The Next Duke

Twenty Seven

Hey, hon, I'm sorry I won't be able to pick you up. I have this big meeting I have to attend. Let's have dinner tonight instead, all right? See you.

Lillian listened to her voice mail as she reactivated her phone. She let out a frustrated sigh as she looked back at her students. One by one, they were all being picked up by their families. As the last one left, Lillian went to the taxi service desk and noticed no one was there.

"Just my luck," she whispered. Her brother didn't drive so there really wasn't much of a choice but to wait. Arthur wasn't even in the country. The university wouldn't be able to send in a car since it was being used by the officials.

Now she was stuck, sitting next to a giant stuffed teddy bear.

"It's a good thing someone left you here by accident. At least I have someone to cuddle with while the taxi service is vacant," she said to the bear.

"You know, it is bad form to make a lady wait," the bear replied.

Lillian shrieked as the bear wrapped its arms around her. It actually pinned her onto the chair as it removed its head. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes were wide. As she stared at the man before her. "Joseph!" She threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek.

"Nope, not what I have in mind," he lifted his head and kissed her full on the mouth. When he lifted his head, he looked at her eyes and saw the glazed look in them. He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Welcome home," he said.

Then she realized where he was. "What are you doing here!" She said.

"Before I answer that, help me get out of this costume," he stood up and gave her his back. He told her to pull the zipper down. It was a struggle to get him out and since he was shirtless inside the bear, a lot of women turned to look wt him. Immediately, she rummaged through her bag and handed him a shirt.

"Thanks love," he didn't mind that the shirt fitted him a little too closely. She frowned, at least he was properly covered. "Ready?" He asked and took hold of her hand. He smiled, the woman kept staring at him as though he was going to disappear if she blinked.

He leaned down and kissed her again then chuckled. "If you don't stop staring at me, I will book us a hotel and your brother or anyone won't be able to see you for a week."

Heat travelled up her face as she gasped and shook her head. She released his hand and went to get her luggage. Her brother was also there to meet them as Joseph pushed the cart out. She threw her arms around him in relief and kissed his cheek. "I'm home."

Her brother wrapped his arms around her and gave her a squeeze. "No more traveling?"

"Well, I received this offer to open a museum. The items deserved to be seen by the world..."

"And I suppose there is a special someone there who would race against time just to get ahead of you to pick you up from the airport," he said and winked at her.

Lillian blushed again and rested her forehead against her brother's chest. "He really is something."

"Your lordship, are these all of Lillian's things?" Philip asked.

Lillian pushed herself away from her brother, "Is Matilda here too?"

"No, Henry says it's good for them to be parted for a while. They will be married when we get back. I hear you will be one of the attendants to her wedding," Joseph replied after nodding to Philip.

Lillian smiled, "I'd like that," she replied.

Lillian took over driving despite her brother's protests. She immediately took them home where she could deposit her bags and packages. She never really knew how much there were until she saw the number of boxes coming out of the back of her pickup truck.