The Beauty and the Spy by Gayle Callen Page A

she saw his trousers tossed to hang over the screen. As he sat in the dirty water, surely he must be shuddering with the cold.
    And looking at her drawers and petticoats.
    Suddenly the whole screen fell forward, landing partially on the bed. Her mouth sagged open as she watched Nick lean his head back in the tub. His bare wet knees were plainly visible.
    â€œCouldn’t let you think of escaping from me, now could I?” he said.
    And then he started washing himself. She was frozen with shock—and something that made her feel overheated and vulnerable. He grinned at her as his soapy hands slid slowly down his chest and disappeared from sight. With a gasp Charlotteturned her back. She could hear his laughter and much splashing, but she certainly didn’t have to watch. It was a shame she couldn’t turn off her mind, though, because she couldn’t forget his wicked smile, and how…pleasantly it transformed his face.
    And sad to say—she hadn’t even thought about escaping while he was bathing.
    â€œI can’t believe this,” she muttered to herself, sitting down on the bed and clutching a pillow.
    â€œWhat?” he called.
    She could hear his amusement. She found herself wanting to put him in his place, to saunter over there and prove that his nudity did not bother her. She’d been a married woman, after all.
    But she’d never been at a man’s bath before, even her husband’s. She couldn’t do it. “I only said how incongruous it is that we’re bathing in the same room—in the same tub —and I don’t even know your name.”
    â€œI’m not lying about my name.”
    â€œYour full name.”
    There was a pause, and she almost looked over her shoulder to see what he was doing. Almost.
    â€œIt’s Nicholas Wright. With a W.”
    â€œWright?” she echoed. “I’m sure you think it’s perfect for you.”
    He chuckled. Had she heard him laugh before? For the first time he sounded truly relaxed.
    â€œHave you heard of my family?” he asked.
    â€œShould I have?”
    â€œI don’t know. They’ve never been much for London.”
    â€œAnd were you much for London?”
    â€œMy father wouldn’t allow it.”
    Even that thought-provoking statement couldn’t distract her from the ludicrousness of their situation. She groaned. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation while you’re…bathing.”
    â€œFrankly, I’m relaxing. You can look at me if you want. I promise I won’t stand up without warning you.”
    â€œI don’t think—”
    She realized he was assuming she wouldn’t look! Before she could think through the consequences, she swiveled on the bed until she faced him, crossed her arms over her chest, and lifted her chin.
    His wet hair was slicked back from his face, and his muscular arms glistened where they rested along the edge of the tub. His bent knees pointed to the ceiling. She was decidedly daring and brazen, altogether unlike herself. It felt very much like freedom.
    He was grinning widely at her. “You’re very brave.”
    Ignoring his words, she said, “If your father didn’t allow you to go to London when you were young, I hope your estate was at least pleasant. Where is your family from?”
    He leaned his head back and eyed her from beneath lowered lids. “A village in Kent called Folkestone. It’s near the cliffs overlooking the English Channel.”
    â€œIsn’t there an earl by that name?”
    His smile faded a bit. “There is.”
    â€œAnd you don’t like him?” she said, tilting her head as she studied him.
    â€œI didn’t say that.”
    â€œYou don’t seem to want to say much.”
    â€œNot my favorite subject. Let’s move on.”
    Knowing she had to take this opportunity to discover things about him while she could, Charlotte fluffed