Free Christie Kelley by Every Night Im Yours

some things from his past but I want to know about his financial conditions and what is happening with his writing.”
    Somerton smirked. “I can do that, but I expect a favor in return.”
    “What favor?”
    “I may need some business advice in the near future. You will give it to me.”
    Business advice? Good Lord, this most likely had something to do with that brothel he owned. “Very well.”
    Somerton walked toward his own carriage. “I shall keep your secret as my own.”
    Banning could only hope he would. Now to settle Avis down. With the door to the carriage still cracked open, he peered inside to see Avis with her arms crossed over her chest. She mumbled something about a cur. He could only hope the cur was Somerton and not himself.
    He opened the door, and noting her hard gaze, realized he was, in fact, the cur in question. If her eyes were daggers, he’d be dead by now. And perhaps he should be. After all, this was hardly the best way to catch a bride.
    “Shall we?” he said, holding out his hand for her to take as if nothing had happened a few moments ago.
    “No, I don’t believe we shall.”
    “Avis, I talked to Somerton. He will keep this quiet.”
    Her eyes widened to the size of saucers. “And you believed him? Everyone knows what a scoundrel he is.”
    “True. But he wants something from me, so we made a pact.”
    “Take me home, Selby.”
    He scrambled back into the carriage and shut the door. “No.”
    “This was a mistake,” she cried. “I should never have tried to do something so impulsive. I’m not an impulsive person. I’m just boring, plain, old, spinster Avis. The one everyone turns to when they need someone to listen to their problems.”
    He grabbed her hands in his own. “Avis, you are not old, not plain, and certainly not boring. You are one of the most exciting and interesting women I have ever met.”
    “You’re only saying that to get me into your bed,” she replied with a sniff.
    “Maybe,” he said with a smile. “But I want you there because you are none of the things you just said you were.”
    He brought her hands up to his lips and gently kissed them. “You may not be impulsive. But for once in your life, do something rash and see if you like the results.”
    “I don’t like to take risks,” she whispered.
    “I know, but try it anyway.”
    She looked up at him with her soft amber eyes, and he was lost in their depths. He drew her closer to him. Slowly, he lowered his lips to hers. A low simmering heat suffused him as she responded to his kiss. Every time he kissed her his control went out the door, his brain concentrated on only one thing—getting her into bed.
    She ended their heated contact far too soon. “I think we should go inside now.”
    “Put the veil down on your bonnet so no one will recognize you.”
    For once, she did as he requested without an argument. As she tied the blue ribbons under her chin, he jumped down from the carriage to assist her. Even with the veil covering her face, she kept her head down while they walked into the inn.
    “Do you think anyone saw us?” she whispered to him as they reached the stairs.
    “I don’t think anyone took notice. We appeared to be just another couple seeking refuge for the night.”
    “Thank God,” she mumbled under her breath.
    He led her into their bedroom. The room was light and airy, although the bed appeared lumpy. Since he did not intend to sleep tonight, it would not matter.
    “How far away is your room?” she asked after viewing the room.
    “You’re standing in my room.”
    Her eyebrows lowered into a deep frown. “Then where is my room located?”
    “You are here, with me.”
    “Oh,” she whispered. She walked to the window and with a trembling hand moved back the curtain to stare outside.
    Noticing her nervousness, he didn’t know what to say. He’d had great plans for tonight and that lumpy bed. Damn.
    “I shall sleep on the floor,” he said.
    She turned and gave him a