Page 15 of Invitation to Pleasure
“Don't be ridiculous, your brother-in-law owns Apollo.”
“Technically he does, but on Christmas day Apollo becomes mine. I believe you when you say your grandfather gifted the horse to you. He would never have given such a magnificent colt to your father. And lucky for you it’s Christmas, because Rufus and Rheda have gifted the horse to me.”
She pushed away and immediately missed the warmth of his strong and comforting embrace. “That's just charity.”
She watched as Daniel shook his head, a serious expression on his handsome features. “How in good faith could I accept a Christmas gift, when I know the horse was taken from you, the rightful owner? Yet how can I refuse such a generous gift from my sister, especially now.”
“What do you mean especially now.” She wanted to reach out and cup his cheek as sorrow filled his usually sparkling eyes.
“Unlike you, I never knew my mother. She died giving birth to me. My father was a drunken gambling idiot, who, like your father, set off down a path that almost lost me my inheritance. If it hadn't been for Rheda and the risks she took I would not be standing here today. Rheda wasn't just my sister, she was like a mother to me, and I will do absolutely anything for her because she's all I have left.”
“But your sister is married to a wonderful man. She has two beautiful children, and she seems very happy.”
“That's because she's brave. That's because she's trying to hide from everyone how scared she is, especially from her husband, who loves her more than his last breath. She doesn’t want to spoil Christmas for everyone.” She watched with fascination as tears welled in Daniel's eyes. She'd never seen a man cry, and it completely undid her. Without thinking she stepped forward and this time it was she who embraced him. She wanted to take away the hurt and pain showing on his face.
“She has found a lump in her breast and will have surgery in the New Year.”
A cancer. She could barely hide a shiver. She’d heard about women dying from a cancer of the breast. “But it might not be anything serious. You have to think positively and pray hard.”Praying. When had that ever helped her?
Daniel hugged her tightly. “From your mouth to God’s ear.”
They stood silently holding each other for one moment, before Daniel whispered in her ear, “Now we have to find a place to hide your mother.”
“I don’t want to be too far from her. I really think I’m going to have to go with her.”
Daniel suddenly pushed her out of his arms and looked at her. “You both could hide here. I’d take you south to Tumbury Cliff but Rheda needs me. We could go south once I know Rheda is well.”
The idea of being under the same roof as Daniel was very appealing. If he could pay her for Apollo then after Christmas she could take her mother and run. She could even wait until after Rheda’s operation, and perhaps stay with Daniel at his estate in the south while she found a place to hide. Only until her money came through.
But she knew it would simply bring trouble down on Lord Hascombe if her father learned they were here and he could get the magistrate involved. With her mother not able to make decisions for herself the law would give that right to her father. Rheda had enough to cope with.
“I have to stay at Wentworth in order to ensure father does not suspect you of hiding her. He won’t hurt me. I’m far too valuable. However, I’d like to get mother away from him soon. He’s getting more and more desperate and his mood turns perfectly evil. When it does, the coward he is sees him take his worries out on my mother. I can’t bear it.”
Daniel ran a hand through his hair. “Are you sure he won’t hurt you?”
She nodded.
“Then let’s go and speak with Rufus and Rheda.”
Georgiana grabbed his arm as he made to move away. “Why are you doing this for me? What’s in it for you?”
“Does there have to be something in it for me?”
She desperately wanted to believe that he was doing it because he was kind and good. “I find most people expect a favor in return. What are you expecting from me?”
He stood looking at her until she felt like an ogre for asking such a question. Finally he said, “I have seen what happens to women when they have no one defending them. I’m helping you because it is the right thing to do. But I will not lie to you. I like you. I’m attracted to you. And yes, I would like to be more than friends.”
Daniel had moved closer and she was finding it difficult to breathe. She appreciated his direct approach. But what did more than friends mean? She knew how to spurn the men, who flirted, and those who took unwanted liberties, but Daniel’s attentions were not unwanted. She liked him too.
He tilted her chin up with his finger. “Stop over thinking. Let’s just concentrate on getting your mother safe and all of us through Christmas without your father ruining it for all of us.” And then he leaned down and pressed the softest of kisses to her lips before stepping back and taking her hand to lead her from the stable.
They got to the stable door and she looked around. She could not see anyone about, but she saw the same mistletoe hanging above, just like it had the fateful day she’d tried to steal Apollo. She stopped, and when Daniel turned to her with an eyebrow raised, she pointed up. Her heart summersaulted at the gorgeous smile that spread over Daniel’s lips. Warmth spread through her limbs regardless of the light snow that was now falling. She rose up on tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. Time stood still as his lips lowered to hers and she almost forgot to breathe until his lips touched hers.
The kiss was masterful. Heat, desire, and passion shook her to the core and she gave herself over to the magic. Soon she was floating in the clouds and all she wanted to do was move closer—to climb right inside all this warmth.
A discreet cough saw Daniel slowly end the kiss. He stood looking down at her with his eyes filled with such longing her heart soared. He was breathing heavily as was she.
“I knew that mistletoe would come in handy for someone,” Rufus laughed.
