Free Redeeming the Deception of Grace by Kristin Vayden Page A

face her. Grace ' s smile faded as well , and she looked up into Ewan ' s eyes as they roved over her countenance . Never had she been gazed upon like Ewan was presently doing . For just a moment , his eyes dipped to her lips , and then he forcibly shifted his gaze to meet hers once again .
    " Grace , I… " His eyes search ed hers . H e grasped both of her gloved hands within his own, sending heat waves up her arms and intensifying her heartbeat . Ewan massaged small circles in her wrist with his thumb , and she felt her breath hitch with desire as she stared into his searing gaze.
    " Ewan… " s he whispered, leaning forward, swaying slightly and dropping her gaze to his lips.
    Just as Ewan leaned forward , Grace heard footsteps click against the marble floor of the balcony. With a gasp , she stepped back to a proper distance at the same time as Ewan.
    " Lady Grace ! Here you are! I ' ve been looking for you. I have someone you must meet! " c ame the very unwelcome voice of Lord Shiply . With a downward glance and a disappointed sigh, Grace closed her eyes and prayed for him to disappear . She instinctively knew that Ewan would have kissed her; that something intangible had changed between them . But gone was the moment .
    With an apologetic smile she glanced at Ewan, losing her train of thought at the blatant desire burning within his eyes; desire and possession. Grace curled her toes in her slippers at the warm sensation his gaze gave her . Yes, there was hope, and she was not about to give it up.
    " Later , Ewan? " s he whispered, staring at him and allowing him to see just a portion of her heart in her eyes.
    With a slight nod he grasped her hand and very gently kissed the back of it , then turn ed it over and press ed another moist and prolonged kiss to her wrist , sending shivers up her arm. After one long , lingering glance , she turned to meet Shiply.
     
    ****
     
    So close! Ewan had been so close to finding the perfect moment to press his suit, but no. Again Shiply intervened and stole the moment away from him . The only reason he hadn ' t challenged the arrogant cad to a duel was the bewitching look that came from Grace that would have made a saint sin with lust .
    Her eyes had glowed with desire , and Ewan had used every ounce of self-control to not take her lips with his own, in front of Shiply; especially in front of Shiply. But he was honest in his endeavor of being worthy of Grace, which meant he must be the gentleman and put her before himself . But how difficult it was , when she continued to cast him g lanc es where he swore he could see her soul buried in the green of her gaze .
    He smiled, as he knew one thing for certain . H e indeed did have hope in winning Grace ' s heart.

 
     
     
    C hapter Eight
     
    As Grace prepared for the famed Kringle B all , she thought back over the past week . Indeed , Miss Rachel had proven to be the friend she had hoped . Already they had become fast friends , and Grace was thankful that Ewan had run into her .
    She laughed gently at the thought , but her amusement was short - lived . A furrow etched itself in her brow as she thought over the frequent subtle questions Rachel had asked regarding Shiply. She had answered her questions as best as possible but found it difficult because, well, as she answered the questions she discovered she didn ' t know Shiply well at all . It was a shocking revelation , amplified by the contrast with her ability to answer any and every question Rachel occasionally asked about Ewan .
    Although her heart hadn ' t been engaged in the courtship Shiply had paid to her, she also hadn ' t ended it . Ewan had indeed spent more time with her , but the hope she had felt earlier at the Lordington ball was fast fading as Ewan ' s behavior toward her was lacking the seduction he began at the ball . He was far too much of the gentleman, far too reserved , far to o unlike the Ewan she knew.
    Gone was the rake and rogue who would flirt shamelessly , and