“And why he was embarrassed to mention it the other night at dinner.” She shrugged. “Sadly enough, we cannot control our father. Even though he is ruining our lives.”
He frowned. “I fully understand.”
“Collin, isyourfather like this?”
“No, but my uncle was. His mistakes finally killed him, but thankfully, my aunt and cousin have enough of his money to survive.”
“Then your cousin should consider himself most fortunate.”
“Indeed, he should.”
Silence reigned for the next few minutes. It was her turn to stare at the pond, but her mind was still on the incredibly handsome man sitting beside her, caressing her hand. Now that he knew about her family, she was surprised he wasn’t making up some excuse to get away from her. Most men would have done that. Perhaps Collin needed time to think about his escape first.
“Addie? Would you think it bold of me to ask you to take a stroll with me? The last time I asked you, we were interrupted.”
Her heartbeat skipped excitedly as she studied his shadowed face. Was he serious? He wasn’t going to leave her because of what he knew about her family? “I... um, no.”
His eyebrows creased together. “No?”
“No, I would not think you were bold for asking.”
The wrinkles in his forehead disappeared and he chuckled. “Splendid.” He stood and offered his elbow to her. She rose to her feet and hooked her hand around his elbow.
He led them away from the manor, further into the garden. Soon, they would be totally alone, but she wasn’t afraid any longer. She enjoyed his company, and from what she could tell so far, he enjoyed hers as well.
“Collin?” she asked, breaking the silence. “How long will you and Lord Kentwood be in Bath?”
“That’s not determined yet. I actually came with Kentwood, and I’m not certain about his plans.” He glanced at her. “Why do you ask?”
“I just wanted to know for how long I might get to see you before you leave.”
“Will you be in Bath anytime soon?”
She shrugged. “I could be. I go to the marketplace once a week.”
He chuckled. “Then I suppose I could arrange to meet you somewhere.”
Excitement shot through her. Things were falling into place so perfectly. She just prayed he didn’t know what was really on her mind. “I suppose I could borrow my father’s horse and ride out to meet you.”
He slowed his footsteps as he looked over his shoulder toward the manor. She followed his gaze. They were far enough away from the house that nobody could see them. Would that be reason enough for Collin to try to kiss her this time?
Suddenly, he made a sharp turn and headed into the thicket of trees. They didn’t go very far before he stopped and took her in his arms. Her heart soared with happiness, but once she slid her hands up his chest and gazed into his shadowed face, the mood between them changed. The air around her sizzled with anticipation.
“Forgive me if I’m wrong,” he said in a deep voice, “but I can’t help but wonder if this is what you want, too.”
She licked her dry lips. “I must confess, that ever since you gave me that rose, I’ve wondered what it would feel like to be held by such a strong man.”
One of his large hands cupped the side of her face. “That’s all? You only wondered what it would feel like to beheld?”
Closing her eyes, she snuggled against his palm. “Actually, I’ve wondered about more.”
“What else?” he whispered, brushing his lips across her cheek.
Her heart jumped so crazily, she could scarcely breathe. “I... I thought about kissing—”
Before she finished her sentence, his mouth covered hers. The contact was shocking, and she gasped, but the moment his tender lips moved on hers, she sighed heavily and leaned against his hard body. His hands roamed up and down her back, gently pulling her closer. She clung to his shoulders, answering his heady kisses the best she could since this was the first time a man had ever kissed her passionately.
Her head whirled faster and her heartbeat quickened. Yet, breaking away from Collin was the last thing she wanted. His kiss was meaningful, and made her heart expand. Warmth encased her, getting hotter by the second. For a moment, she wondered if he was quite ill, but she didn’t want to pull away to find out. Kissing him was much more enjoyable.
