Evie gently scratched Ash’s shoulders. “While I always love to see him, I think it might be better if you left him at Witney Court this first time. He could be…distracting.” She looked down at Ash. “Sorry, sweetheart. Next time.”

Next time. Gregory realized there would be many times, probably, before they parted. He could hardly wait for the first time.

“We wouldn’t want distraction,” he murmured.

Her gaze locked with his, and it was one of those intense, lingering looks she’d taught him about. “I don’t think so. Especially not this time.”

The tone of her voice was low and rich, sweeping over him like velvet. He couldn’t look away from her. He wanted to kiss her. Touch her. Claim her.

Tonight, he would do all those things.

“I eagerly accept your counsel. I will follow you in all things.”

Her eyes glinted with sensual promise. “How marvelous. Tonight, then.”

How was he going to endure the entire afternoon? He was glad to be with her, but she was just out of reach. Temporarily. Soon, she would be his. And he would be hers.

He’d never wanted anything more in his life.

Evie arrived at the cottage well before Gregory. Heloise had insisted on accompanying her so they could make everything comfortable and enchanting, or as Heloise had said, “perfect.” Evie wasn’t sure she agreed with that. Nothing was ever perfect.

The cottage boasted five rooms: a parlor, a kitchen with eating area, two bedrooms, and a small room that could be used for storage or any number of things. There was furniture, but not much of it. They’d focused their attention on the larger of the two bedrooms, dressing the bed in soft bedclothes and adorning it with more pillows than they probably needed.

They’d built a fire in the bedchamber and lit several candles. Heloise reasoned they could extinguish them later, if they wanted. Evie had always preferred the room to be as dark as possible. Would that continue with Gregory?

An unexpected apprehension had gripped her as they’d driven a cart with the furnishings along with some food and drink to the cottage. Now, as Gregory was shortly expected, she found she was practically quivering with nervous energy.

Heloise stepped back from the small table near the fire where she’d set out the bottle of wine that they’d brought along with two glasses. The basket with a small, cold supper sat on a dresser in the corner. “Is there anything else we should do?” she asked.

Evie took a deep breath that really wasn’t that deep. Her lungs couldn’t seem to expand enough. “Nothing comes to mind. Thank you for everything.”

“I should go before Lord Gregory arrives.” Heloise wriggled her brows at Evie. “Sleep well! Or not.” She smirked before leaving, taking the cart as they’d arranged.