The Rake’s Christmas Wager (Spinsters and their Suitors #2)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

T he manor was abuzz with excitement as the guests scattered in search of the perfect hiding spots for the game of hide-and-seek. The laughter and light-hearted chatter of her fellow guests filled the halls, and Lily, determined to avoid the more obvious places, had slipped into a narrow closet tucked away near the library.

The small space was cramped, lined with shelves that held folded linens and stacks of books. The faint smell of lavender hung in the air from the sachets tucked between the linens. Lily pressed her back against the wall, trying to quiet her breath as she listened for footsteps. It was a childlike game, but it had somehow brought a burst of energy to the house party.

A moment later, her heart lurched as the door creaked open. To her surprise, Lord Brinton stepped inside, his tall frame filling the small closet.

She glared at him in the dim light, her voice a sharp whisper. “What are you doing here? Find another hiding spot!”

Lord Brinton raised a brow, clearly unbothered by her urgency. “I would if I had the time, Miss Ashworth, but I’m afraid I’m rather out of options.”

Before she could protest further, the sound of voices drifted closer. Panic seized her, and she shot him a pointed look, silently pleading for him to leave. Instead, to her utter dismay, he closed the door behind him with a soft click and moved toward her, his expression one of amused determination.

“Lord Brinton, it will be far too crowded in here—” she began, but he quickly put a finger to her lips. She stilled, a tingling sensation spreading through her lips from his finger.

“Hush, unless you wish to be caught,” he whispered, his lips curving into that infuriatingly charming smile.

Lily pulled his finger off her lips and bit back her retort as the footsteps grew nearer. With no desire to be found, she allowed him to gently guide her further into the closet, their backs pressed against the shelves as they tried to remain hidden. The space was tight, forcing them much closer together than she was comfortable with. She could feel the heat of him, his arm brushing against hers as they moved, and the faint scent of sandalwood that clung to him was distracting.

The closet door rattled as someone on the other side turned the handle. Lily held her breath, pressing herself against the wall, her heart pounding in her chest. The door creaked open, but after a few moments of hesitation, it closed again.

Lily exhaled softly, relieved, but acutely aware of Lord Brinton standing mere inches from her. They were still pressed close together, his broad shoulders blocking her view of the door.

“Well,” he said after a long pause, his voice low and teasing, “if I had known we’d be spending such close quarters together, I might have dressed more formally.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, though the dim light hardly allowed him to see it. “You’re insufferable.”

He leaned in slightly, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. “And you’re far too close, Miss Ashworth. People will talk.”

Lily’s lips parted in shock, though she knew better than to let him rattle her. “I should have left you to be found,” she shot back, her voice a fierce whisper.

“And miss the opportunity to hide with you? Never,” he said with a grin, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

She glared at him, determined not to let him see the way her pulse quickened. “If you don’t move soon, I may have to shove you out of this closet myself.”

Lord Brinton chuckled softly, his breath warm against her ear in the confined space. “I rather think that would draw more attention, don’t you?”

Lily’s heart thudded in her chest, but she forced herself to remain composed. “If we’re found, it will be entirely your fault.”

He was silent for a moment, and then his voice dropped to a more serious tone. “Perhaps. But if I’m to be caught, I can’t think of a better hiding companion than you.” His warm breath tickled her ear and gooseflesh rippled all up and down her arm.

There was something in his voice that made her breath hitch. Though his words were teasing, there was a flicker of sincerity beneath the banter, and it left her momentarily speechless. Before she could respond, they heard more voices outside the closet, and they both fell silent once more.