“I missed you too,” she whispered, distracted by how the tingles were heating up her face.
Jem looked at her for a few seconds, like he had something on his mind but hadn’t decided how to broach it. He leaned forward, and Reese met his lips with hers. She ran a hand into his hair, and he deepened the kiss.
Voices sounded from the hallway outside, and they broke apart. Reese and Jem rushed back to their positions in front of the bookcase, breathing heavily. Her face felt so hot it must be red, and she had to squeeze her hands tightly to keep them from shaking. The door opened behind them.
“What about this one?” Jem had pulled a book from the shelf, his voice normal, and held it up for her to see. His hand shook a little, but she doubted the others would notice it.
Reese turned toward the door. Only then did she notice that Jem’s hair stuck out where she had run her hand through it. She didn’t have time to brush it down.
“Ah, there you two are.” Nellie bustled into the room, followed by a couple of the other guests. “Choosing a book to read before bed?” Her gaze traveled from Jem’s hair to his destroyed cravat and ending on his crushed jacket. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned Reese, and Nellie pinned them both with a stern stare. “Since Miss Clarisse is such an early riser, we will allow her to retire. Mr. Jem, perhaps you will stay for a moment?”
Recognizing when she had been dismissed, Reese took the book he still held out to her, curtsied, and left the room.
***
Jem followed along with what turned out to be a little tour Nellie was giving of the library. One of the young men seemed interested in some of her books. When they gathered around one of the old tomes, Nellie signaled Jem to step aside with her.
“I must say that I am surprised at your behavior,” she hissed in a low voice, her arms crossed. “The two of you will no longer be granted the liberty of being alone together.”
Jem opened his mouth to argue, but Nellie raised her hand and pinned him with a steely gaze. For a woman with such a fun sense of humor, she could be intimidating when she chose to.
“I have told Clarisse that she has a choice to make here. It is apparent that she has not shared that with you.”
“I don’t understand,” Jem said.
“The magic has brought her here for a reason. You must not distract her from her purpose.”
“Say what?” Jem was willing to put up with the magic claims because theywerein a different time, but this suggestion that the magic was sentient was carrying it a bit too far.
He had blown it two years ago, waiting for some sign from Reese that their kiss had not been a mistake. He hadn’t wanted to be pushy. The longer he’d waited to hear from her, the harder it had become to make the first move. What if he hadn’t heard from her because she didn’t want to see him again? Then Kaitlyn had confirmed his fears when she had mentioned in a phone call a couple of months later that Reese was dating someone.
That had seemed to answer his questions, but over the next two years, Reese had gone through a lot of boyfriends. No guy had lasted more than a couple of months. As he had booked his flight home this time, that knowledge had given him hope that it might be worth it to try one more time with her.
“You must allow events for Clarisse to unfold as the magic guides them.”
“Look,” Jem said, “I came on this trip with the express purpose of becoming reacquainted with her.”
“Good.” Suddenly Nellie’s expression lightened, and the familiar twinkle returned to her eyes. “Then you may court her, but you will do so as a gentleman of this time.”
Court Reese. He smiled, liking the sound of that.
“I will do as you ask.” He glanced at the two men who were still looking through the book. “I’m tired, and I believe I shall retire.” Jem bowed and turned to leave.
“You must not fight against the magic, young Jem.” Nellie’s voice, though soft, sounded loud and clear as though she had spoken right into his mind.
Could their faerie hostess read thoughts? He gave a little shudder as he closed the library door behind him. The idea that all these fae servants might be telepathic sent a chill up his spine.
Chapter 9
THAT NIGHT REESE HAD NOTHING but happy dreams of being with Jem. She rose early the next morning and paid particular attention to her clothing. The next couple of days would be busy. Cora, who earlier in the week had been invited to stay at another estate, was due back later in the day.
Then there were preparations for Nellie’s annual picnic. The house already bustled with servants getting things ready, and the smell of delicious things came from the kitchen.
When she arrived in the breakfast room, Jem was already seated at the table, though he hadn’t begun eating yet. He rose and greeted her with a bow.
“Good morning, cousin,” he said with a quiet, almost aloof air. “I hope you slept well.”
“I did. Thank you,” Reese said with matching reserve. Her high from the night before blew from her like the air from a balloon. Had he changed his mind?Again? She glanced at the footman standing in the corner just like he did every morning. Maybe she was jumping to conclusions. Jem could hardly talk about private things with an audience.
