How to Woo a Reluctant Lady (42 page)

“I do have one request before you give me your answer.”

“You don’t get a request,” he clipped out.

“The only time that Rupert and I . . . Well, he took . . .
precautions against certain eventualities. If you win the wager, I would ask that you do the same.”

“I can do that,” he said.

She swallowed. “Does that mean you accept the wager?”

He paused, but it was a sure thing. And he’d never been one to pass up a sure thing.

“Yes.” The waltz was coming to an end, and they probably would not get another chance to speak privately. “Where and when will this game take place?”

“One
a.m
. at the office in the brewery. We had to let our evening staff go, so Lake Ale will be closed, but I have a key.” The music stopped and they stepped back, her to curtsy, him to bow. “I’ll wait for you inside.”

As he took her arm to lead her from the floor, she murmured, “And I would appreciate it if you could try not to be seen on your way there.”

“Don’t worry. No one will ever learn of this from me.”

“Thank you. I’m still considered respectable by my neighbors here.”

Her tone pricked his conscience, but he frowned it away. As far as he was concerned, she’d made her bed. And now that she’d done so,
he
damned well was going to lie in it.