A new housekeeper for Christmas? This man has a problem! Video! Excerpt!

Excerpt, HIS MERRY HOUSEKEEPER, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright Cerise DeLand, 2025.

Tio’s bedroom was very warm when Winn stirred. Realizing she could not sit up and that she was in Bettington’s embrace, she sank back down. From this cozy cocoon, she could see that Tio still slept, his little mouth open, his arms wide. She did not move as the fragrance of lemon and sandalwood permeated her being. Bettington had always smelled of springtime and solidity. She ached to belong to him. Never wished to part from him. 
She burrowed into his strong essence. Suddenly, his fingers were in her hair, pushing back her long tendrils from her cheek and her throat.
“My dearest Winn,” he breathed against her lips, “this is how I have wanted you near me, so close one to the other, united in all we do.”
Her head cradled in the crook of his arm, she did not move but, as once she had last summer, she crossed the distance that separated them and put her lips to his. Once again, she was met, not with his surprise this time, but with his fire and his fierce claim of countless kisses.
She did not stop but went, careless to the consequences, her nails clutching at the heavy silk of his banyan. He sent kisses down her throat, across the exposed expanse of her simple muslin gown. Ignited by his flames, she wanted only his possession.
He cupped her cheek. His sky blue eyes devoured her in a look of love. “Winn, my darling. I want to marry you.”
This could make her life divine. To be his in word and deed would be all she ever asked for in this world. “Sweet man. That cannot be. You are an earl.”
“That is a title granted to a distant man. Who knows if he ever wanted it or was even happy of it.”
She pulled herself to sanity. “Whoever he was, whatever he wanted, you have it as your own. Rules come with that. Rules long standing among your peers.”
His fingers in her hair, he did not look into her eyes. “My days are not consumed with the duties of my title. I live here in London, but the work I have done over the years to manage the land and the tenants is very good. I have ensured the prosperity of my estate. I now have time for politics for bills I know are important to Britain’s integrity.”
She shook her head. Confused. 
“What’s more, I have lived here in London but each time I go to the Grange, I have learned to enjoy my days more than I ever have before. I value you and each moment with you more.”
“Impossible. You do not know me.”
He seized her hand. “But I do. I know you like to read and dance. I know you carry a tune very well. You play the piano with a modicum of accomplishment.”
“Don’t be too kind.” She grimaced at him.
He gave a laugh. “My darling Winn, I know you love your friends, like our Bridgette. I know you love my boys. I know you love children.” A fond light appeared in his large blue eyes. “I want to give you many children.”
Burning with a blush, she tried to rise. 
But he would not let her go. 
“That…that is risqué,” she blurted, but a chuckle escaped.
He grinned. “You see? You want my babies. I know you do. I love you, Winn,” he whispered. “I love your humor and your wit. I love your joy of living. I love your—”
She pushed up and away from him.
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