Page 12 of Hot Blooded
My breathing falters. “Alastair. She is myemployee. Hired to oversee my library. That is all.” The words come out halted in short awkward phrases. Great, this is what I’ve been reduced to—she’s been here less than a week, and I can’t even string together a complete sentence.
“Pity,” he murmurs darkly, draining the rest of his glass.
“And how is this any of your business?” I snap, unable to keep my composure.
He shrugs. “I’m intellectually promiscuous.”
“You are not to lay a finger on her, is that understood?” She’s human and she’s not mine, but the idea of Alastair touching her makes me unhappy.
Jealous, even.
Alastair rolls his eyes. “For now.”
Chapter 7
Reign
A few hours later, once I rid myself of my needy brother, I have Mrs. Potts send for Tressa. Ten minutes later, she joins me on the back veranda, looking uncertain as she all but tiptoes across the deck.
“Evening, Miss Porter,” I say as she approaches the seating area under the cedar pergola. The views from this side of the property are outstanding, and Tressa’s reaction doesn’t disappoint as she moves closer, her gaze sweeping up.
Colorado is known for its big sky views, and the stars tonight don’t disappoint.The moon is bright enough to see the gloomy peak of Mt. Gabriel in the distance.
“Good evening,” she says as she approaches.
I tip my chin. “You wanted to discuss the library?”
She weighs my words. “Not exactly,” she admits, her face turning from the stars to mine again. I’d almost forgotten in my days away how stunningly beautiful she is. Pale creamy skin, dark hair with flecks of gold, inquisitive gray eyes, high cheekbones, and a full, lush mouth. She’s still dressed from her workday in a skirt-and-blouse combination that makes me all too aware of her female curves and the precise length of time it’s been since I was with a woman. My thoughts turn sinful.
“Have a seat.” I motion for her to join me, and Tressa does—taking a spot on the chair across from me.
The furniture out here is comfortable and plush—a requirement of mine since I enjoy being outside in the evening.
Tressa eyes the coffee table between us. “Would you like a cocktail?” I ask.
She nods. “I don’t really drink, but sure. Why not?”
I fix her the same drink I’ve made for myself—a tart cranberry and lime cocktail. She accepts the glass, and when her fingers brush mine, that electric heat I’ve felt on day one is back, sending sparks of pleasure through my veins.
Tressa seems just as surprised, fumbling with the glass before finally bringing it to her lips for a long swallow.
I try not to look at her throat moving as the liquid slides down. I fail miserably. Just because I’ve forbidden my brother from going near her doesn’t mean I can’t look my fill.
“It’s beautiful here,” she says. “And the cocktail is delicious. Thank you.”
I nod, still watching her. “You mentioned you had a question. I assume it is related to your work.”
She shakes her head. “It’s actually something morepersonalin nature.”
Now I’m intrigued. “Let’s hear it.”
“Are you sure… I don’t want to overstep…” She sets her drink down on the coffee table and twists her hands in her lap.
She’s beautiful and she still smells faintly of peaches and vanilla. It’s an intoxicating combination.
“Now I’m even more curious.” I grin at her.
“It’s just that… I’ve never met anyone like you before. And you asked before if I had any questions, and now that I’ve thought about it, I guess I do.”
