Page 73 of Undercover Savior

“An hour, which is how long she said this should be in the oven.”

“Then, we’d better hurry,” I said, winking as we raced into the bedroom.

20

SULLIVAN

In an effort to save time, David and I made love in the shower. To think I’d gone from a woman who’d had sex exactly once in her life and wondered what the fuss was about, given the disappointing experience, to one that craved intimacy every waking moment was astounding.

More astonishing was how I wanted to be with David all the time. I’d often wondered, if I did have a boyfriend, if I’d be able to stand his presence more than a few hours a week.

“I’d love to know what you’re thinking,” David said when I pulled the dish that Mrs. Drummond had so kindly prepared for us from the oven.

“How I’m sure you’ll soon be sick of spending time with me.”

He cocked his head, but before he could ask anything more, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in. Happy Christmas,” he said, kissing Mrs. Drummond’s cheek and putting his hand on Gus’ shoulder. The three seemed more like a family than employee, coworker, and duke. I wondered if he realized it.

Thinking about family reminded me I should contact my parents today. I dreaded the stilted, affected conversation,particularly on holidays. My mum would complain about something, usually having to do with me. My father would mutter his hellos and get off the phone as quickly as he could.

I glanced up from where I’d set plates on the counter, along with the bowl of fruit Mrs. Drummond had also prepared. While her back was to the men, I could see her face clearly. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she looked around the festive room.

“Happy Christmas,” I said, walking over and squeezing her hand.

She quickly wiped the tears away and smiled. “It warms my heart to see Thistle Gate this way. It’s been years…” Her voice trailed off, and she flushed as though she hadn’t meant to add the last part.

“Did you spend much time here?” I asked.

“None at all.”

Her words, combined with the way she held her hands at her sides, barely moving otherwise, and her seeming inability to meet my eyes, told me she was lying.

“I feared David and I were keeping you from your home when we decided to stay here rather than at the smaller cottage or the castle.”

She brought her hand to her cheek. “The castle has always been my home.”

While I’d comment on how nice that must be, no doubt the part she lived in was considered servants’ quarters—regardless of how archaic the term was these days.

“Always? Have you lived here all your life?”

Over her shoulder, I noticed both David and Gus listening to the conversation rather than engaging in one of their own.

“My mother, Agnes, was housekeeper here when I was a wean.”

“What of your father?”

She fidgeted and glanced behind her. “Look at me, monopolizing the conversation when it was so very kind of you to invite Angus and me to join you.”

“It was our pleasure,” David said, walking over to stand beside us.

“Not to mention, we have you to thank for our breakfast.” I motioned to the dishes I’d arranged on the counter. “Shall we dine at the table?”

“I’ll help,” David offered, meeting me in the kitchen. He leaned closer and kissed my cheek. “Thank you for doing this. I’m ashamed to say it wouldn’t have occurred to me.”

“She’s clearly touched to be here.”

He glanced over at her. “Which makes me feel even worse.”

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