Her eyes sparkled as he stared deeply into them. Standing in the sunlight, the golden flecks lit up her eyes even more.
She nodded. “Then you must call me Nicole.”
“My pleasure, as always, my enchantress.”
NICOLE HOPED HER EXPRESSION didn’t reflect the excitement rattling through her body from his compliments. The man would always be known as her Prince Charming because she still felt like a fairytale princess while in his presence. Several times already, her heartbeat quickened, and her knees weakened. She wasn’t used to this out-of-control feeling she had whenever he was around, but for once in her life, she quite enjoyed playing the part of the helpless female. Then again...she wasn’t really playing. Her emotions were all over the place, and she liked it.
Unfortunately, she would have to end their relationship today. Or put it on hold. The Metropolitan Police—and her family—came first. This queen needed Nicole’s family to help find her stolen money.
The sea was a beautiful color this afternoon, a mixture between green and blue. Small waves rippled in the water from the gentle breeze. Although the air had turned slightly chilly, the excitement inside her kept her blood running hot. However, she didn’t want him to know that in case he wanted to keep her warm somehow.
Working as with her detective father all these years, she knew what parts to play, and flirting was not foreign to her. She knew how to bat her eyes to get her way, and she knew when to pretend she was cold just so the man would offer his jacket or, better...put his arm around her. This would be the perfect time for that.
However, they were still out in the open for curious eyes to witness. She didn’t want the news getting back to her aunt and uncle that she was seen with a man who had his arm around her. Nevertheless, she did want a few private minutes with him and maybe encourage him to give her more kisses...if they could find a secluded spot.
“Forgive me for being so bold with this statement,” Ashton said after a few moments of silence, “but I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since last night.”
She released a small sigh and gazed into his eyes once more. “Indeed, you are bold, but I must confess the same. You have been on my mind since you caught me falling off the stairs.”
“Then I’m happy to know we agree.” He winked. “However, I think I know why I’m so intrigued with you.”
She arched an eyebrow. “You do? Please tell me.”
“I think it is because of the mystery surrounding you. Sometimes you act innocent, and yet other times, I know you are not. Sometimes you lead me to believe you are shy, but then you turn around and follow me into the private spot of the yard to steal a few kisses—as what happened last evening.”
Worry set in her chest, even though she tried not to let her expression show it. Perhaps she didn’t know how to act around a man she truly liked. She hadn’t been herself for so long. Maybe she had forgotten how.
She shrugged. “Have you come to a conclusion as to why you believe I’m this way?”
His grin widened. “Not yet, but I intend to keep digging to discover your secret.”
Panic tightened her throat for a mere second, but she convinced herself there was no way he would ever know her true secret. “Then I encourage you to continue trying.”
Chuckling, he nodded. “Oh, believe me, I shall.”
“But you know, speaking of lies, I have something to confess.” She shrugged. “Last evening, when we talked about Lady Reynold’s maid, you mentioned a name—Mrs. Hemsworth. I quickly agreed that was her, but this morning, I realized that her name was Mrs. Johnston.” She laughed lightly. “I suppose you knew one of their other maids.”
His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. Holding her breath, she waited for his response. Hopefully, he wouldn’t think she had lied about this as well.
Finally, his face relaxed, and he nodded. “That is good to know. I thank you for being truthful with me.”
“But of course. I’m sure it is just a trivial mistake, but still...I felt you should know, nonetheless.”
“I’m glad you told me.” He glanced ahead of him and nodded toward the distance. “Strolling along the sea is pleasant, but I fear it is too chilly for you.”
She followed his gaze and noticed a small fisherman’s shack not far up ahead. Dare she hope his thoughts were as wicked as hers? “Did you have something else in mind?”
This time when he looked at her, mischief darkened the color of his eyes and made her heart beat erratically. She was relieved to know his thoughts were very wicked.
“Indeed, I do,” he said. “However, I’m reluctant to say.”
“Why, may I ask? You have been bold in voicing your thoughts so far since we met. What is stopping you now?”
His gaze traveled over her face slowly as if trying to read her better. She didn’t want to seem too forward because, in reality, she was innocent. Yet, after experiencing his kiss, she knew she wanted much more.
He cocked his head. “I take it you like it when I’m forthright with my thoughts?”
“I would rather a man be that way than to tell me one thing and believe another.”
