We won’t be able to marry before Christmas. My mother will insist on a lavish wedding.”
Daphne laughed softly, her head against his shoulder. “So will mine.”
“Mine will be difficult. She won’t get better with time. I know from thirty years of experience,” Jamie went on.
“Neither will mine. It doesn’t matter, Jamie. When it gets to be too much, we’ll simply slip away like we did tonight.”
“I like the sound of that.” Jamie looked out over the city, his mind already planning the next time. But his heart knew a larger truth. It didn’t matter where they went. Jamie Burke knew there was no place he’d rather be than right here, in the arms of the woman he loved.
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781408995556
How to Live Indecently
© Nikki Poppen 2012
First Published in Great Britain in 2012
Harlequin (UK) Limited
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