Page 35 of The Lady and the Footballer
Unfortunately, she would never know.
For it was at that very moment that they heard a creak in the hallway.
Chapter Thirteen
“In here,” Colin whispered when he heard the noise, tugging Lily toward the window and hiding them behind one of the heavy curtains. He jumped out, extinguishing the lamp, and returned to their hiding place just as a key turned in the knob and the door was pushed open.
Footsteps trod on the floor, and the new occupant walked across the room, close to where they had been standing.
Lily’s small body pressed into Colin as though he could shield her from whatever – whoever – was beyond.
He would certainly do all he could.
He held her close against him, enjoying the moment far more than he should have.
He had to remember that she was the daughter of a viscount, a member of society, and that his fortunes depended entirely on her father. He didn’t want to think about the consequences if he was caught here alone with her.
But it was equally challenging to remember all of this when she was also a woman he desired, her bottom pressed against him as he tried very hard not to react to her nearness. He couldn’t remember the last time he had responded to a woman as he was right now – if he ever had before.
He tried to distract himself by peering around the curtain to see who had entered the club’s offices at this time of night, but the occupant didn’t light anything. Interesting.
That told him that whoever was here likely had no more reason to be than Colin himself did.
Perhaps this was the very person they were after.
The footsteps continued down the hall into what Colin knew was a small second room where the club committee held meetings. This was their chance.
He tugged on Lily’s hand, and her eyes met his. He tilted his head toward the door, and she nodded her understanding, his heart warming at her trust in him.
With her small hand still clasped in his, he darted from behind the curtain to the door, which the intruder had, thankfully, left unlocked. They slipped into the dimly lit corridor beyond, although it still seemed bright after the darkness of the office.
They hurried toward the stairs but weren’t fast enough, for the sound of a door opening behind them echoed down the hallway.
Colin turned in one fluid motion, backing Lily against the wall, an arm next to her so that his head, bent low over hers, hid her face.
“Colin?”
He turned, shocked by the familiar voice.
Of all the people he expected to see up here, sneaking around the offices, he would never have anticipated Mickey.
“Mick,” he said, not hiding his surprise. He had known Mickey for years. He was married with two young children and worked on the mill floor with him. “What are you doing up here?”
“Came to check something for Rhys,” he said, his lips turning into a knowing grin. “I’d ask you the same, but I have my answer.I’ve got to say, Colin, you aren’t the one I would have expected to be sneaking around with a woman.”
“Can we talk about this later, Mick?” he asked, hoping that he could keep Lily shielded enough for Mickey not to realize who she was. He didn’t think most club members had seen her closely before, and with her clothing choice tonight, she should be safe, but one never knew.
“Of course, of course,” he said, chuckling as he walked by them. “Have fun!”
It wasn’t until Mickey was at the bottom of the stairs that Colin let out a sigh of relief, allowing his forehead to drop onto Lily’s. She smelled heavenly and fit perfectly into his arms.
But this was an act, he reminded himself as he pushed away from her, keeping one arm on the wall behind her.
“Is he on the team?” she whispered, her wide eyes looking up into his.
“Yes,” Colin said, frowning. “I'm not sure I understand why he’s up here, but who am I to question it? I don’t exactly know what we should do next, but two heads are better than one. Would you meet up with me again to talk it through?”
“Yes, I would,” she said, her eyes bright and eager. I will send you a note to tell you when I could meet, if you don’t mind.”
