“Which shows I am not particularly interested in you.” He had returned bluntly.
Was she still upset with him? He wondered as he sneaked a glance at her again. She had not seemed to notice that he had gone out of his way to dismiss her, but it had not worked. He had spent the entire evening feeling dejected and miserable.
Pulling into the driveway, he killed the engine and turned to look at the woman fast asleep in the passenger seat. She had an alluring profile, he thought with a jolt.
Her head was turned away from him, and he could see the tiny tip of her nose and the smoothness of her flawless skin. She removed her jacket and put it on the back seat when they entered the car.
He reached over to touch her satiny shoulder but decided against it. Pushing the door open, he went around to open the back and took out her jacket.
Pulling her door open, he draped it over her and hoisted her into his arms. A smile touched his lips as she simply buried her face in his chest as he made his way up the steps and into the expansive foyer.
Shaking his head as the maid came hurrying forward, he went through the passage and up the stairs to their bedroom. She had been sharing his bed ever since his illness. Putting her down, he took off her shoes and was about to undress her when her lashes flickered open.
“Sleeping beauty awakes.”
“I must have been tired.” Easing herself up on the pillows, she stared at him.
“Long night.” Rising, he started to take off his clothes.
“I am hungry.”
He gave her a startled look before tossing his jacket carelessly on the sofa.
“They had food at the hotel.”
“Fancy finger food, and I did not like the taste of caviar.” She admitted, wrinkling her nose.
“Is that right?” He chuckled, feeling the tension inside his chest all night dissolving.
“No. I am not a fan of raw fish.”
“I am with you there.” Sitting down, he took off his shoes and socks. “What do you have in mind?”
“Raiding the kitchen.” She flashed him an impish smile. “I am sure Antoine left some things out.”
“He hates when anyone steps into what he considers to be his territory.” He was in his underwear and noticed that she avoided looking at him.
“I can always take the blame. He likes me.”
“So, he does.” Dragging on an old pair of sweats and sweaters, he nodded at her dress.
“Shouldn’t you take that off?”
“Yes.” Sliding her slender, curvaceous legs off the bed, she disappeared into the adjoining room to change. He was going to have the maids transfer her things to his room. Realizing the implication of what he was thinking, he stood still for a minute.
He wanted her in his space, something he never thought he would admit to himself. Reaching up a hand, he tugged at the bun, and the hair tumbled down his back.
She returned to the room wearing leggings and a short winter green sweater that exposed her midriff. “Ready?”
He nodded and, slipping into his house slippers, followed her from the room.
Chapter 13
He had to admit that it was a pleasure watching her work. She seemed to know exactly where to turn in the cavernous kitchen. She removed the cutting board and the necessary items to make a roast beef sandwich.
“I am more of a beer person, but I can almost bet there is not one bottle or can anywhere to be found in this place.”
“How about some juice?” She asked casually, nodding at the cock on the wall. “It’s late.”