The Redemption of Julian Price(44)

"Given the duke's fondness for the sport, no doubt the opportunity will present. Do you really enjoy the game?"

"I do. I even played a bit when I was a girl. I was a tolerable bowler, but I could never quite master batting. I don't know if it was poor timing, the size of the bat, or the weakness of my stroke, but I always pitied my fellow batsman."

"The size of the bat matters little as long as one employs proper timing and a forceful stroke. Ideally, the two batsmen should be in perfect synchrony as they come together." Nick almost groaned at the innuendo in his own words.

"Indeed? Do you suppose you could teach me?" She smiled up at him again before dropping her blue-green gaze. "I suppose I shouldn't presume to monopolize your time. I know that you must attend to your business rather than my pleasure."

Her pleasure. Nicolas shut his eyes on a sudden image of Mariah lost in the throes of ecstasy.

"Is something wrong, Mr. Needham?" she asked.

"No, my lady," he replied. Unable to resist any longer, he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I would take great delight in making my business your pleasure."

****

END EXCERPT

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