Page 19 of The Moonstone Hero
She could not have appeared at a worse time, although Lady Dowling must have known she was on her way up and arranged this little scene for her.
“Please come in, Lady Ella. I have been waiting for you,” he said.
She paused at the threshold, no doubt debating whether to stay or go.
He’d kissed her yesterday. Did she think he was now moving on to kiss someone else?
Caden sat up with difficulty, feeling jabs of pain shoot up his sides and tear into his head, a sign he had moved too quickly.“Bollocks. Bollocks. Ow. Don’t go, Ella,” he said, his voice raw and his feelings bared. Surely she had to know Lady Dowling had set them both up and meant to make mischief between them.
He turned to Lady Dowling. “You are dismissed.”
The command was rude, but she did not deserve his courtesy.
He wanted Ella.
He sighed and fell back against his pillows once Lady Dowling flounced out. “I did not ask her up here, Ella. Nor am I interested in anything she has to offer. Lord, she’s even put her scent all over me. I wondered at the reason for her strong perfume. Will you hand me a washcloth and the lavender soap? I would rather smell like a field of flowers than that woman. She’s quite the sly one, isn’t she?”
Ella set her basket on the small table beside his bed, grabbed the damp cloth and soap, and then took the chair by his bedside. “Let’s hope she does not start any ugly rumors.”
“She would not dare,” he said fiercely.
Ella smiled and shook her head. “That is quite a naïve thing to say. I should think you’ve had experience with a woman scorned.”
“Why? Because I have a rakish reputation with the ladies?”
“Yes. Women like her do not like to be ignored.”
“Well, I want nothing to do with her. There are plenty just like her in London. I did not think they were here as well. I suppose they are everywhere. They come after me. I do not chase them.” He rubbed the damp cloth across his chest, neck, and face as he spoke. “Ah, that’s better.”
Ella took the cloth and soap and set them back on the table beneath the window.
He watched her cross the room and then come back to his side, her movements graceful and efficient. “Ella, I got out of bed and walked around a little this morning.”
Her face brightened. “You did? Oh, I’m so glad. How are you feeling now?”
“Very achy,” he said with a chuckle. “I expect that ginger cake will go a long way toward improving my day. Open the basket. The aroma is heavenly.”
“Mrs. Halsey baked this one just for you.” She reached into the basket and drew it out. Next, she removed the bottle of lemonade.
“Share it with me, Ella.”
She cast him a breathtaking smile. “You do not need to ask me twice.”
There was something about this girl that made him feel good whenever he was in her company. They were not doing anything important, and perhaps this was why he enjoyed their time together so much. She was gentle with him, but not cloying. If he tossed a barb, she always had a ready response because she was quick-witted and easily able to keep up with him.
She cut several slices and then poured each of them a glass of lemonade. “What shall we talk about today?”
“We could talk about the kiss we shared,” he said, his gaze fixed on her pretty mouth.
She shook her head, immediately tensing. “No, it was a mistake and cannot happen again.”
He was not going to let her get away with that remark. “It was your first, Ella. I could tell, so do not bother to deny it. And it wasn’t a mistake. We won’t talk about the kiss if you don’t want to, but never call it a mistake.”
“You’re right,” she said, now appearing ashamed. “I am so sorry. It was a perfect kiss. Truly, Caden. It was all I ever hoped a first kiss would be…even if it was with you.” She held up her hand when he started to protest. “I am teasing you. It was perfectbecauseit was you. And don’t you dare make too much of my admission.”
He arched an eyebrow.
“I suppose there is something to be said for kissing big, insufferable louts. You made my first time feel magical and special. Did you do this on purpose?”
