Page 53 of In Search of a Husband
Kate scoffed, nearly falling.
Gabriel reached out and grabbed her. “Careful now.”
“I am per—” she hiccupped. “I am fine.”
Elsie bid them both a good night, leaving him alone with Kate.
“I am fine,” she insisted. “You can unhand me.”
She attempted to shake off his touch, but she wavered, reaching out for his arm again.
“Very well. Hold me. You have strong arms.”
He bit his lip, fighting back his laugh. No need to inspire any additional unnecessary ire.
“I will see ye up to yer room.”
“You sound like Scotland at night.”
“Hmm?” He led them down the hallway and up the tight spiral staircase, up to her room. Up in the servants’ quarters, up away from the family. Almost two hundred steps.
Kate stumbled, reaching for her skirts before nearly tumbling backward. She reached for the railing. “I don’t mean to alarm you, Gabe, but your castle is moving.”
“How much whisky did ye taste? For research.”
She shut her eyes and breathed through her nose as she paused and leaned against the stone wall. That was answer enough.
“I will carry ye the rest of the way.”
“Thoughtful of ye. Ha, I sound like…” She buried her head against his chest as he lifted her into his arms.
“Ye sound like what?”
“You smell like wood,” she whispered instead. “Your whisky is nice, but my stomach doesn’t feel well.”
“Not after a bottle or two. It’s meant for sipping.”
“Hmm.”
He took the stairs slowly, selfishly, relishing the feel of her in his arms, the weight of her body against his. He had missed her. And judging by her reception of him, Kate held their kiss as a mistake. Perhaps it was, but he couldn’t deny he hadn’t dreamt about it.
But that would never happen.
Which was why he had kept his distance since that night.
“My room is far away,” she whispered. “Elsie came. We are friends now.”
Kate mumbled, nuzzling her head against his shoulder. He’d never forgive Elsie for allowing this to happen.
“Close yer eyes. It’ll help with the rockin’.”
He pushed through the door to her attic room, instantly hit with the smell of her perfume and a noticeable chill. Kate adjusted her head, her lips accidentally brushing against the skin at the base of his neck in a cutting sweep.
“Stay still.”
She wiggled against him, pressing her breasts against his chest, then opened her eyes in a sleepy gaze.
“You kissed me once. I liked that, too.”
