Carnal Deceptions by Scottie Barrett

die in the sun. They much prefer a cool shady spot.”
    “Digitalis? You sound as if you’ve done some reading on horticulture.” “I’ve been known to pick up a book or two.”
    Tallon adjusted the cart so that it remained steady on the uneven ground. “I did not mean to imply that you were without curiosity. On the contrary, you seem to know a lot about many things.” He was rambling on like a school lad.
    With a puff of skirts, Hortensia dropped onto her knees and began digging a hole in the moist earth. She sighed softly, and Tallon enjoyed the sound of it.
    “My father and I would garden together.” The words seemed to catch in her throat. She picked up the small pot beside her and slid the seedling gently onto her palm before tucking it into the hole. “I’m sure you must have more interesting things to tend to this morning than watching me.”
    “If you would like me to leave, you need only say it.” Though she had said it, hadn’t she? Had he misread her reactions to him? Perhaps she was nervous around him because

    she wished to be rid of him. “I’m sorry if my presence disturbs you. And I’m sorry about your father. Was it a long illness?”
    She shook her head and hastily dug three more holes, then slid a fragile seedling from its pot into her hand. “You may stay if you wish, but I’m sure you will find this awfully dull.”
    “With such a heartfelt invitation to stay,” he quipped, “how can I possibly depart? I’ll make myself useful.” He picked up the small trowel. “Show me what to do.” He crouched beside her.
    Hortensia froze for a moment then glanced at him from beneath the wide brim of her hat. Then without warning, she smiled. He rocked back on his heels, landing himself on his arse. Although it was not the source of his embarrassment, he rubbed his bad leg. “It’s always giving me a problem, you know.”
    She reached out a dirt-covered hand. “Perhaps you need some help righting yourself—” her green eyes looked pointedly at his leg, “—what with your bothersome injury.” She quirked her lip, but fortunately for him, it did not erupt into a full smile. It was a weapon she obviously knew she possessed and she seemed to know exactly when to use it.
    Although there was something very tempting about taking hold of her petite hand, he decided to save an ounce of his dignity and clambered to his feet without her assistance.
    He hunkered down on his haunches again and twisted the trowel in the soil, making clumsy work of it and sending dirt flying. She swept the soil from her dress. “Generally, I try to keep all of the ground down here for the plants.”
    Tallon laughed. What a complete imbecile he was being and every one of her reactions was charming. “Obviously, my farming skills are lacking.”
    “Be sure to dig a hole that is wider and deeper than the pot the plant is in now. This will give the roots plenty of chance to spread.” She demonstrated with her own trowel.
    Tallon set to the task. “You know a great deal about many things, Miss Calloway. I am surprised.”
    “Oh, and why might that be, my lord?”
    “It is just that you seem so young to have already learned so much.” He glanced at her. Only her cheek was visible from under the brim of the hat. It flushed pink with his compliment.
    “I am rarely idle. Even though my years are few, I have had many experiences.”

    Tallon picked up a pot. She reached over and stopped him from yanking out the seedling. Her hand was cool and slightly callused, yet it warmed his skin.
    “You must invite the tiny plant out. It is a shock for it to be leaving its cozy home. If you are too rough, it will wither away in its new place.” She picked up his free hand and placed it under the seedling. “Give the pot a small shake.” She moved her hand with his. The plant slid slowly into his waiting palm. She pulled her hands away, and he felt the same disappointment that struck him when she made it clear that she did not