Page 29 of Tempting the Earl

Unfortunately, the more time he spent with Roderick, the more obvious their differences became—most significantly in their nearly opposite way of interacting with others. In the last months, Colin had wished more than once that he could’ve been blessed with the natural charm and ease of manner Roderick possessed. But never more so than tonight as the importance of Miss Morgan’s acceptance weighed heavily on his mind.

As he sat there, observing the discussion around the table, he was forced to acknowledge that there was more going on than simple envy.

Something about Miss Morgan’s obvious ease and good humor while interacting with his brother bothered him. Far more than it should. She’d only ever been contentious and occasionally derisive with him. As she released a full and husky laugh at another of Roderick’s effortless quips—he suddenly knew exactly what he was feeling.

And then, as soon as he acknowledged his jealously, he had to acknowledge that even though he certainly wished to incur Miss Morgan’s good favor for Caillie’s sake, there was another, much more personal element to his current distress.

He wanted her to like him...for him.

He wanted to engage in such easy, lighthearted conversation with her, uncolored by distrust or her determination to oppose him at every turn. He wanted her to smile at him with genuine warmth and look at him with admiration rather than derision.

But such wanting was dangerous. And futile. Though he found his gaze constantly drawn to her expressive features and his blood warmed every time she laughed, he was not the kind of man to inspire such things in a woman like Miss Morgan. A woman with strong opinions which had already been formed before she’d ever met him.

With a scowl, he glanced down at his plate. Then realizing his expression revealed his internal displeasure, he quickly smoothed out his features before lifting his gaze again to find Miss Morgan staring back at him with shining green eyes.

Caillie had taken over the story and had the Bentleys’ full attention, so he didn’t look away when she lifted one brow in silent question.

Unfortunately, he had no idea what she was asking though it felt like she was studying him, like some foreign curiosity. All he could do was stare back at her, doing his best not to reveal the unexpectedly harsh yearning inside him.

But then something shifted in her gaze. The curiosity faded as her eyes darkened. There was the subtlest flutter of her thick lashes before her lips parted and she seemed to very purposefully turn her attention to her wineglass.

With his blood rushing more swiftly through his veins, Colin continued to watch as she took a long sip of the red wine. Lowering the glass, she sent him a quick, fleeting glance, as if checking to see if he still watched her. When she noticed he was, she furrowed her brow and pressed her lips together, but not before an intriguing blush pinkened her cheeks.

His body instantly hardened in reaction and he couldn’t deny it any longer. He wanted far more from the woman than admiration. But desire was the last thing he should be feeling for the prickly Miss Morgan. And the last thing he should be seeking in her.

Yet, he couldn’t help but wish she’d meet his gaze again so he could search for some telling sign that disdain wasn’t the only thing she felt for him.

Shifting his attention back to the others, he was unfortunate enough to catch Bentley’s attention. The other man flashed a subtle, tilted grin as a knowing glint flickered in his eyes. When Colin kept his features expertly schooled into an unreadable expression, Bentley gave a small shake of his head—as though disappointed—before turning his attention back to the conversation.

Colin didn’t bother trying to understand his brother’s odd manner.

The meal concluded shortly after. Forgoing any after-dinner port, the gentleman retired to the drawing room with the ladies. But it soon became clear the excitement of the evening had worn out the young Miss Claybourne.

After the girl’s fourth barely concealed yawn, Miss Morgan explained they were not yet fully acclimated to London hours and would have to make their excuses early.

“We should really be going, as well,” Mrs. Bentley graciously noted as they all rose to their feet.

Colin had just a moment of relief that the night would soon be over when Roderick laid a hand on his shoulder as they followed the ladies into the entry hall.

“A quick word, Wright.”

Colin reluctantly slowed his steps. In the short time since he and his brother had begun to associate on a more personal level, he’d learned there was no point in trying to evade the other man. Bentley had a way of getting what he wanted in the end.

“What is it?” he asked as he watched the three females chatting easily with each other across the hall.

“Have you received any updates from Nightshade?”

Colin was just annoyed enough to ask, “You mean he hasn’t kept you abreast of my investigation?”

His brother gave him a quick frown. “Of course not. I told you the man was discreet. He won’t betray your confidence or your directives.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Yes, well,” Roderick continued, “that means I have to rely on you to keep me informed of how things progress with our brothers.” His voice lowered to a grumble. “I’m not accustomed to being unable to oversee something so important.”

Colin turned to meet his brother’s gaze more directly. Searching the familiar blue, he allowed himself a moment to acknowledge the other man’s frustration before he replied, “Then I suppose you’ll just have to trust me, won’t you?”

Roderick’s eyes narrowed briefly, telling Colin he understood the underlying meaning in his words well enough. Trust was not something that came easily to the man and Colin could certainly sympathize with that. But if they were all going to move forward as he deeply hoped they would, they had to start somewhere. And trust was going to be a vital factor.

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