Seduce Me Please by Nichole Matthews

matter-of-fact, I…well this is the first time I’ve attended,” Chester stammered. “But I have heard ‘tis brilliant fun. Very educational. Trying to improve myself you know.” He shook his head nervously. “My father thinks I should prepare myself better for my future inheritance. You know how fathers can be.”
    Piper inwardly groaned at Chester’s incessant ramblings. She tugged nervously at her right ear.
    “ I see.” With narrowed eyes Graydon looked at Chester’s companion. “Who is your friend, I don’t believe we have met?”
    “ Oh I say, Lord Rockwell, this is my cousin George Smith from Devonshire,” he said, pointing at Piper. “He’s the one truly interested. He’s a man of intellectual pursuits. Just wants to be prepared when he comes to London. Connections you know.”
    “ Your cousin you say?” Graydon’s narrowed gaze raked over Piper from head to toe. He barely reached his shoulder. He inclined his head. He seemed awfully young. Features far too delicate for a young man. Hmmm…and he looks awfully familiar. “Is this your first time in London, Smith?” he asked casually, his furrowed brows golden slashes across his forehead.
    “ Yes, my lord.” Piper knew this wasn’t going to be easy; she nervously pulled on her earlobe some more as she felt her pulse intensify.
    Feeling sorry for the young chap, he should have waited until he was better equipped before coming to Town. He can barely hold a conversation. It was obvious his clothes were of high quality, but they must be hand-me-downs. Positively ill-fitting. He was surprised that Portland would allow his cousin to go about town so shabbily dressed. He glanced briefly at Portland before speaking, “Have you heard if Hawk is in town yet?” Graydon’s eyes were locked on Piper as he spoke.
    With her lower lip caught between her teeth, Piper glared imploringly at Chester. Her eyes widened with meaning as she released the breath she was holding.
    “ Oh no, but he is expected to arrive soon,” Chester responded amiably. “Saw Ash over dinner tonight. Should be at his club.”
    Piper knew Chester was extremely flattered that Rockwell had even deemed him worthy enough for a private conversation, but this could easily turn into a disaster she thought, closing her eyes. Just breathe … just breathe … just breathe …she repeated.
    “ And Smith ,” Graydon said with a sidelong glance. “How are you enjoying London so far?” He arched a questioning brow.
    Her eyes flew open when she realized Rockwell was addressing her. She glanced up and up and up from underneath her lashes, “F-f-fine,” Piper stuttered and stammered before going quiet. I’m such an idiot . She groaned quietly, pressing her hand flat against her thigh before rubbing nervously at her right earlobe again. Clearing her throat she tried to make her voice sound even deeper, “I’m just up trying to get some town bronze you know, and take in some more pleasurable entertainments, if you know what I mean, my lord,” she practically squeaked, jabbing Graydon in the ribs with her elbow.
    Good God I was right ! Those are not the eyes of a man. A pair of the most gorgeous blue eyes he had ever seen peered nervously up at him. Long sweeping lashes fluttered against her cheek. He would know those eyes anywhere. He ’s a she! He was much too delicate even for an extremely young man. With one brow cocked, what was Portland up to? “Indeed. I know exactly what you mean. There’s a new opera dancer in Town and I intend to sample her. Very voluptuous, if you know what I mean .” He winked at Piper using his hands to show her size. “She is so much more than a handful.” His sardonic tone made her flush with embarrassment.
    Chester snorted inelegantly. With a nervous look in his eyes, he kept peering at Piper. He tugged his crumpled square of linen from his jacket pocket once again mopping his sweating brow.
    Graydon continued, “I personally have never been a man into