Page 19 of A Rogue to Reform

“Sorry to disappoint…”

She grabbed his arm and pulled him off the path. “Shhh.”

Just then, Harvey Lewiston hurried past, his arms pumping in his effort to go faster.

“What are you doing?” Evan whispered.

“That man is intent on following me.”

Evan let out a breath and turned to find where Lewiston had gone. He took a couple steps and turned back to face Felicity. “Do you not have other suitors?”

She gave him a bland look. “I just returned from Edinburgh, barely had time to meet anyone.”

“There is that.” Unsure why, he took a step closer. “You should ensure to find a willing suitor to keep people like Lewiston at bay.”

“Are you volunteering?” Her gaze flickered over his face.

He wasn’t sure, but almost certain she teased.

“I could, I suppose,” Evan said, sliding his fingers up the side of her face and gently lifting it. He meant it as a jest, but something in his chest fluttered.

Leaning forward, he took her mouth. It was a gentle kiss. At least, at first it was. Just a press of his lips against hers.

When she returned the kiss, the ground seemed to shift and he wrapped his arms around her. Felicity fell against him, giving into the moment. His head spun at the perfect fit between them. How would he keep from this woman after this? Trailing his lips to the edge of hers, he began to move down the side of her neck.

Something bit his leg, perhaps a dog, and he straightened, realizing it was possible to be seen.

When Felicity pushed at his chest with both hands, he realized she’d kicked him. Especially when she started hopping on one foot. “Ouch,” she exclaimed.

“Why did you kick me?” he hissed.

“Why did you kiss me like that?” she replied with a glare. “You should not have done it.”

“I agree.”

At his statement, she blew out a breath and turned away. “You hurt my toes.” Wincing, she hobbled toward the main pathway. “Do not follow me.”

“I should carry you.” Before she could respond, he swept her up in his arms. “I will take you to Grant.”

She pushed at his chest. “Put me down. If we are seen, we will have to explain what you and I are doing alone here in the garden.”

Voices approached, and he noted that Sorcha and several women walked in their direction. Just as the group turned, he tossed Felicity into a cluster of bushes.

“Mister Macleod,” Sorcha said, meeting his gaze when he walked closer, doing his best to block their view of the bushes. “Whatever are you doing here alone, away from the festivities?” She met his gaze and then searched the area behind him. “No assignation, I hope?”

“Of course not,” he said, straining to hear sounds from the bushes.

Just then Lewiston returned. “Good evening, ladies.” He managed to inch closer. “If you would like, I would be happy to escort you about. One never knows who could be out here alone.”

Evan gave him a droll look. “There are rumors of wee trolls about in the bushes.”

Chapter Five

“Where have you been? I have the juiciest thing to tell you,” Hannah exclaimed upon meeting Felicity near the powder room. She leaned closer to study her. “Your hairstyle has changed.”

“That is because I was thrown into bushes by a brute,” Felicity whispered. “I will never speak to Evan Macleod again.”

She’d remained in the bushes, doing her best to keep from screaming with fright while the Evan held court with Sorcha and her prattling group. Then, to her utter chagrin, Harvey Lewiston had appeared and extended the conversation.