The Alluring Duke

     “Silver?”
     His sleep-husky voice sent a prickle down her spine. She swallowed hard. “Hmmm?”
     “Is that a good book?”
     “Quite.” She turned the page.
     “You must be an extraordinary reader then.” A hint of amusement sounded in his voice.
     Silver frowned, suspicious of his complement. “Why do you say that?”
     “Oh, no reason. Except, perhaps, that you are reading your book up-side-down.”
     Silver held the book back so she could focus on the words and discovered he was right, curse him. “I’m practicing,” she blurted out, refusing to confess the truth. She’d sooner stick her spoon in the wall.
     “Practicing?”
     “Indeed.” She lowered the book and cocked an eyebrow. “The ability to read up-side-down may become a useful asset.” Keeping her expression serious proved difficult. Oh, dear Lord, he would think her a simpleton. Still, he couldn’t learn how she gawked on him as he slept.  Just thinking of the shameful act made her cheeks burn. 
     His features grew thoughtful then he dipped his gaze to her mouth. “Like the ability to read lips?”
     Her pulse hammered wildly in her neck. “Yes, exactly,” she managed to squeak out. 
     When he lifted his heavy-lidded eyes, their gazes fused for several seconds. But it seemed an eternity. Then he slowly began forward. Apprehension and a smidgen of fear shot through Silver when she realized his intent. She could not move. His intoxicating sandalwood-earthy scent filled her lungs, and her heart lurched. She grew dizzy with anticipation. He came close. Her eyes fluttered shut. Nearly there. The heat of him enveloped her, wrapping her in a dreamy cocoon. Another second. His warm breath fanned against her lips, making them tremble. She parted them, waiting. Hoping. To be sure, she would die if he didn't hurry. Her thoughts scattered. And then… And then…
     The coach stopped.