Page 23 of One Night of Temptation
“Do you need help with…your clothing?” He didn’t meet her gaze again.
“No, I’m going to sleep like this.”
“With your boots on?” he asked, glancing toward her feet.
“You have your boots on,” she said.
“I planned to remove them.”
“Then I’ll remove mine.”
He sat down, and they both set to peeling away their footwear. He placed his boots beside the chair, then stood.
“Where are you going?”
“I thought I’d put out the lantern and the candles. Actually, I think I’ll leave one candle lit, if you don’t mind.”
Relief coursed through her. It wasn’t that she minded the dark. But this was a strange place, and the light, though meager, would make her feel more comfortable. “I appreciate it. Thank you.”
She climbed beneath the covers as he extinguished all the flames but one. Then he sat in the chair and situated the blanket over his lap.
She frowned, thinking he looked terribly uncomfortable. “I feel bad you’re sleeping in the chair. You should at least put your feet on the bed. I insist.”
“If you insist.” He got up and moved the chair closer to the bed, then propped his feet up on the end.
“Much better.” She lay back and pulled the covers up to her chin. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her racing mind.
When she’d embarked on this scheme, she’d hoped the night would pass quickly. She’d never imagined she’d meet a man who would make her wish for time to stop.
In fact, she wished they could go back in time and kiss as they’d intended. Would he want that too? She feared she would regret that missed kiss for the rest of her days.
The thought filled her with sadness. The emotion mingled with dread as she contemplated tomorrow. It wasn’t just the idea of returning home. It meant this magical night would be over.
“I wish I’d spent time talking with you when I visited the church,” she said into the near darkness.
“I wish you had too. I regret avoiding all of you. Well, maybe notallof you.”
She smiled but kept her eyes closed. “I regret not bringing books. I’m still going to try to get you some.”
“I appreciate that.” The silence grew, and she wondered if he’d fallen asleep. Then he said, “You’re not at all what I thought.”
Delightful warmth unfurled inside her. “I’ve never met anyone like you.” He made her feel so safe and…valued.
Yes, she wanted more time. With him.
“I’m sorry you may not be in London much longer.” It was as if he’d heard her thoughts. “I would have looked forward to you visiting the church.”
Her chest pinched. “I would have liked that too.”
“But I know that wouldn’t be best for you. Your parents sound rather difficult.”
What an understatement. “They’re worse than that.” She surprised herself by saying that out loud. “Don’t worry about me,” she hastened to add. “I’ll be fine. I concocted this crazy scheme to change my fortune, and I’m hopeful it will work.” It had to.
Silence reigned once more, but this time, she was certain he was still awake. She felt strangely attuned to him.
“I hope you’ll be happy in Lancashire,” he said.
The sadness surged within her once more. They were talking as if she were already gone, as if they didn’t still have a night before them. But what could she mean to do with that night? She might be tempted—and she was—to kiss him, but then what?
