“Are we going today? By the time we reach the village, it will be almost dark.”
“No. Better to wait until tomorrow morning. We might get lost trying to reach the farmhouse at night, and it will be very bad form to show up unannounced after dark.”
That meant another night with him. Alone, together at a hotel or inn. Perfection.
“I agree. Besides, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I lack the energy for a confrontation tonight.” As if to punctuate her exhaustion, she yawned and tried to stretch her back muscles, sore after all day in the carriage with only a brief stop for lunch.
Dale turned her away from him and put his hands on her shoulders, massaging them, applying exquisite pressure on exactly the right spots. She was melting under his talented hands.
“Hmmm, you are so good at that.”
“I am good at several other things too,” he said, wicked suggestion on his voice.
“Don’t I know that!”
“Any chance I can persuade you to sample my other talents later, or are you too tired?”
“Never too tired for that.”
“Good. In that case...” He leaned forward and whispered in her ear all the things he planned to do later.
Her exhaustion vanished in a wave of anticipation.
CHAPTER 51 - Arriving at the Farm
THE LIGHT COMING INthrough the partially open window was cool and clear, and the breeze carried the scent of lavender. Waking up with Olivia in his arms after a night of passion felt so right that he wanted to savor the moment forever.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t time to dawdle. They must get ready, grab some breakfast and set off for Ninette’s farmhouse. He hoped he could find the answers he was looking for. He had mourned and punished himself for seven long years. Now they had come all this way... he needed to close this chapter. Look into the future with Livvy.
And what was he hoping to learn? Something that would help him understand Eloise. For that would help him make sense of his marriage and possibly the reason for its failure.
An hour later, they were both ready. Olivia had heartily partaken of the excellent breakfast provided by the inn. She had almost consumed half a loaf of bread by herself. He had barely downed some coffee. Olivia kept giving him sidelong glances and trying to keep a cheerful chatter. Thankfully, she didn’t insist he eat more. He usually had a hearty appetite. If he wasn’t eating this morning, that was a sign of his mental state.
“Are you dreading this encounter with Ninette?” She said, touching his hand where it lay on the table.
He made a face. “I can’t say I’m looking forward to seeing her, no.”
