“A beautiful mess,” he said. “I feel as though I should come up with a more original word to describe you right now, but it’s what I think when I look at you.”
She wanted to contradict him. She may be pretty at times, but no one had ever called her beautiful.
“I… feel beautiful,” she answered instead.
“Then I must have done something right.” He lifted his injured arm slightly. “Even with this.”
“It did nothing to detract from… your performance.”
At this, he cocked a brow. “Performance?”
“Abilities?” Flustered, Violet hastily… rearranged herself back into her corset.
“A pity.” He hadn’t moved from where he’d planted his feet earlier, standing between her knees. “Such a pretty, pretty sight. Although, it’s probably for the best. I’m not very good at sharing.”
“You are incorrigible.” She smiled nonetheless as she repositioned her bodice. “But thank you. I imagine they must need you inside to do… whatever it is butlers do this late at night.”
“I’m in no hurry.”
“I can’t be seen looking like this.” Violet avoided his gaze as she gathered her hair and began twisting it. “Did you see what happened to my pins?”
Simon covered her hands with his, slowing her, his silence all but insisting she meet his stare. “Violet, are you… all right?”
There was something peaceful and patient in his question.
Was she all right?
She was more than all right. But her mind had also spun into a state of chaos. She had decided to embark on this affair thinking it would be physical, enlightening, and enjoyable.
She had not expected the…
Closeness. She hadn’t expected to feel so transparent with him—this… release of emotions.
“I think so. That was lovely. I feel…” She felt changed.
But she couldn’t tell him that. He’d think she wanted… what? A proposal of marriage?
This was an affair.
He was a butler. She was a lady.
“You feel…?” he nudged.
“I feel cleansed.” It didn’t make sense, but it was true. “You must think me dicked in the nob.”
He laughed softly at that. “Not at all.” He gathered her into his arms.
“And a bit unhinged,” she added, still surprised that he hadn’t gone running through the door to get away from her.
“If it makes any difference, you’ve unhinged me as well,” he answered, still holding her.
“How is that possible? You are…” She pulled away. “Well, you, a man, of who I’ve no doubt possesses considerable… familiarity with ladies—experience. And I am just me; a lady who is practically thirty and not at all familiar…”
“And yet…” He dipped his head to make sure she was looking into his eyes. “You have slightly unhinged me.”
Violet exhaled. “Thank you.”
“You are going to have to stop doing that,” he said.
