A depression settled about Nina, nearly suffocating her.
“I thought you would be happy that the estate would not close and there would always be visitors.”
“I suppose I am shocked,” she finally said, not willing to tell him the truth. “I anticipated others living in the house over the next four years but had not considered beyond that.”
“It may be my home, but I will be sharing with whoever else decides to reside there with me.” He reached over and picked up her hand. “Though I wish you could visit too.”
“As do I,” she whispered. “But it is not meant to be.” Nina forced bliss. “I am happy for you, Orion. Most second sons are not so lucky.”
She then looked at his hand, then the ground on either side of the water. No vines appeared. Perhaps the cause had been the kiss, and as they would never share another, it was one thing that she’d not need to worry about.
Seventeen
Something was wrong with Nina, but Orion couldn’t fathom what. He thought she would be happy that he’d be living near, but she seemed more disturbed by the prospect.
“Are you certain all is well?” he asked with concern.
She chuckled quietly and shook her head. “It is nothing. I simply did not sleep well last night.”
That would put anyone out of sorts. “Do you know that I have had the same dream each night since we met.”
Nina turned more fully toward him. “So have I.”
“What is yours?” he asked.
“That you are trying to reach me. I do not know why.”
“But something is holding me back even though you are reaching out,” Orion added while his heart pounded. “We are standing on opposite sides of the cove.”
“We are having the same dream?” Nina questioned in alarm.
“Apparently, but what does it mean?” he asked.
“Perhaps it is your wish to be here but know you do not belong.”
“In mine, you want me in the sacred grove, but I can’t come.”
Nina closed her eyes and shook her head. “I know nothing of interpreting dreams, and they often do not have such obvious meanings.”
He supposed she was correct, but to Orion, the meaning was clear. They were drawn to the other for an inexplicable reason other than desire and attraction. But at least he now knew that Nina wanted him as much as he desired her.
“With me now living here, think how easy it will be for newssheets to be delivered, or books, or anything else you want.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Whatever you need, I will provide.”
“That is kind of you, Orion, but I have all that I need.”
She may be smiling, and there was a chuckle, but a sadness had come over Nina when he announced that he’d be living at the estate, and her grey eyes had dulled.
“Do you not want me here?” he finally asked.
“I do,” she insisted. “You are my friend, and I am glad to have you as such.”
He studied her face and eyes, wanting to be more than a friend. So much more, but he could not be.
Orion understood the desire to kiss and hold her, even dance, but his heart seemed to want more. Mind, body, and soul were all in agreement and wanted Nina in his life even after knowing her for such a short time.
No woman had ever affected him in this manner. He’d cared for women, he’d desired women, he’d needed women, but either his heart did not engage, or his mind insisted that he keep his head and not be foolish. Those things should be happening now, yet they were not.
Had he fallen in love with a woman bound to a small piece of land?
