Page 79 of Austen Persuaded

“Thanks,” I said, thinking that was unnecessary. Towels were usually in linen closets.

He said nothing as his eyes focused on the floor. Finally, he cleared his throat. “Do you need any assistance?”

“No,” I said quickly.

Just as rapidly, he said, “Right.” He dashed out of the room before closing the door firmly.

I blew out a long breath before walking over to the tub. I was still shaking as I pried off my thin, soaked dress and underthings, leaving them in a heap on the floor. A quick glance in the mirror told me I looked like the dead. My usually shiny red hair was a cold, wet rat’s nest, and my skin was damp and mostly pale, with some blotchy redareas. I squeezed my eyes shut to clear out the hideous image and stepped into the steaming tub.

These are the fires of hell.I wincedas I sank into the hot water. The last thought I remembered being conscious of before my body just took over, succumbing to the healing and relaxation, wasParadise.

Some time later, in a vague region between wakeful bliss and gentle dozing, I heard tapping. My senses slowly reawakening, I realized it was the sound of knocking and was growing louder and faster. As I started to gather the strength to sit up from my reclining position, the door burst open, and my eyes met Kylan’s, which were frantic.

I gasped softly, and he averted his eyes. “You weren’t answering, and it had been a long time. I was worr—uh—” He stopped to clear his throat. “I wanted to see if you were still alive.”

I laughed, because … why not? This night could not get any stranger or more uncomfortable, could it? “Quite alive.”

“Ah, that—” he started, and his eyes met mine for a half a second before he turned away. “I’m going to go,” he said, flattening his lips as he turned to leave.

I watched the infuriating man walk out the door again. Sighing, I grabbed the soap nearby and finished washing up before rising to towel off. A thick robe was on a wooden stool nearby, complete with matching pink fuzzy socks and slippers. Realizing I’d be spending time in Kylan’s presence without underwear or a bra, I shivered, whether from the cold or not, I wasn’t sure. I didn’t even know what time it was. Hopefully I could just rest on a couch for a couple hours until my clothes dried and the weather settled down.

I found a hairbrush and even some makeup. The hairbrush appeared unused, and I was desperate, so I used it. Still, I wasn’t about to try another woman’s makeup, and it would look odd if I wore makeup now anyway, wouldn’t it? I sighed, examining my reflection, still pale but a bit less so.

After leaving the bathroom, I clutched the robe tightly to my chest, despite tying it in a double knot at my waist, and wanderedslowly to an open area with dim lighting. It appeared to be the living room, where Kylan was staring into the fireplace.

“Hi,” I said. What else could I say?

He turned his head slowly and waved me over. “How are you?” he asked with a guarded expression. His eyes swept over my face and any bit of exposed skin. Appearing satisfied that I wasn’t at death’s door, he sat back. “You look a bit better.”

“Uh, thanks?” I said with a wry smile. “The bath was heavenly. I still feel like I got run over by a truck made of ice, but I think a little rest will help. Do you mind if I, um—”

“Rest and warmth will indeed do wonders,” Kylan agreed. “But I’d like to see you get some fluids, food, check your temperature. Can you stay awake for a bit?”

I frowned. “I don’t know if all that’s necessary.”

“I just want to make sure you’re OK. Humor me,” he said with pleading eyes.

My own eyes softened. He did look genuinely worried, and I was ready to concede for the moment.

Before I could speak though, he added dryly, “Can’t have an employee dying at my house now, can I?”

Ouch.

He seemed to realize immediately it was the wrong thing to say, observing my lips pressed together in a thin line and my eyes downcast. “I was joking,” he said, sounding contrite. “I’m … uh, not great at the caregiver thing. Sorry. I’ll be right back with some food and drink. You like hot chocolate, right?”

I nodded. He remembered that? But then I shook my head.

Nearly everyone likes hot chocolate, dummy. It doesn’t mean he remembers anything.

While I waited, I stretched my legs out and sank beneath a soft blanket draped over the arm of the sofa. My gaze swept the large room, with its high ceilings, enormous fireplace, soft, recessed lighting, variety of plants, and minimalist but expensive-looking earth-toned decor. This place must cost a fortune. My eyes landed on the coffee table near the couch. Beneath the table was a bookshelf,and I leaned forward to glance at the titles. Mostly naval reference books … one military romance book I’d seen at the bookstore recently in the new release section.

I searched my brain to put the pieces together. Zophie, Kylan’s sister, had rarely been around when I’d dated him. Had she been in the military? I scratched my head, frowning at my inability to remember. My memory was usually pretty good, but it had been a long day, to say the least.

A more recent memory stirred then. He had mentioned Kelly earlier. Did he have a girlfriend no one knew about? I tried to ignore the sharp pain in my chest at the thought.

My body’s been through a lot tonight, almost freezing to death—that’s all it is, surely—I’m not jealous or anything stupid like that.

I was certain Kylan and Sofia were at the very least flirting and possibly dating, and he didn’t seem like the cheating type. Of course, the thought of him with Sofia didn’t make me feel any better. By the time I heard footsteps, a rather stormy expression had taken over my face.

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