“But you were just getting good at it.”
“Yes, we can see how good I was getting.”
“Well, if I’m honest, I am growing quite tired.I’ve spent all day on my feet.Will you allow us to continue tomorrow?”
If it meant he could hold her and gaze into her eyes, he would most certainly make another attempt.“If you think you’re brave enough to risk it, I would be honored to try again.”
She turned to look at Ash.“Will you grace us with a recital tomorrow?I would love to hear you play.”
“I’d be happy to play a few pieces.”
“I look forward to it.Good night, Ash.”
Trent walked her up, but hesitated at the door to her room.He wasn’t sure whether or not he should cross the threshold.But she didn’t let go of his hand and led him inside, closing the door behind him.
“I need to explain something.”She took his hands and looked up into his eyes.“I need to explain why I didn’t say yes when you asked if you could kiss me.”
Trent shook his head.“You don’t owe me any explanation for that, Samantha.You are allowed to say no, simply because you choose to.I am not entitled to anything from you.”
“And that is why I didn’t say yes.”She hesitated, her thumbs rubbing nervously over his fingers.“This.Whatever this is between us, is special.”She placed her hand over his heart.“You’re special.”
He covered her hand with his own and held it against his chest.“Samantha I?—”
She shook her head, cutting him off.“I don’t want you to reciprocate those words or feel some kind of obligation to me.I understand that I would be neither the first nor the last woman to share your bed, but for me, if… when that happens with you, it will be special for me, and I need to be ready so that I don’t ruin it.”
“Oh, Samantha,” he sighed wistfully.“You have no idea how special that would be for me.And you’re wrong about another thing.You would, in fact, be the first woman to share my bed.And if I was the luckiest man in England, you’d be the last, as well.”
For a long moment, she simply stared at him, dumbstruck.Probably trying to process what to do with the fact that he was a virgin.One more way he was undeserving of her.
“Trent Gibson, did you just propose to me?”
He choked on his sudden laughter.“Not very well, I’m afraid.”
She rested her warm palm against his cheek.“I can’t be your wife.”
Of course she couldn’t.She deserved so much better than him.He was a bloody fool to ever imagine otherwise.
“Stop it,” she said, poking him in the chest.“I can see exactly where your thoughts are going.You are far better than I could ever deserve, so don’t tell yourself otherwise.I can’t marry you—” Tears filled her eyes and she pressed her lips together trying to prevent her crying.“I can’t marry you, because I am not able to give you children.”A single tear streaked down her cheek.“And you, Trent Gibson, will be the best father.”She brushed her tears away.“Now kiss me, because I don’t want to talk about it.”
Not knowing what else to do, he captured her lips with his.Passion erupted, hot and fierce.She matched his desperate need, plunging her tongue into his mouth.He groaned, pulling her tightly against him.He couldn’t get enough of her.She reached between them and opened the buttons of his jacket.
Reluctantly, he pulled his lips away from hers, and shook his head.“Not tonight.”
She laughed softly.“A perfect gentleman.”She slipped her arms inside his jacket and around his back and simply held him.
He breathed in her scent.“You smell divine.”
She giggled.
“Is that funny?”
“That was the exact word Sandra used when she styled my hair tonight, so I guess she was right.”
Holding her in his arms was nothing short of perfection.“For the record.You are special.And whatever this is between us, is special for me too.”
She looked up at him and nodded.“Fair enough.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.“Good night, Samantha.”
