Page 47 of Impossible
“Good night, my lord.” She turned her back to him.
“My name is Maximillian. But you may call me Max. If you’d like.”
Her insides clenched, and she fought to breathe. “I would like. I am Ada. Good night, Max.”
“Good night, Ada.” He moved, but she didn’t see how. She only knew he hadn’t come closer. “Thank you for staying tonight.”
She bit the inside of her cheek lest she say more, things that were best left unsaid. With just two days left, they ought not become friends. And they must definitely not become lovers.
Chapter10
The cart was packed with their picnic when Max drove Ada from the stable yard. Last night had been the longest stretch of uninterrupted sleep he’d had since before he’d left for Spain. How could he let Ada go now?
Because you must.
There was no reason for her to stay. Was he to pay her to be his sleeping companion? She wouldn’t leave her position as bookkeeper to the Phoenix Club, nor would he ask her to. He probably shouldn’t even be out with her today, for she was a temptation he wasn’t sure he could resist. She was so lovely, with a smile warming her pretty, heart-shaped face and her blue-gray eyes glittering, even though the sky was overcast and the sun was nowhere to be found.
He looked over at her to his right, hating that she could see his scar so well. He’d already angled his hat to create more of a shadow. “We will be driving by the lake on our way to see the ruins. Will that bother you?”
“Not at all,” she said sunnily. “I have no problemlookingat water. I’ve just no desire to be in or on it.” Her shoulders twitched with a gentle shudder.
“I’m sorry that was ruined for you. I do enjoy sailing. And rowing.”
“Do you? Perhaps I’d try it if you promised to take me.” Was she flirting with him? He didn’t want her to do that. He wasn’t sure he recalled how. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure he could. Flirtation required a lightness of heart and a sense of whimsy. He no longer possessed either.
When he didn’t respond, she asked, “Is that how horses are for you? Ruined, that is. I understand you used to love to ride.”
He hadn’t thought of it that way, but he supposed so. “I did. Since returning home, I prefer not to, however. Perhaps that will change someday. Do you think there is any chance for you and the water?”
“I suppose I should remain optimistic. I am about most everything else,” she added with a light laugh. “I hadn’t thought of it that way. Now, I really must consider getting into a boat again. I’m afraid my nature demands it.”
God, she was fearless. His desire for her increased tenfold. How he wished he could be like her.
As he drove toward the south end of the estate, she told him about the tenants she’d met when they drove past various farms. Then he started up the hill, the track curving around it as they ascended.
“This is an excellent place for a castle,” she said as they neared the top. “You can see for miles.”
“On a clear day, yes. Today isn’t too bad.” At least the clouds weren’t thick. They were, however, darkening a bit. He would keep an eye on them.
“Do you think it might rain?” she asked.
“I doubt it, but one must always be prepared, even in summer. There’s a small folly near the castle ruins, and it has enough cover if we need to escape a downpour.” He stopped the cart and set the brake.
“You didn’t mention a folly. I find them strange.”
“Strange how?” He climbed down and came around to help her out.
She put her hand in his, and while he’d touched her before—even kissed her—today, the connection was electric. Her gaze snapped to his, and he knew she felt it too.
Damn.
Attraction was easier to ignore and dissuade when it was thought to be one-sided.
“Perhaps strange isn’t the right word,” she said, drawing him back to what they’d been discussing. “They seem indulgent. What are they even for?”
“To enjoy. For instance, they make excellent picnic scenery.”
She grinned. “I thought hermits lived in them.”
