Free Love's Misadventure (The Mason Siblings Series Book 1) by Cheri Champagne Page B

travelled over his finely toned arms, broad shoulders, and—
    Lane’s throat cleared, and Anna jumped guiltily. “H—have a seat, if you would.” She indicated the chair in front of her before turning her back on him to pick the items off the tray.
    Foolish, Anna. Foolish! Their lives were in danger; the very last thing they needed was to waste time and be caught. Most particularly when Anna’s distraction was lust… for Lane . Yes, foolish, indeed.
     
     

Chapter 11
     
     
    Lane sat in the proffered chair, his body’s shameless response to Anna’s brazen gaze hidden by the stained shirt balled in his lap. Had he truly seen what he thought he saw in Anna’s eyes? Did she desire him?
    He gazed ruefully at the overeager appendage straining the front of his breeches. He certainly felt desire for her . But while his body easily prepared for the act of lovemaking, following through with the deed proved—as of yet—to be impossible.
    In the back of his mind, he heard the sloshing of water. Anna reappeared at his side, her demeanour aloof as she pressed a wet cloth to the wound on his arm.
    Lane ground his teeth and hissed his breath through the intense pain as she administered to him.
    “Anna…”
    “Mmm?”
    “Last evening when I…” How did one propose marriage to their closest friend, but warn her that they may never have intimate relations? How did he express his regret for her state of ruination and offer her the protection of his name without having her feel as though she had inconvenienced him?
    “Yes?”
    There may be no other recourse but to announce his intention and hope for the best. “I intend to marry you.” Perhaps that was a touch too blunt , his conscience admonished.
    Her hands stilled in the process of wrapping the poultice over his wound. “I…pardon?”
    Out with it, Lane . “Last evening,” he began, astonished at the nervousness besetting him, “you lamented the potential collapse of your engagement to Lord Boxton and your state of ruination. I am offering you my protection.”
    Anna moved behind him, handling the items on the tray. Her silence only intensified his anxiousness. Blazes . He had not realized how important her answer was to him. Should he tell her that he loved her? Should he confess his inability to—
    A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
    “Come,” Anna called shakily.
    He fought a grimace. Had he made her so discomfited?
    Two maids entered, one holding a tray of covered dishes and the other burdened with the clothing he had requested.
    The time for lingering had passed. Lane stood and one of the maids squeaked. Oh hell . He’d forgotten that he was not properly dressed. He pressed his stained shirt to his chest and smiled weakly at the maids before retrieving his purse.
    “What ye requested, sir,” the blushing maid said quietly.
    “What is that?” Anna stepped toward them as the other maid put the food on the table.
    Lane placed several coins in the maid’s hand. “Thank you very much.” He glanced over his shoulder at Anna. “This is a suit of clothes for me and a dress for you. I did not suppose you wished to continue on in your torn riding habit.”
    Anna bit her lips together. “Thank you, Lane.” She paused. “But…where in heaven’s name did you manage to purchase a new dress?”
    He smiled at her. “I asked the maid in the taproom if there were any dresses in your size available for purchase in the inn. She informed me that they had cleaned one such dress that had been left her by another patron several days ago. She believed it would fit you well enough.”
    “That is wonderful!” She clapped her hands delightedly, the sight warming him far more than it should have, though part of him was also saddened that she was reduced to wearing another’s used frock.
    Both maids bobbed curtseys, received Lane and Anna’s thanks, and quit the room.
    “Mmm,” Anna moaned as she lifted the cover off of one of the dishes. “Beef,