Discovering the Devil

T w e n t y - t h r e e

"Hm?" She wasn't capable of saying any more than that. She could still feel his tongue swirling against her thumb. A shudder threatened to snake through her, but Penelope wouldn't let it.

"You shouldn't dip your hand in whatever food you're preparing." His voice was low and husky.

"I used to frequent the kitchens when I was young. I saw the cook taste his food all the time."

"You are the farthest thing from a cook, Miss Redwood."

"Penelope," she corrected.

"Penelope," he murmured. The sound of her name on his lips sent an electric shock down her spine. "Forgive me. Force of habit."

"Forgiven."

"We have to put the cookies in the oven next."

He showed her how to roll the dough into balls before setting them onto the baking tray. Afterwards, Penelope gently loaded the tray into the oven. Harry took the opportunity of her turned back to lightly press a kiss against her nape. Penelope nearly dropped the cookies. "How long will it take before it gets ready?" Penelope asked steadily, as if the kiss hadn't affected her at all.

"Forty minutes or so," Harry replied.

"Oh, that's a lifetime. What are we supposed to do in the meantime?"

"Wait. What else would you have us do?"

Penelope rolled her eyes. "I've been meaning to ask your permission about something."

"What would that something be?"

"I have a dress fitting at the modiste tomorrow."

"I don't know why I'm surprised you're still having dresses tailored."

"No, it's not for me. I'm a bridesmaid at my friend's wedding."

Recognition flashed in Harry's eyes. "Was that the same friend who came to see you weeks ago?"

"Yes." Penelope smiled. "A Paulina Stone. You would like her."

"I don't know if she would be able to say the same."

"No, she would like you too. They'd all make a pair, I think."

"Who and who?"

"The Wilhelms, Cartwrights, and Stones." Penelope wrinkled her nose. "I'm not sure about Drew. He's a touch timid, that one. Otherwise, he's an alright lad."

Harry grinned. "And you don't like timid men?"

"I abhor them." Penelope paused. "For myself, anyway. He and Paulina suit."

"What if I told you that I was timid?"

"You are the farthest thing from."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm certain."

They spent the next half hour driving around the circle of Harry's supposed timidity until Penelope pointed out that the cookies were likely finished.

'You have to wait for them to cool before you eat them," Harry told her once he'd set the tray on the counter.

"I know that. I'm not a child.

"That depends on the circumstance."

Penelope's expression soured. "And what circumstance would that be?"

But Harry didn't answer. He only smiled. "You're incredibly beautiful when you pout."

Penelope's blood singed her cheeks. "Stop it."