From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 12

Jasper barreled into Laurinda, sending her stumbling until she landed against a firm chest. The familiar scent of pine snapped her out of her daze. She wrapped her arms around Jasper to steady herself, then glanced over her shoulder at the man behind her, her face full of confusion.

"Wow, we meet again," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Adolphus met Laurinda’s wide, startled eyes and, for a moment, thought of the cat in Baily’s room. The resemblance was uncanny.

"Adolphus, you know Laurinda? Laurinda, this is Baily’s guest," someone explained.

Laurinda nodded politely to Adolphus, whispered a quick thank you, and took Jasper’s hand. She walked away without noticing the small smile tugging at Adolphus’s lips as he watched her go.

The butler noticed that smile. Ever since Adolphus arrived at Whispering Pines Lodge, he’d been nothing but polite, but always kept himself at a distance. Now, though, his expression had softened, and there was a warmth in his eyes that made the butler pause.

"Honestly, your legs are too long. I turned around for one second to grab the chessboard and you vanished," Larson’s booming voice came out of nowhere, breaking the moment. "Come on, let’s head inside and play a round."

Adolphus quickly turned to take the chessboard from Larson. Larson glanced at the butler, who was still standing there looking a little dazed, then spotted the black suitcase and his eyes brightened.

"Laurinda’s here?"

"She just arrived. Jasper almost knocked her over. I think she’s giving him a little lecture right now," the butler replied.

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