“Do you think I could play it well?”
“Not a chance.”
That sounded like a challenge. Going back and forth like this, Lucas could handle it. Grabbing a book, he went to a chair and sat down, crossing his legs and opening the book. He made a face as he pretended to read, which had Dorothy bursting out with laughter.
“Oh, no!”
“What do you think now?”
“You look ridiculous!” Dorothy was still giggling as she approached him. “But it’s actually a good look on you. You should do it more often.”
“A ridiculous look is good on me? Charming.” Lucas pretended to look sad. “I guess the bookish lifestyle is not for me.”
Dorothy rolled her eyes and took the book from him.
“You’re terrible, do you know that?”
“I’ve known it since I was born.” Lucas stretched his legs. “Oh, well. It was worth a try.”
Dorothy didn’t seem to hear him, looking at the book with a curious expression. Lucas frowned.
“Are you alright?”
“This is the first edition ofFrankenstein.”
“What? Frankenstein?”
“Yes. I’ve heard about it. It’s about a man who builds a monster out of body parts.”
Lucas grimaced.
“That doesn’t sound like a book anyone should read.”
“It’s one of those books where the writer is anonymous, and it’s very sought after. It only came out on New Year’s Day.” Dorothy looked up, her eyes round. “I didn’t know Lord Derbyshire had a copy of the book. I’ve been looking everywhere to buy this, but it’s either too expensive or sold out.”
Lucas could see the excitement building in her eyes. He couldn’t help smiling.
“So, I take it we’ve found you a book that’s jumped out at you.”
“Oh, absolutely!” Dorothy grinned. “Although I don’t think I’ll be sleeping at all tonight. I’ll be reading this instead.”
“Maybe save that for tomorrow. I’m sure nobody will mind you sleeping in, but …”
“Oh, there’s no doubt about it. I’m going to be reading this book. It’s what I’ve been looking for ever since I heard about it.”
Lucas laughed.
“Even if it’s about a man who builds a monster?”
“There’s more to it than just building something out of body parts.” Dorothy bounced over to him, grabbed his head, and kissed him quickly. “Thank you for picking this out, Dashwood. I think you can pick a book better than I do.”
For a moment, Lucas was left bewildered. Had that just happened? Dorothy had actually kissed him. His body seemed to react to the brief kiss as well, making him feel like every part of it was tingling.
That had never happened before when a woman kissed him.
“Oh!” Dorothy’s smile faded, her eyes widening as she realised what she had done. “I … I’m so … I apologise, Lord Dashwood, I … that was …”
“It’s fine.” Lucas gave her a sheepish smile, trying not to look as if she had hit him over the head with the book. “Don’t apologise for it.”