Once they were inside, he headed toward the family wing.
“I thought we were going to the Gatehouse,” she said.
“It’s important to lose him first.We don’t want to give away our little hiding place.”
“Is that what it is?”she asked with a quiet laugh.
“It is, and I intend to make full use of it.It’s going to be another long day shadowing that guy.”
Both kitchens were bustling, so they hurried by and ended up in the long hallway overlooking the gardens.With their hands still clasped, Heath pulled her closer to the wall.The way the sun fell this time of day, they would be shadowed to the people wandering the gardens.
“He’s going to his room.”Heath pointed to the three figures striding down the west wing hallway.
“Yes.”Quinn gently pulled her hand from his.
Heath’s instinct was to take it back, to fill the emptiness, but the vibes between them had turned awkward.Was she regretting his kiss?Should he?He thought about it, and both his mind and his heart said he should move forward with her.
“I brought the food to the Gatehouse before I came looking for you,” he said.“You’ve already been on your feet a long time this morning.Let’s get over to the apartment so you can rest them.”
“Thanks.”
She didn’t say more but followed when he led the way out the family exit from the east wing and skirted the tree line.Heath tried to make it a game, glancing around to see if anyone was watching before making a dash for the Gatehouse.By the time she caught up with him, Quinn was laughing.Whatever had been bothering her earlier seemed to have passed.
Heath unlocked the door on the opposite side of the castle, and they entered the chilly turret.This time, Quinn led the way up the spiral stairs.He had the key ready and stretched his arm past her to unlock the door.That zing of attraction ran up his arm where it touched her shoulder, but she stiffened.So the playfulness hadn’t taken away whatever was troubling her.But it was obvioushewas part of the problem.
His body felt heavy as he opened the door.He held back so she could enter first, making sure no part of him touched her.
“I need to use the ladies’ room.”She carefully put down her camera and headed to the hallway.
Heath settled her bag next to it and went to the kitchen.He’d already set the table, so he put the meal into the microwave to heat, listening for Quinn as he did.He heard the door to the restroom open and the sound of her footsteps as she came out, but she didn’t join him in the kitchen.
Curious, he stepped to the open doorway to see what she was up to.Quinn stood at the living room window, which overlooked the southern side of the property where the festival was being held.
“You okay?”Heath asked without moving any closer.
“I’m just thinking.”
“About Viktor?”
“No.”Quinn turned to face him.“About you.”
The muscles in Heath’s gut clenched.Her expression and stiff posture didn’t match his memory of the way she’d folded into him and returned his kiss.It seemed her mind and body didn’t agree about him.
“You look worried.Are you upset with me because I kissed you?”It gratified Heath that her cheeks had gone that pretty pink again.
“I’m confused.I thought we were friends.Just friends.”She clenched her hands together at her waist, and Heath wanted so badly to go to her, to wrap his arms around her.But he didn’t.
“I thought so too.But since wearefriends, I’m going to be honest.If you’re sorry about the kisses, I’m not.”
“I’m not into being friends with benefits,” she said dryly, but there was a warning in her voice as well.
“I’m not either.”Heath said the words simply but held her gaze.His instincts kept telling him he needed to be careful about how he proceeded with this.He’d never thought of Quinn as afraid, but that was the vibe coming off her.Why would she be afraid of him?
“Heath, I don’t understand what’s happening.”
He took a single step into the living room.“It surprised me too, but I think it’s kind of obvious now.”
“What’s obvious?”she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
