He’d provided her with glimpses of this side of himself before—with a dry joke or a secret grin. And each time, she’d tumbled even deeper into love.
Trouble was, now that she’d experienced him this way, she wasn’t at all certain she could ever let go again. And yet she might not have a choice.
He might love her, but would it be enough for him to get over whatever had caused him to push her away to begin with?
“Sleepy?” He held her tucked against him in a way that partially dispelled some of her concerns.
“Hmm…” Lydia hummed in contentment, memorizing his cedary scent so she could summon it when they were apart. “You must be exhausted though.”
He laughed. “It was a good day. But I suppose I ought to take you home.” He shifted both of them off the floor and onto the bench and kissed the top of her head. “Allow me to correct that. Today was much better than good. It was practically perfect.”
Lydia wondered if her maid would think she looked like the cat who ate the canary when she came in. Feeling daring, she reached her hand across to his lap.
“I know precisely what you need.”
When he grasped her wrist and stilled her hand over his straining member, she realized she’d guessed rightly.
“We’ll have time enough in the future to… ahem, address my situation properly. In the meantime—” Jeremy turned and caught her up in an almost desperate embrace just as the carriage pulled to a stop outside of Heart Place. Knowing they had only a few moments before the footman would open the door, he pulled back, breathing heavily.
“I have mountains of work waiting for me tomorrow,” he all but growled. “But I miss you already.”
“It can wait a day, can it not?”
“Minx.” He brushed the side of her mouth with his thumb. “Come with me to visit the warehouse in the afternoon?”
Even shrouded in darkness, there was no missing the light of hope in his eyes.
“Yes.” She didn’t even hesitate.
TROUBLE AT THE TUESDAY WAREHOUSE
Lydia sat up and stretched with a giant yawn. It had taken her hours to fall asleep. Not that she’d never had trouble sleeping before, but this time, it had not been worries that kept her awake. It had been the memory of unimaginable intimacy, pleasure, and rightness.
And most of all, the tantalizing words spoken inside a dark carriage.We’ll have time enough in the future…
Those words alluded to a promise.
Louise drew the curtains back, and a dreary drizzling sky begrudgingly allowed gray light to filter inside. Clucking her tongue, her maid held up a gown and brushed at the skirt. “The periwinkle today or the mauve?”
“The periwinkle,” Lydia answered. “But I’m going to the docks later and will need to change into something drab.”
Lydia wished she could dress her best for him today, but it would not be wise to show up on the docks looking even more out of place than she already did.
Even though she knew he would like the periwinkle on her.
Lydia lowered herself onto the vanity bench and stared into the mirror. Did she look different today? So much hadhappened, so much had changed. She leaned closer, touching her cheek.
Her eyes seemed to twinkle more than usual, and her lips looked slightly swollen. Would Clarissa notice any changes the next time she saw her? Lydia bit her lip.
Luckily, Lucas and Blackheart weren’t here. Lucas, even more so than Lucinda, had always had an uncanny ability to guess her secrets.
“Has my aunt broken her fast yet this morning?”
“Not yet, my lady.” Louise dragged a brush through Lydia’s long wavy hair. “You know, I do believe you could use a trim.” She then twisted it into a neat chignon, leaving a few tendrils to soften Lydia’s face.
“I like this style,” Lydia commented. “But I think you’re right. Especially when this weather warms up.”
“Ifit warms up,” Louise said. “I, for one, am ready for some sunshine.”
