Evie set her gloves on the seat between her and Lord Gregory. Though it was chilly, what was the point in wearing them when she was going to be snuggling a puppy?

Smitten, her mind whispered. She clenched her teeth.

The gig moved forward, and Ash sat up to look out at the passing scenery.

“He seems to appreciate the view,” Evie said.

Lord Gregory nodded as he steered the gig along the drive. “Yes. If you want a blanket, there’s one tucked behind the seat.” He glanced over at Evie. “Since you overheard Susan the other day, you must have heard what she said about Ash.”

“I did. That’s why I tried to subtly ask you about where he was sleeping.”

“The subtlety you were telling me about in action.” He smiled. “I wouldn’t ever let her dictate what I do with our dog.”

“Our dog?”

“We found him together, didn’t we?”

“Yes, but we can’t share him. He’s your dog.” She stroked Ash’s back lest he think she didn’t care about him. “I will simply visit as long as we are neighbors.”

“Then I shall have to endeavor that we are neighbors when we are both in London. What is your address?”

She slid him a look of appreciation and let out a short laugh. “Now, that is some smooth flirting.”

“I didn’t even realize.”

She suspected he really didn’t. “I probably shouldn’t tell you my address.” She definitely wouldn’t if he were any other man.

“Why not?”

“It isn’t terribly seemly.”

“I don’t plan to advertise it. On the contrary, I will guard it like my very own special secret.” He cast her a sidelong look, his eyes glittering with a distinct heat that she felt all the way to her bones.

“I live on Charles Street in St. James’s.” Stiffening, she kept her attention on the road in front of them so she wouldn’t see his reaction.

Good heavens, she was fast coming to sixes and sevens. Perhaps if she’d lain with a man at some point in nearly three years, she might not be so affected by Lord Gregory. Yes, that was it. Not that he was singularly alluring. Or that she hadn’t been affected by any man in nearly three years.

He was, apparently, different. The desire she’d felt for men who’d become her protector wasn’t the same as what she was experiencing now. But then, she really couldn’t compare. She’d only ever been with men who’d paid her for the privilege.

Evie pushed those thoughts away. Straightening her spine against the seat, she asked, “Are your brother and sister-in-law coming to dinner tomorrow?”

When he didn’t immediately respond, she looked toward him. His jaw was tight.

“They’re coming, aren’t they?” She sighed.