Page 29 of Beware A Wallflower's Wrath
She thought he would kiss her then, on the corner of Trongate and Alston, in front of the passersby. But he tucked her hand back into the crook of his elbow and continued on to Alston.
Robert stopped when they reached Books and Bits, hesitating on his next step. If she didn’t ask him up, should he invite himself? Or give her time. He walked a tightrope and needed to be deliberate with each step he took. As an adult, he was known for his self-discipline, his restraint in the courtroom. Yet when he was with Annis, he felt like a green boy again, an overly enthusiastic half man, half youth at the Inns of Court, hoping to make the world a better place. Tonight, he only wanted to make her world a better place.
“Would ye like a cup of?—”
“Yes! I mean, I would love a cup of tea if you’re offering.” Slow down, addlepate. Restraint. Discipline.
“Lovely.” She turned her back, and he followed her around the shop to a side door.
There was a narrow flight of steps with no handrailing along the wall. He should see about getting one for her. It could be hazardous at night. The thought of her falling down the long stairwell almost made his heart stop.
They reached the top, and she pulled a key from her reticule.
“May I?” he asked.
She handed the metal key to him with a smile. As he fiddled it inside the lock, he wondered what it would be like if they were husband and wife. Would they sit in the parlor, talking of their day, sipping tea in stockinged feet? Or would she surprise him and sit on his lap, her arms around his neck as she recalled the customers who had come to the shop, and then ask of his day? What would it be like to be married to someone you loved with all your heart and soul?
Please, let me find out.
He followed her into the kitchen, watching her as she started some coals to heat water. “How did it go? Will Finlay wish to start a… relationship?”
Her back was to him, and she went still for a moment. Then she peeked over her shoulder at him. “Aye, he was pleased to have met ye. I believe he will come to welcome ye as his father.”
Robert’s heart soared. He blinked back the burn of tears. “I would be”—his voice cracked—“honored to call him my son.”
Annis turned to face him, her own eyes bright with unshed tears. “I am happy ye came back to us, Rabbie.”
He took a step toward her, but she put up a hand. “I dinna ken if I’ll be able to allow ye into my heart as I once did. But I’m willing to try. My dream was always for us to be a family.”
“Trust is earned. I understand.” He did. His relationship with his own father suffered because of trust issues. And selfishness and arrogance and entitlement… Robert had vowed he would not be like his own father and was proud to say he had accomplished that goal. He had so much wisdom to pass on to Finlay. And he had the suspicion his son had much to teach his father.
“So…” Robert struggled to come up with a neutral subject. Anything to keep him near Annis longer. “It seems your cousin is to be married.”
She wiped her hands on a towel and collected teacups, a tray, and the sugar bowl. “Aye, and I’m thrilled for them. Colin has been alone for so long.”
“What is his fiancée like?” What he really wanted to know was what kind of woman wouldn’t be intimidated by the man, though he was learning the man was softer on the inside than the outside.
“Rose was a lady’s maid for Fenella, Aileen’s granddaughter. Her mother was Romani and her father a French count. They fled France during the Revolution. She’s well educated and a wonderful match for Colin.” She placed the tray on the table and held his gaze. “Love is so often found where ye least expect it. If Fenella had not had a disastrous London Season, she wouldna have fled to Glasgow to be with her grandmother. Lachlan wouldna be married, and Colin would still be alone.”
“Fate sometimes has a strange way of throwing people together,” he agreed. “Do you ever wonder if perhaps fate knew we weren’t ready to be together before?”
Annis snorted. “Och, if anything, fate is knocking ye upside the head to give us a second chance.”
Robert stepped around the table and stood before her, his fingers lightly trailing down her arms. “Do you believe in second chances, Annis?”
She peered up at him through her long amber lashes. He could see her pulse race in the hollow of her throat and longed to place a kiss there. Bending his head, he did just that, breathing in her fresh scent of faint vanilla. She tipped her head back and let out a sigh. Her skin was warm, the beat of her heart a delicious rhythm against his lips.
He feathered light kisses along her neck, her jaw, then brushed his mouth against hers. She made a little mewing sound, and he took it as consent. Both hands cupping her face, his fingers threaded her amber locks. So soft.
Annis placed her palms against his chest and moved her body closer. A thrumming began low in his core, and mentally cursed as his body reacted to her. He was in heaven and hell at the same time.
“Ma,” called Fin as footsteps pounded on the stairs and bark echoed in the hall.
CHAPTER 13
Robert sat at his window, sipping his brandy, as his thoughts wandered to England and Anthony. He needed to explain the situation to his other son. Should he go to him, or bring Anthony here? No, it wouldn’t be fair to throw him into the fire like that. He would need time to adjust. Anthony hadn’t the easygoing personality of Finlay. Anthony would fret over this new development, turn it over in his mind, weigh the pros and cons.
They had arranged for Anthony to travel to his grandfather’s after this last term. Since Cecilbroke’s family seat was in northern England, it would be at least a two-day journey by horseback. Robert could take a quick trip, tell Anthony about Annis and Finlay, then give the boy time to reflect. When Anthony was ready, he could join Robert in Glasgow.
