Page 58 of Impeccable
“Both.”
He arched a brow at her as he put his arm on the back of the settee. His fingers were perilously close to her shoulder. “Those boundaries aren’t moveable?”
“They are not.”
“Pity, for I’ve not been able to stop thinking of you.” He moved his hand, and the air he disturbed rustled over her flesh as if he’d touched her.
Evie shot up from the settee and moved to stand near a cabinet that held liquor. Perhaps she ought to have a glass of wine to steady herself, for she was feeling rather unbalanced. “A month is perhaps not enough time to…overcome what we shared.”
“Is it for you?” He kept his arm along the back of the settee, and the pose made him look as if he’d claimed the piece of furniture. His features were also set in an enigmatic yet seductive expression. She’d never wanted to throw herself at someone before, but it was taking everything she had to keep away from him.
“I am quite busy with the club and my friends.”
“That’s hardly an answer.” He glanced toward his hand as he flexed his fingers. “You avoided being alone with me at the club, which wouldn’t really have been being alone with me at all given the number of people in attendance. Yet, you invite me here where we truly are alone. I find myself wondering at your expectations.”
He met her gaze once more and stood, slowly, his body stretching like a cat after a nap. Then he prowled toward her, and she’d never felt more like prey.
Prey that wanted to be caught.
Hell,Eviedidn’t know her expectations.
“I invited you up here against my better judgment,” she said, feeling almost faint with desire as he stopped just before her.
“Then I can deduce you have not, probably,overcomeour liaison. I can tell you without hesitation that I have not. I think of you when I am awake, I dream of you when I’m asleep, and I long for you in every hour of every day.” He caressed her cheek with two fingertips. It was the gentlest of touches, a tease of what could come next. She only had to ask him to stay…
Evie took a step back. “You should go. Before I change my mind and lose my nerve about keeping Ash overnight.”
“Is that what you’re going to lose your nerve about?” His hand brushed hers.
She shivered, desperate for more of his touch. But she would not surrender. This was the life she wanted—not one with a man, no matter how thoroughly he shattered her carefully laid defenses. “Yes.Justthat.”
Moving quickly, she went to pet Ash. She was not above using their dog as a barricade.
“What if I call your bluff?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t do that, please. You are going to anger me very shortly. I was clear about what I wanted from the start. You can’t try to change the rules now.”
He exhaled. “I don’t wish to anger you. It’s only that I sense whatever we shared is not yet over. You ended things rather suddenly—and please don’t tell me you set expectations. You did, but I was still hoping for New Year’s or Epiphany.” He waved his hand, and she could see from his eyes that he was frustrated.
She couldn’t think of anything to say to ease his agitation, nor did she think she should. She didn’t owe him anything, and she wasn’t responsible for his feelings.
“If you shared my opinion—that there is still more between us—I would hope you would allow us to see it through. I’m not asking for forever. I’m only hoping for…whatever feels right to us.”
Dammit, but he made a compelling argument. Her only requirement was that no one could know. Her servants were completely trustworthy and would be discreet. There were only five of them anyway, and just three lived upstairs. The other two—a mother and daughter who cleaned—resided elsewhere and also worked for another household.
Wait, was she actually considering this? No. She would not. “Gregory, you need to let the past go. We had a lovely time together, but it’s over. I do hope we can be friends, for Ash’s sake if nothing else.” The thought of having to say goodbye to Ash forever was surprisingly horrible. She didn’t think she could do it. “What time should I bring Ash back to you tomorrow?”
Shadows flitted over his gaze, masking whatever he was feeling. “I can fetch him.” Gregory went to retrieve his belongings, setting his hat on his head before donning his greatcoat. Lastly, he drew on his gloves.
Regret knotted in Evie’s belly, but she wouldn’t change her mind.
“Don’t forget to take him outside so he can relieve himself,” Gregory said, his voice stilted. “He’ll let you know when, but it will be well before dawn. I’ll be here around noon to pick him up if that suits you.”
She would make sure to be elsewhere. “Perfectly. Thank you. Shall I show you out?”
“That won’t be necessary. I can find my way.” He smiled at the pup. “Good night, Ash. See you tomorrow.”
Ash trotted over to him and nuzzled his leg, as if he understood. Gregory stroked his head, then took his leave without another word.
