Page 43 of Impossible
“I did.” Lucia’s face rose in his mind. He worked so hard to keep her away, to maintain his defenses. Seeing her, remembering her, invited the pain and the grief. But for some reason, he felt safe at the moment, protected somehow. Lucia’s dark curls blew about her sun-drenched cheeks as she laughed up at him. Max caressed her cheek before he kissed her. Jolting back to the present, he said, “I was going to marry her, but then…” His voice was low and raspy. He was surprised the words made it out. He hadn’t ever told anyone that.
Miss Treadway took his hand between hers. She didn’t say anything, just stroked his flesh and breathed with him.
“You aren’t going to pester me about this?” he asked in surprise.
When her head jerked up and hurt flashed in her eyes, he felt immediately guilty.
She exhaled. “It’s a valid question. I pester you about everything else. But no, I just want you to know that I’m here for you.”
“For the next few days.”
“Yes.”
Then she’d be gone. The urge to take her in his arms, to kiss her and caress her, to show her how much he appreciated her kindness was almost overwhelming. He nearly asked her about the kiss they’d shared the other night, but he couldn’t find the courage.
“Are you really considering hiring Mrs. Tallent as the steward?” she asked. “Is it all right that she’s a woman?”
He was grateful for the complete change of topic. Had she realized how close he was coming to making an inappropriate advance?
“My initial surprise was because I already had someone in mind—also a woman.”
Her hand stilled, and she blinked at him. “You did?”
“Someone very capable who has already demonstrated a better grasp of Stonehill in a very short time than I have done in years.”
She clasped his hand tightly. “You mean me.”
He nodded in response.
“But I annoy you.”
He shrugged. “Less than you did at first.”
“I’m flattered.” She seemed to struggle to say more. “I would consider it if I didn’t already have a job that I love.”
“I understand.” Even if it was disappointing. She might annoy him, but he liked her. What’s more, he craved her—or more accurately, the way she made him feel: less afraid, strong, capable. But he was going to have to manage without her. “I’ll hire Mrs. Tallent.”
Miss Treadway’s face lit. “Truly? I’m so happy! She will be too. I know this will be excellent for everyone.”
“I’m sure you know this, but there’s a house for the steward on the estate. It’s likely bigger than where she is now.”
“I did know there was a house, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted her to live there.” She looked a bit sheepish.
“You were hesitant about something?” he asked in disbelief.
“I rather botched this by not telling you about Mrs. Tallent in advance. I wasn’t going to press matters by asking if she could move to the steward’s house.”
“She can’t very well stay in the farm if I’m to lease it.” He frowned. “I’ll need to find someone to farm that this summer if she becomes the steward.”
“Yes, unless she does both for a while.”
Max shook his head. “I’m not going to expect her to do that. Now that I’m hiring grooms, perhaps Archie can take on more of the farming responsibilities. And yes, I know she wants him to attend school. I’ve already decided to write him a recommendation.”
“You have?” She took her hand from his and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him fiercely. “Thank you.”
He felt her breath against his neck. She wore a dressing gown and probably a thin night rail beneath it. He could feel the heat of her as well as the lush contours of her body. Her breasts pressed into his chest, and his cock lengthened once more.
She smelled of apples and spice. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, wondering if she’d bathed earlier. He wanted to press his nose to her flesh, to lick her neck, to immerse himself in her completely.
