“I’ve a better idea.” Leaning down, he caught her under the legs and swept her up into his arms. “I might just ravish you in the carriage.”

“Leo!” She giggled, throwing her head back, one of her glossy curls tumbling wild with abandon.

He liked her like this, all of her defenses stripped away, revealing a woman who was passionate, ambitious, and slightly wicked. The thought that only he ever got to see this side of her made him grin as he heaved her up over his shoulder and strode through the arch.

The footman gave no sign that he saw anything out of the ordinary. Jerking the door open, he stepped aside and Leo lowered his wife slowly onto the prepared step, her body sliding down his in an intimate tease.

“John Coachman?” he called.

“Yes, sir?”

“Take the long way home,” Leo instructed, then shut the door behind him and turned to press a kiss against his giggling wife’s lips. “Merry Christmas, my love.” His hands tugged her coat open, pushing her onto her back on the seat.

Another intimate laugh. “Time for your present.”

“Indeed,” he replied, bending to press his lips against hers. “What more could any man want?”