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Anthony Bridgerton was in hell.
His mother’s annual Hearts and Flowers soiree was in full swing and he currently found himself on the drawing room sofa, drink sloshing over him as the people he was sandwiched between jostled about laughing and flirting.
The scent of lilies and soap filled his nostrils, attacking his senses and making his stomach clench and palms sweat. The scent belonged to one Miss Sharma. Kate. Kathani. The obnoxious older sister of his little sister’s best friend and most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Not to mention she was Anthony’s unrequited crush.
Unrequited because she hated him. And, along with being beautiful, she was also the most exasperating person he’d ever encountered.
He was in hell because he was squished between said crush and one of his oldest friends, suffering through their shameless flirting.
“I can’t believe a woman like you is single,” Tom said, leaning slightly over Anthony to get closer to Kate. Anthony couldn’t prevent his lip from curling up in distaste. Was he leering?
“I would’ve thought you’d have been snapped up by now.” Tom added with an hysterical sounding chuckle.
He honestly thought his ears might start bleeding.
How was Tom this bad at flirting?
“Perhaps I’m single by choice, Mr Dorset. Ever think of that?” Kate replied, a smirk playing on her lips.
Anthony was honestly surprised she hadn’t reprimanded Tom. Lecturing him with a pointed finger and a hand on her hip about patriarchal privilege and why is it that men assume a woman wants to be “snapped up” anyway?
“There’s just no one decent out there,” Kate pouted adorably, mirroring Tom’s movement and leaning forwards. “I went on the most awful date just last week!” She exclaimed, placing a hand on Anthony’s thigh to steady herself.
Oh god.
Her touch seemed to burn through the material of his trousers and send a jolt of electricity along his leg. And suddenly Anthony was in the best kind of hell. He closed his eyes and an audible groan escaped his lips as he grappled to get a hold of his senses. What was it about Kate bloody Sharma that had him so unhinged?
“You OK, Ant?” Asked Tom, nudging him with his elbow.
Anthony managed to nod and croak out a “fine”, opening his eyes to be met by Kate’s dark almond-shaped ones. His gaze must have betrayed the intensity of his thoughts because he watched as she swallowed thickly, before squaring her shoulders and tilting her chin in defiance. Returning his intensity ten-fold. Trust her to try and out eye-fuck him at his mother’s soiree.
The sound of Tom clearing his throat shook them from their contest and Kate stood, gesturing around awkwardly as she spoke.
“Um, I should go and compliment Violet on this whole shindig.” She said, eyes darting everywhere but at Anthony now.
She brought one perfectly manicured hand up to smooth down the skirt of her black fitted dress and with a waft of lilies she was gone.
“I think I might have a shot there.” Tom nudged him, grinning.
Anthony honestly wanted to slap him.
Instead, he downed what was left of his whiskey, feeling the warm amber liquid glide down his throat before pushing himself up off the sofa.
“Your flirting needs work.” Anthony offered with a stiff smile. He gave a small nod and headed into the throng of guests to mingle.
He was certain he’d seen one of Benedict’s arty-type friends who always liked to flirt with him here. Perhaps she could help him forget about Kate Sharma for a while.
He managed half an hour of small talk before he sought Kate out again. She was in the ballroom, standing by the champagne tower, laughing with his sister. He wasn’t close enough to hear what they were saying but he sighed softly as he watched Kate cover her mouth with her hand, shoulders shaking vigorously as she attempted to smother her laughter at whatever Daphne had said, a few tendrils of her thick dark hair escaping from the updo she’d managed to tame it into.
It was nice to see her relaxing and having a good time for a change. She seemed so stressed when they encountered each other usually.
Always fussing over Edwina and Mary, or rushing from one job to quickly get changed and head to the other.
“Are you listening, Anthony?” His mother’s voice pulled him from his reverie and he startled a little that she was beside him.
At his blank expression she gave an eye roll.
“I said, I've put Mary’s girls next door to you. Will you make sure they are alright before you head to bed? I fear Edwina has over indulged.” Violet bit her lip and Anthony followed her gaze to where Edwina stood giggling with Eloise and Penelope. She did look rather tipsy but she was still standing.
“Of course,” he said, giving his mother’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Violet gave a relieved sigh in return.
“Thank you, dearest,” she smiled, “and I know I can trust that you and Kate will behave yourselves with both of your mothers in the same house.”
“What on earth do you mean?” Anthony blustered, feeling his cheeks heat at his mother’s knowing look. “There’s nothing going on between myself and Kate. She doesn’t even like me.” He cleared his throat as the familiar weight of disappointment settled over him.
“Well, a mother knows, dear.” Violet answered, with a shrug of her shoulder and a smirk on her lips. “And anyway, that’s not what Mary and Edwina seem to think.”
Just as Anthony was about to ask what she meant, Violet’s attention was taken by one of their many guests. Anthony turned back to where Kate was now being swung around by Colin, a squeal of delight escaping her, and tried to ignore the small flicker of hope that had kindled in his chest.
*
Kate loved the Bridgertons. It had taken some time to get there, of course. She had always been wary of people with money.
She’d felt it was her responsibility to look after Mary and Edwina after appa died and worked two jobs to ensure they wanted for nothing. Mary had been such a wreck that Kate couldn’t ask more of her than a bit of cooking and cleaning, really.
They’d spent so many years like that; Kate working hard to pay the bills, Mary keeping house and Edwina putting her all into her studies. She’d been so proud of their little team, had known in her bones that appa would have been too.
So she was more than a little blindsided when Edwina returned home one day, cheeks flushed with excitement, and announced that she’d gotten herself a part time job at the local cinema in Aubrey village.
Her friendship with Eloise Bridgerton, who was working there in her own bid for independence, flourished quickly. Despite her initial reservations given who Eloise’s family were, Kate found herself growing rather fond of the formidable young woman.
The closer the girls got, the more intertwined the Bridgertons and Sharmas became. Violet and Mary were both widowed and this cemented their friendship. So Kate got used to seeing a bunch of Bridgertons sitting at her kitchen table when she popped home to swap her laptop for a coffee-stained apron. Violet always seemed to be hosting some gathering or other and the Sharmas were often in attendance.
So yes, they wore her down with their infectious laughter and love of corgis (Kate’s dog, Newton, in particular) and she’d grown fond of them all.
Except Anthony. The eldest Bridgerton who always seemed to disagree with anything Kate said with a growl and a snippy comment.
Anthony, who, the minute he opened his mouth, spouted something sexist. Anthony, who’d slept his way around half of Aubrey village. Anthony, who was just ridiculously posh and reaffirmed to Kate all the reasons she was wary of rich people to begin with.
The fact he was also ridiculously handsome was of little interest to Kate. Though there was that time in the summer when Violet invited the Sharmas to their barbeque and Anthony just had to walk around topless.
So what if Kate noticed his toned physique and strong forearms? It was only because of how the sweat glistened against his skin in the sunlight. And perhaps his mouth kept commanding her attention because he ate in a rather strange manner. There was definitely no way she found Anthony Bridgerton, king of privileged white boys and sexist arseholes, attractive.
Even if he was endearingly devoted to his family’s happiness and wellbeing. It didn’t mean anything. It also didn’t mean anything that she felt a little affronted on his behalf when his family misunderstood his good intentions and accused him of being controlling. She was just able to empathise because she too was an eldest sibling. Nothing more.
Kate sensed Anthony standing beside her rather than saw him.
She must have spaced out when Colin started rambling on about his holiday to Greece.
She had been trying to remember the name of the girl she saw Anthony chatting to. The blonde one who’d brazenly placed a hand on his thigh as she was laughing. She’d been pulled back to the present when she’d suddenly felt the heat of him by her right side.
It made her arm tingle and its hairs stand on end. Which made her angry.
Kate stepped back and turned to glare at him when the wind was completely knocked out of her sails. He was already looking at her.
His dark eyes were hooded and hungry. If Kate didn’t know already that he despised her she would swear she saw desire there. The way his gaze slowly raked over her body. She felt naked. It was positively indecent. She felt heat flooding her cheeks and thanked god for the low lighting. A thrum of anticipation began to beat between her thighs. Kate balled her hands into fists at her side.
Now she was furious.
“Oh, would you look at that!” Colin pointed up above her head excitedly.
Kate whipped her head sharply in his direction, blinking a few times. She’d honestly forgotten he was there.
“Look!” He gestured above her head, grinning so widely she could almost see all of his perfect white teeth.
Kate and Anthony followed his gaze. There was a small posy of pink carnations tied with red ribbon dangling from the ceiling above them.
“What is it?” Anthony asked, his brow furrowing into a deep crease that Kate did not find incredibly cute, for the record.
“It’s KISSletoe!” Colin clapped his hands together and looked at them expectantly.
Kate looked to Anthony for help. He appeared equally confused.
“Is that supposed to make sense to us, Colin?”
Colin rolled his eyes at their lack of enthusiasm.
“It’s like mistletoe but for any occasion, not just christmas.” Colin spoke each word slowly, as though they were both senile. He watched as Kate glanced at Anthony with a shrug. “It’s my invention,” he sighed, “and mother loved my idea. They're all over; look.”
Kate looked about the room and, sure enough, there were a fair few of them hanging from the ceiling. Looming above unsuspecting guests' heads.
“You know, Penelope would kiss you without you having to invent some lame excuse.” Kate teased, feeling a little bad at Colin’s growing blush.
“I, it’s not …” he stammered, looking about to check Pen wasn’t within earshot. “Mother liked it…” He mumbled into his wine glass.
Anthony snorted.
“You could paint the drawing room black and mother would like it. Seems she was pacifying you, Col. No one is kissing under it because they don’t have a clue what it is. I didn’t even notice it until you pointed it out.”
“You two do.” Colin waggled his eyebrows, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face. At their blank expressions he continued, rolling his eyes again. “You both know what it is. If you kissed under it others would see and get the idea. Get the ball rolling, so to speak. You’re both standing under it now anyway, and that’s the rule.”
Kate’s stomach flipped as Anthony choked on his whiskey.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Anthony snapped once he’d finished coughing. Kate felt her hackles rise at his quick refusal.
Oh. So it’s like that, is it? He’d jump on anything with a pulse but won’t even peck me on the lips.
“Colin,” Kate let out a loud huff. “You can’t seriously expect Anthony to partake in anything that might be fun.” Anthony’s head spun to gape at her as Colin barked out a laugh.
“You're saying you’d like to kiss me? In full view of everyone, including both our mothers?”
Kate felt her flush deepen but met his look with a nonchalant shrug of one shoulder.
“I’m saying that you’re not going to do anything that may affect your chances later.” She watched as Anthony frowned. His jaw pulsing aggressively.
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Only that I’m sure your little blonde friend from earlier wouldn’t appreciate it.”
It came out more bitter than intended but she wasn’t one to shy away from a disagreement. She held Anthony’s gaze as Colin looked on.
“What’s going on?” Asked Daphne, sidling back over to Kate.
“Look!” Colin elbowed his sister, urging her to look up. “KISStletoe - like mistletoe only for any occasion.”
“Oh Colin!” Daphne gasped, bringing her hands up to her chest. “Such a wonderful idea. Has anyone kissed under it yet?” She began frantically craning her neck about the room. “Where’s Simon? I want to be the first to try it.”
“Oh, no need Daff,” Colin motioned to Kate and Anthony, who were still locked in their bizarre staring contest. “They were just about to demonstrate for us.”
With an impressed “oh”, Daphne took a side step towards Colin for better viewing.
“I don’t think so, Colin.” Kate said wryly. Her eyes never leaving Anthony’s. “I wouldn’t want to cock-block the great Anthony Bridgerton.”
Before Kate could bait him any further, Anthony shoved his drink into Colin’s hands, reaching to gently but firmly pull Kate’s mouth to his.
It wasn’t the best kiss she’d ever had. It was chaste and lasted all of ten seconds. But it was ten seconds that Kate was woefully unprepared for.
The swirl of emotions that Anthony’s lips unlocked within her were electrifying. Like a thousand tiny licks of heat against her skin.
The strong yet clean and masculine scent of him. The warmth of his breath against her cheek. The pressure of his lips on hers. All of it. It set her aflame from the inside out.
His hands were surprisingly soft and warm as they cradled her face between them; his kiss was firm and insistent while he held her as though she was rare and precious.
She’d never felt more alive as he pulled sheepishly away, her chest heaving. Her whole body felt as though it were vibrating, the white noise of blood rushing in her ears. For the first time in their acquaintance, Kate didn’t think about how posh and rich Anthony was, or sexist or slutty. She didn’t refer back to that catalogue of faults she kept to remind herself of how she could never find him attractive.
No. For the first time all she thought of was how she could get him to kiss her again. How could she get Anthony Bridgerton to kiss her without asking him to? How could she persuade him to kiss her and never stop.
*
“There,” Anthony said, his hand trembling slightly as he grabbed his drink back from Colin and downed the remains. He could feel his heart in his throat and ears. “We’ve got the ball rolling. Over to you and Simon now, Daff.”
Daphne clapped her hands excitedly.
Kate was quiet. It troubled Anthony that she was so quiet. He probably should’ve warned her that he was going in for a kiss. Anthony risked a glance at her. She was standing…staring off into space. Maybe she was a little shocked at his behaviour. He felt a twinge of guilt.
For goodness sake Anthony! You don’t just go off kissing women without making sure they agree to it first.
The thing is, he’d seen something in her face. The way she’d mentioned the girl he’d been chatting to. She’d sounded almost bothered by it. Like she was jealous or something and after what his mother said he’d … well, he’d been unable to hold himself back from doing the one thing he always longed to do when in close proximity to her.
Only now he was doubting his instinct. Why did he listen to his mother?! She saw romance wherever she looked. Not to mention the fact that Kate disliked him so much she used every opportunity available to rile him up. Clearly this had been no different. Only Anthony had gone and gotten drunk on the scent of lilies and forced a kiss upon her.
Blast it! Just apologise and make a hasty exit lest you sink even lower in her estimation.
Anthony cleared his throat and steeled himself in preparation.
“Kate,” he began and she turned to face him. “Are you ok? I, that is to say, I’m so-”
“Was that the best you could do?” Kate snapped, her voice cold.
Anthony gulped and saw her eyes flicker to watch the bob of his Adam’s apple. “I’m very surprised that someone as promiscuous as you has only a playground-appropriate kiss to offer a woman. Seems all that hype is unfounded.”
Anthony huffed out a laugh and glanced at Colin and Daphne for support. They merely stared back, eyes full of mirth.
“That is …” Anthony began, watching as Kate folded her arms and cocked her head as though eager for his reply. Anthony could feel frustration rising like bile. “That is absurd! I was being a gentleman.”
“I disagree.” Kate shook her head, talking over him. “If you’re going to do something, at least do it properly.” She shrugged, eyes scanning the ballroom. “Perhaps we should find your blonde from earlier -”
“Obviously, that is not … I mean, well… A quick kiss on the lips is appropriate under mistletoe.”
Anthony turned to his siblings for support but found them suppressing smiles. Was this some sort of joke he wasn’t in on?
“Ah,” Colin cut in, wagging a finger at Anthony. “Except this isn’t mistletoe. It’s KISStletoe! Go on, Ant, kiss her like you mean it.”
Anthony looked from Colin to Daphne, who gave a wide smile coupled with an encouraging nod, to Kate. She raised a brow at him in challenge. Anthony felt as though he was dreaming. He longed for nothing more than to kiss Kate properly, eagerly. To show her how much he desired her. He just hadn’t thought their first kiss would be in a crowded ballroom full of their friends and families. Intently watched by two of his siblings.
“Ughh!” Kate threw her hands up in evident exasperation. “Forget it, Bridgerton. Where did Tom go?” She began scanning the room again. “Perhaps he can help me demonstrate to you how it should be done.”
Anthony felt something dark and feral wash over him. The thought of Dorset putting his hands much less his lips near Kate was unbearable. A low rumble, something akin to a growl, escaped his throat as he all but threw his glass at Colin and reached to wrap his hand around Kate’s wrist as she moved past him.
He didn’t put his lips to hers at first. He spun her to face him and wrapped one arm around her waist, the other slid up the side of her face and into her hair, upsetting a few of the pins that had been holding it in place and she let out a small gasp in response.
They locked eyes, he could feel her breath hitch. It felt hot and wet against his chin and as he bumped his nose gently against hers, the lids of her eyes softly closed. He brushed his thumb across her cheekbone once. Twice. Three times. He watched, enthralled, as her lips parted slightly.
“You’re beautiful.” He whispered for only her to hear as he finally closed the distance between them.
His kiss was soft yet determined at first before he parted her lips with his tongue, sliding it against hers filthily. He let out a groan of pleasure, satisfied after so long of dreaming about it to finally be feeling it.
She pulled him closer to her, one hand creeping up to rest in his hair, pulling lightly. Her other hand traced the muscles in his back through his dress shirt.
He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that, wrapped in each others’ arms, tongues tangling and bodies pressed together. He suddenly became aware of Colin coughing uncomfortably. When he moved his head back and opened his eyes he was met with the sight of Kate’s face, eyes blown wide and dazed-looking, lips moist and swollen.
Anthony untangled himself from her, feeling bereft at the loss of her warmth and noting the small whimper she gave in protest. He was aware that the crotch of his trousers was noticeably tighter and his heart was mid-palpitation as he cleared his throat. He tried his best to appear normal when he was well aware that he could never go back to being Anthony before the Kiss.
“Well,” he began, trying his best to avoid Daphne’s smug grin. She’d been the first to point out that there was a thin line between love and hate when it came to his feelings for Kate. “I hope that was satisfactory.”
“No,” came Kate’s breathy reply as he straightened out his clothes. “I still think you can do better.”
Without warning she wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled his mouth back down to hers. Anthony was so consumed in his new happy place that he barely heard the shocked gasps that turned to laughs and then applause around them.
*
The rest of the evening was a blur to Kate, who could only think of Anthony’s lips. It appeared the feeling was mutual as everywhere she went she found him at her side in an instant, eyes boring into her; a silent pleading. Like a human version of Newton. She mentally added it to her new catalogue of reasons she found Anthony Bridgerton attractive.
The usual tension had been replaced by an undercurrent of something Kate couldn’t quite describe. It was as though there was an invisible cord connecting them. One that pulled and vibrated between them; the promise of something. Dancing rather than sparring, the slow burn of the sun against exposed flesh instead of the flash and bang of a firework.
Her eyes kept seeking out his. The intensity of his gaze still made her blush. And the thrum of anticipation had only grown stronger since their kiss, her whole body tingling with want.
Anthony pressed in close to her left side as they chatted to Daphne and Simon. His hand gingerly coming up to caress hers, running his thumb over her knuckles tenderly. Until Kate could bear the anticipation no longer and boldly intertwined their fingers. She realised how tense he must’ve been when he exhaled slowly and she felt his body relaxing at her side.
What story Simon was regaling them with Kate was unsure, but she nodded and smiled in what she hoped was all the right places. All the while aware of Anthony’s warm hand in hers, making her heart beat frenetically. She felt Anthony tense up once more at Daphne’s words.
“So where are you taking Kate on your first date?” She asked as Simon groaned in embarrassment beside her.
“I love the new Italian restaurant in the village,” Daphne grinned mischievously, slapping Simon’s hand away as he attempted to gently nip her as a sign to shush. “Amazing carbonara. Isn’t that right, babe?”
Kate caught Anthony’s gaze again. Perhaps it was only a physical thing for him? She had thought he despised her before tonight. Ever since she’d met him she had made it impossible for him to have any nice feelings towards her, really. She’d chastised him, picked fights with him, openly declared she disliked him more than once. All so she could deny any feelings she’d had to the contrary.
He definitely wanted her, she realised that now. But did he want more? Kate couldn’t see why he would. Anthony’s eyes searched hers for the longest moment before he squeezed her hand and turned back to his sister.
“Wherever she wishes.” Came his reply. A small smile there and then not there.
Was he just being polite? Kate so desperately wanted to know if he wanted to spend an evening exploring this … whatever this was.
That innocent little kiss had shattered the dam she had built to keep him out. Now she was no longer denying her feelings; she realised they’d never been this strong before.
It both terrified and thrilled her to think of what they could share.
Ok, just come out with it, ask him: Do you just want to bang it out or are you interested in a real date? Either way, I’m down.
Kate didn’t know whether she was capable of a real date herself but something within her, some spark of the person she’d been before her father died, was niggling at her to try. Could she do it?
She downed the remaining champagne in her glass and took a deep breath. Only one way to find out.
“I’ve, erm, actually heard really good things about it too… so, I mean, if you’re up for it…”
The tension hung thick in the air like fog. Anthony was looking at her, something she couldn’t quite discern in his eyes. The silence felt deafening. Kate’s cheeks were burning from humiliation now and she was acutely aware of Daphne and Simon exchanging awkward glances. Silently communicating with looks, as couples so often do.
Oh fuck, this is actually mortifying.
“I say, Simon!” A voice cut through the silence, pulling the Bassets into a conversation to their right.
Anthony was still intently watching Kate and she wished the ballroom floor would open up and swallow her whole. Resisting the urge to laugh out a “just kidding!” and walk away with her head held high, she tentatively untangled her fingers from his and straightened her spine.
“Listen, don’t worry about it.” She began, going more for an nonchalant I-don’t-give-a-shit vibe rather than the I’m-embarrassed-as-fuck one she was feeling. “Just because we kissed a couple of times doesn’t mean we have to start dating. If you don’t want to -”
“Oh, I want to.” He said firmly, taking her hand back into his once more. “Very much.” He added, grazing a kiss across her knuckles.
Kate silently admonished herself for the fluttering in her stomach but she smiled anyway. A rare Kate Sharma smile, reserved only for her favourite people. His answering grin made her want to lean over and kiss him in the centre of his dimple.
“I’m sorry, if I made you doubt that just now.” He added softly, bringing her hand up to his mouth again. “I honestly never dreamt …” he gave a small wet kiss to the back of her hand, before turning it gently over and placing another in the centre of her palm. “I never dared imagine you’d be interested in -”
“Didi,” a quavering voice followed by a small hiccup forced Kate to turn sharply.
Edwina was swaying towards them, the taffeta ruffles on the skirt of her pink dress dripping with beige-coloured liquid. Her usual bronze skin was dull and pale, tears running black lines of mascara down her cheeks.
“Bon? What happened?” Kate rushed to her sister’s side. Edwina rested her head against her shoulder, sobbing lightly as Kate stroked her hair.
“Oh, didi, I think I had too much to drink.” Another delicate little hiccup. “I was dancing and suddenly felt like I was going to be sick. I didn’t make it to the bathroom in time and I was sick in one of Violet’s plant pots near the dining room!” Edwina cuddled into Kate’s neck as her sister suppressed a smile.
“Sshh, it’s ok,” Kate soothed as Edwina groaned. She watched as Anthony edged closer to them.
“Nevermind, Edwina,” he began kindly, “you’re certainly not the first to fertilise the houseplants with vomit. I doubt very much you’ll be the last.”
Kate gave him a grateful smile as Edwina let out a watery laugh.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice was muffled as she pressed her face against Kate’s chest. “Your mum…”
Anthony smiled and shook his head. “I’ll have the staff take care of it. She will never know.” He winked at her and Kate’s insides felt warm and fuzzy.
“Come on, bon. Let’s get you to bed.” Kate whispered and began gently guiding Edwina towards the hall.
The slight weight of her sister leaning against her was enough to give Kate an unsteady gait and she swayed along with Edwina as they waded through the remaining guests.
Once they reached the bottom of the sweeping staircase Edwina stopped and Kate watched as she eyed the stairs, as though assessing something, before shaking her head.
“I don’t think I can do it.” She sighed, her hair tickling Kate’s neck as she cuddled in once more.
Kate wasn’t aware Anthony had been behind them until he stepped forward with an “allow me”, placing one arm underneath Edwina’s knees and the other across her back. He swept her up into his arms with ease and Kate got that warm fuzzy feeling again as she saw Edwina rest her head trustingly against his shoulder.
When they reached their room she overtook them, opening the door and turning back the covers. She stepped aside so Anthony could place her sister on one of the twin beds.
“Thank you, Anthony.” Kate said, standing a little too close to him.
Time seemed to slow down and whir to a stop as she was pulled back into his orbit. They were almost nose to nose. Anthony’s hands moved up and he slowly ran the backs of his fingers down the expanse of her upper arms.
“You’re welcome.” He said softly, his molten eyes holding her captive.
Her mouth felt a little dry and she swallowed as he leaned in closer, his nose ghosting the curve where her neck meets her shoulder. Was he sniffing her?
Kate was hyper aware of her own laboured breathing, the beat drumming once more at her core. Anthony’s lips were so close to her own she could smell the whiskey on his breath. If she moved just a fraction closer …
The moment was broken by a small hiccup. They both turned to see Edwina sitting up in bed, her face a little puckered as though she may vomit.
“Are you going to start kissing again?” She asked with a groan.
Kate chuckled nervously and moved away from Anthony, kneeling down beside the bed to gently remove Edwina’s shoes. Anthony turned his back as she lifted the soiled dress up and over her sister’s head, replacing it with an over-sized Ed Sheeran t-shirt.
Kate threw the dress into the bathtub of their en suite, running a bit of water over it, and found Edwina was softly snoring on her return. She exchanged a fond smile with Anthony and motioned to the hallway.
They quietly slipped out of the room, Kate softly closing the door behind her.
“I should probably stay with her.” She whispered, trying to forget the taste of his tongue still lingering on the end of her own.
Anthony nodded. “Of course. My room is just next door should you need anything.” He took a step closer and Kate felt her breath hitch at the proximity. “Would you like to come into my room? Just to talk,” his eyes travelled down to her lips and he licked his own. “Or perhaps kiss some more?”
Kate swallowed convulsively, the heat radiating from him making her skin tingle. Without thinking, she surged forward pressing her lips to his once again. His mouth was warm and infused with the promised taste of whiskey. Anthony’s arms wrapped around her, his hands smoothing down her back until they lightly gripped her buttocks, pushing her hips forwards.
Kate gasped into his mouth and placed a hand against his chest, encouraging him to walk backwards until his back hit his bedroom door with a thud. She used one hand to turn the door handle, the other sliding up to tangle in his hair again. Kate continued to push him back towards the bed, her foot knocking the bedroom door and slamming it shut behind them.
*
“Colin,” whispered Penelope as they rounded the corner. “Did you see that? Kate and Anthony just went into his bedroom. And they were kissing!”
Colin barked out a laugh, proudly holding up some ribbons of KISStletoe he’d had slung over his shoulder.
“They both scoffed at my KISStletoe idea. And to think, these babies are the only reason either of them are getting any action tonight!”
Removing his arm from around Penelope’s waist, Colin darted forward and began winding a piece of shiny red ribbon around Anthony’s door handle.
“Colin!” Penelope hissed as she reached his side. “What are you doing?”
Colin leant back to admire his handy work. “Think they could use a reminder. And it’s kinda like a hat on the door so everyone knows Ant’s getting lucky.” He chuckled to himself.
Colin straightened up and assessed Penelope’s pursed lips and furrowed brow with a cocked head.
“Are you cross?” He asked, not wanting to sound amused but too much wine made everything slightly funny.
Pen folded her arms and shook her head slightly. “I’m not,” she sniffed. “I just … I thought you wanted to hang out in your room, not mess with your brother.”
“I do! I do, I just couldn’t resist. Anyway,” Colin snaked his arm back around Penelope’s waist and swung the remaining KISStletoe over the opposite shoulder. “I’ve got plenty more to go around my knob.”
“Colin!” she gasped, covering her smile with her hand.
“I’m talking about the door knob, Pen.” Colin tutted, leading her further down the hallway. “Please get your mind out of the gutter.”
*
Eloise ascended the stairs with a sigh. Her bare feet felt liberated, the soft carpet beneath them luxurious in comparison with the torture devices Daphne had insisted she wear. She was certain at least three of her toes would require amputation after suffering so many hours in them.
She’d spent the past half hour looking for Pen and Edwina as they’d both disappeared into thin air. Honestly, you turn your back for one second to challenge a man’s views on feminism and poof! Vanished.
As Eloise stepped onto the landing she could hear what sounded to be giggling. Yep. Definite distinct giggling. She wondered whether it was one or both of the houdinis.
Eloise rounded the corner expecting to see her friends and instead saw … flowers wound around Anthony’s door. Strange. Ahh hang on! A flash of yellow up ahead. Yes, that must be Penelope’s frock. Was that Colin? Fine. She could hang out in her brother’s room for a bit if Penelope wanted.
“Pen!” Eloise began to jog a little to catch her. “Wait up!”