Free A Code of the Heart (The Code Breakers Series Book 3) by Jacki Delecki Page B

a cheerful mood, remembering Lord Brinsley’s gentle touch and the warmth and security she felt while pressed against his chest.
    There was a light tap on the door, followed by Gwyneth entering. “How are you feeling?”
    “I’m absolutely fine and a bit embarrassed. I’m not seriously injured. There is really no need for such a fuss.”
    “Why would you be embarrassed that you got hit by a ball?” Gwyneth sat on the edge of the bed.
    “Because good players don’t get caught unaware. They move out of the way of the ball. This injury will convince the men that women do not belong on the field.”
    “Can women play as well as men?” Gwyneth asked. “You’re the first woman I know who plays. I mean really plays.”
    “Probably not, because of the difference in size and strength of women versus men. But don’t tell the gentleman that I admitted to such heresy.” Amelia giggled.
    “You’re in a very good mood for taking a hit to the head.” Gwyneth’s chocolate eyes sparkled with mischief.
    “I’m fine. Everyone is making such a big deal about a simple knock.”
    “Not everyone. In fact, just one person…Brinsley.” Gwyneth’s grin grew broader.
    Amelia felt the familiar heat moving from her stomach to her chest to her face at the mention of his name.
    “You poor dear.” Gwyneth smiled sympathetically. “You can never hide your feelings when your face turns the color of a tomato.”
    “Is this your bedside manner? It’s surprising that Ash survived your care-giving.”
    Gwyneth sniggered. “I’m sorry, but you do turn the most amazing shades of red.”
    “Yes, as my obnoxious brothers have pointed out to me my entire life.”
    “I’m looking forward to meeting those hellions at the ball next week. Are they all red-heads?”
    “I’m the only true red-head, but Drew and Jack have red highlights. Parker and Colin are more blond than red.”
    “But back to your problem—a very virile and very handsome problem.”
    “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
    She hadn’t fooled Gwyneth for a second, judging by the determined gleam in her eyes.
    “You’re going to pretend you didn’t notice the possessive way Brinsley carried you? The man was in agony every time you winced. If it weren’t painful to watch, it would’ve been comical seeing a man his size looking like a repentant young boy caught in some trouble.”
    The memory of his tender touch, his heat, and the scent of musk and maleness were doing strange things to her body.
    Gwyneth smiled again. “Exactly what I thought.”
    “Do not say another word. I still haven’t forgiven you for meddling and having Ash speak to Lord Brinsley on my behalf.”
    “I never asked Ash to speak to him.” Gwyneth held her hand to her chest. “I swear.”
    “All right, I believe you. But you mustn’t do anything else. No secret plans. No meddling!”
    “Speaking of secret plans. Are you well enough to go to Madame de Puis’ tomorrow?”
    Amelia didn’t miss that Gwyneth hadn’t agreed to refrain from interfering or meddling. “Of course, I’m fine. I wouldn’t miss returning the dolls for anything.”
    “I’m so glad to have an adventure. Ash and Brinsley are working on something that neither Cord nor Ash will reveal to me. They have both told me it’s safer for me not to know.” Gwyneth looked down and ran her finger over the pattern in the heavy damask bedcover. “I thought, after the Christmas party, Ash would be more amenable to sharing his missions.”
    “With the impending invasion of England, everyone is more fearful and guarded. I can understand why the men are acting the way they are.”
    Gwyneth’s head jerked up. “You can?”
    “I understand their instinct to want to protect us. But I wish they saw us as capable of helping. My cricket playing is a perfect example. The men can’t believe that I’m proficient in catching and throwing a ball, and now they will believe they are right.”
    “Well, we’re going to