“I don’t know if that’s wise.”
“It’s been nearly a week,” I argued. “The worst of my symptoms are gone. Even my stuffy nose is gone, and I’ve only got a wee cough.”
“But you’re still weak.”
“No.” I frowned. “I’m much better this morning. Look, I’m not asking. I’m going for a walk.” I threw off the covers and slid out of bed, grabbing my empty breakfast plate. Hurrying past him, I heard him mutter something under his breath but couldn’t quite make it out. Then I heard him following me into the kitchen. I glanced over my shoulder as I put the plate in the sink. “I don’t need an escort.”
“Don’t you?” he murmured silkily as he leaned against the doorframe. He eyed me like a sleepy tiger.
“I’m a grown woman, Cavendish. While I appreciate you taking care of me this week, I don’t need an escort and I don’t need permission to go for a walk. I’m going to the beach. If I don’t get out of this cottage for some fresh sea air, I will scream.”
Theo smirked. “Someone woke up on the fiery side of the bed this morning.”
I grimaced. “Don’t be patronizing. This is my cottage. And in my cottage exists a gynarchy.”
He grinned and it was much too attractive. “It’s pronouncedgai-nah-kiand your use of it is a little clumsy, darling.”
Of course, his vocabulary was better than the average person’s. “Are you mansplaining a word that literally means a government ruled by a woman?”
“I wouldn’t say mansplaining. I am curious as to where you came about such a colorful vocabulary?”
I shrugged as I brushed past him. “I like words.”
“Where are you going?”
“To get washed and dressed and then to the beach.”
“Well then, I guesswe’regoing to the beach.”
I turned at the entrance to the bathroom to look at him. “You don’t need to come along.”
Theo stared me down in that intense, assessing way of his that would have made me squirm just a week ago. “If you’re well enough to take a walk on the beach, you’re well enough to discuss business. And we do have business to discuss, little mouse.”
The car rideto the beach was short and silent. Theo seemed to follow my lead as we made our way down onto Gairloch Beach. It wasn’t a huge stretch of sand, but I was happy to walk the length of it a few times over to enjoy the sea breeze.
It was much colder than it had been just a week ago, but I welcomed the chilly prickle on my skin as we strode on the compacted sand near the water. The skies were a moody gray above, and the sea, if not rough, was marginally choppy. It rushed a little aggressively at the shore, and the rhythmic sound relaxed me.
However, it did not distract me from noticing Theo’s attention. I could feel him staring down at me as we walked. I wasn’t a tiny woman at five foot six, but a good eight inches shorter than Cavendish. He strolled at my side, and when I finally turned to look at him, our eyes locked. I knew he was staring at me.
My cheeks flushed at the intensity of his gaze. Did I have something on my face? “What is it?”
“You look much better,” he stated factually. “Even with no makeup, you’re rather beautiful, little mouse.”
I flushed, though he’d commented with as much emotion as a robot. Embarrassed and annoyed by how contradictory he was, I huffed, “Are you trying to flatter the adaptation rights out of me now?”
Theo’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “No. I’m just shocked at how attractive you are. Usually, one notices someone as attractive as you. It must go unnoticed because you skitter about like a frightened mouse, trying to stay invisible.”
The comment stung. Badly. I looked away, staring at the water, refusing to respond to his mockery.
After a minute or so, Theo spoke again. “I didn’t intend to insult you.”
I turned back to him, drawing to a stop. “No, I think you very much intended to insult me.” And I didn’t understand him at all. Before he could respond, I resumed walking. The breeze blew through my hair and whispered over my skin. Needing a moment, I halted, turning toward the water. Then I closed my eyes, hands in my coat pockets, and just enjoyed the feel of nature all around me. Nothing but the sound of the water and the seagulls crying in the skies.
My legs still felt a wee bit wobbly, but I definitely had more energy than before.
I knew that I’d recovered so well because Theo had been a pushy nurse, making sure I ate (even when I didn’t want to) and drank plenty of fluids. How could he go from being so casually kind and caring to being a complete and utter wanker? I couldn’t even enjoy that he thought me beautiful because it was a backhanded compliment.
The man was so frustrating.
