Katie Rose by A Hint of Mischief Page A

flooded his mind that her presence wasn’t accidental, that she’d somehow learned of his habit of walking in the park. Gabriel recalled that he had misplaced his calendar. Surely, she couldn’t have … he dismissed the notion as the utmost conceit. Still, the suspicion would not go away, especially in light of finding her in his town house the previous night.
    Her cheeks flushed with color, making her look even more attractive. “A pleasant surprise, I hope,” Jennifer said politely. “I’m not unescorted. Penelope was with me. I told her to go ahead.” She smiled shyly at him. “I apologize once again for startling you at your house. I deeply appreciate what you did for me, and only hope you can forgive me.”
    Gabriel stared at her for a moment, as if trying to make sense of what she was saying. He hadn’t done nearly what he would have liked to for her, and he wondered if she was deliberately teasing him. Deciding it was better not to even open up that line of conversation, he stared straight ahead, trying to sound as unconcerned as possible.
    “I think it best if you don’t mention that again. Should anyone discover that you were alone in my house, unescorted and unprotected, your reputation would be ruined. That would be a scandal that even an Appleton couldn’t dismiss.”
    Jennifer nodded somberly. “I understand, and am grateful for your confidence. You are truly a gentleman, Mr. Forester.” Before he could react, she gestured to the beautiful grounds. “Isn’t the park lovely? I do so enjoy a leisurely stroll. I come here quite often, you know.”
    “Do you?” Gabriel made no attempt to hide his irritation. “You know, Miss Appleton, I find that statement extremely interesting, since I’ve never seen you here before. I’ve come to this park every afternoon, and not once can I recall ever running into you. Yet in the past few weeks, I feel that I have seen you constantly. How would you explain that?”
    “It’s really quite simple,” Jennifer said casually, though her eyes twinkled with merriment. “You didn’t know me until recently, and as such, would not have taken notice of me.”
    He couldn’t imagine ever having walked past her and not seen her. “I suppose that is possible, but I still find it odd. Especially since I don’t think I would have overlooked you.”
    He wished he could have taken the words back as soon as he uttered them, for Gabriel realized he’d just complimented her. Jennifer looked up at him and her eyes brightened, making him curse beneath his breath. She was so damned pretty, with those mischievous eyes, and her lips were so soft and pink. He wanted to taste them once more, and as the unbidden thought came into his head, he couldn’t banish it. No, he had never seen her here, of that he was certain.
    He tore his eyes away from hers and determinedlycontinued walking, intending to complete his stroll as if he’d never been accosted.
    Jennifer fell into step right beside him. Gabriel could smell the sweet scent of her, could feel her presence like warmth on a chilly day. His icy dismissal didn’t affect her the way he’d hoped; Jennifer just chattered on as if they were old friends.
    “Isn’t it all so beautiful? I really love the way the sunlight reflects on the water, and the way the moss grows on the sides of the trees. I’ve always liked summer so much, though Aunt Eve says I run like a vagabond, wanting to see and do everything, but it doesn’t last that long and you have to make the most of it, don’t you think?”
    He tried to resist her, but couldn’t. She was Diana, Artemis, and Athena, all in one. Stiffly, he found himself replying.
    “Yes, it is lovely here. I hear it is getting so crowded on Sundays that it looks more like a promenade. That’s why I prefer to walk here during the week.”
    “And have tea with your mother on Sunday,” Jennifer remarked. There was a curious tone in her voice, almost as if she was reciting his schedule.