“Of course, you are,” the little imp supplied. “But what of you? Are you going to allow yourself to thrive? Are you going to be able to live your life in faith that good things await you? Or are you going to allow the bad stuff to rule you?”
This daughter of mine. She knows me all too well.
Not waiting for an answer, Rhoda touched the side of her face with one finger as though contemplating something of great import. “Because there is a gentleman downstairs this very minute of whom, I’m certain, would like nothing better than to assure himself of your happiness and well-being.”
Eve bit her lower lip.
Rhoda would not relent. “Would you like to see him?”
But she must look a fright! Did it matter? Of course, it mattered!
“After you’ve done something with my hair.” She glanced down at the horrid black gown she’d been dressed in. “And anything but this atrocity. Something bright perhaps? My cerulean?”
Upon which, allowing Eve a glimpse of the tiny little girl she’d once been, her daughter grinned from ear to ear. “I’ll have Lucy press it as soon as she returns.”
Twenty minutes later,Eve sat in the small sitting area of her suite holding a book. She had no idea what it was about and doubted she ever would.
Rhoda had excused herself to go in search of Niles.
What if he didn’t wish to come?
What if he was angry with her?
From what she’d since learned, Eve had discovered she’d sat mute while Darius Mossant fired him! Her very efficient and most appreciated man of business.
Rhoda had assured her that Mr. Waverly did not hold a grudge.
But what if he did?
And what if he didn’t want—
A knock at the door interrupted her misgivings.
“Come in.” She set the book aside and smoothed her skirt in her lap. The air seemed to change the second he stepped inside — and the colors in the room — and the weight in her heart.
“I expected you’d remain abed.” His voice drew her gaze.
He did not look angry. He simply looked like… Niles. When had he come to mean so much to her? Truth be told, she’d always looked forward to their meetings with considerable anticipation.
“I’ve spent far too much time abed as of late.” At his hesitancy, she gestured beside her. “Won’t you sit down?”
Oh, but she felt like a gauche young girl suddenly.
The cushions sank as he lowered himself beside her. And then, instantly alleviating all her concerns, he reached over and covered her hand with one of his.
This wasn’t going to be excruciatingly hard, as she’d feared. She drew in a breath. “I—”
“Please, give me a moment first… I need to say something.” His voice prevented her from diving headlong into her own practiced speech.
She turned so that she could look him directly in the eye. And as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do, she placed her other hand atop his.
“You will always have my assistance.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll do anything you need. But I can no longer remain in your employ. I’ll protect your assets. I’ll protect your daughters. God help me, I’ll do better to protect you. But not for payment.”
“Surely, you must require some sort of fee?”
His eyes flared at her question.
Oh, but this man. She’d always feel safe beside him. And protected. And desired.
