He reached out and caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry.”
Her breath hitched, and then a small sigh escaped her throat. His heart picked up its rhythm again, and he wanted more.
With a sinking heart, he knew that would never happen.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Are her needs being met?”
It was her turn to widen her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but then quickly bit her lip again.
“Camilla? What is on your mind? What are you avoiding telling me?”
She gave an uneasy laugh. “It is really not my place to ask what I have to ask, and I don’t want my request to upset you.”
He took a lock of her silky hair and rubbed it between his finger and thumb. “You will not upset me, I promise.”
She took a deep breath. “I would like to get better care for my sister, but—” She paused. “But she doesn’t have the funds to pay for a professional physician. I was just wondering, if… if…” She bit her lip again.
He smiled and cupped her face. “You were wondering if I could pay for a physician.”
She nodded. “Mainly the hospital stay.”
“And you couldn’t ask me this before now?”
“I was too frightened.”
“Frightened of what?”
“That you would say no.”
If she had asked him for money the day she came back from Preston, he would have definitely refused. But now… Well, now their situation was different. Was it because they were in the same bed together and he experienced those heated feelings awakening inside him again? And there was a definite change about her since she’d returned. Dare he hope she was reforming?
“How much do you need?”
Her lips stretched into a wide grin, and her eyes twinkled like midnight stars. She grasped his hand, unaware she had dropped the blanket, which pulled his attention to her lovely bosom, and especially the thin pink nightdress she wore. Why had she worn such an enticing gown?
“Oh, Malcolm, thank you. You are such a wonderful brother-in-law.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she stopped. Her jaw dropped.
“Brother-in-law?” he asked, momentarily forgetting about her nightgown.
Her laugh was strained. “I mean my sister has such a wonderful brother-in-law. You don’t know how relieved I am at your willingness to help. Indeed, you are a gracious man.”
She would quickly change her mind if she could read his thoughts right now. The longer the fullness of her breasts pressed so seductively against the flimsy nightdress—giving him wonderful images of what possibly lay underneath—the more he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her. And yes, he wanted to make love to her.
Maneuvering himself, he leaned over her. She withdrew into the bed, and her eyes widened. “You better watch what sweetwords you say to me, my dear.” He ran his finger over her lips. “I might get the impression you like me.”
Her pretty features broke out into a genuine smile again. “But I do like you.”
Inwardly he groaned, fighting for control. Those weren’t the words he wanted to hear right now. It was hard enough not to act upon his lonely, manly urges. “You have a strange way of showing it when you are sweeter to other men than your own husband.”
Her other hand slid out from under the covers and touched his cheek, caressing his skin so very tenderly. “That was a different woman, Malcolm. I have changed. You will not see me behaving that way ever again.”
His breathing became ragged. “Just for humor’s sake, let us say I believe you. Tell me, if you plan on living a proper life, will you allow me in your bed?”
Her chest rose and fell quickly. “I um… Well, I don’t think I’m ready,” she answered slowly. “Although in time—”
“That is what I thought.” The stab of rejection dug directly into his heart. He yanked his hand away. Rolling on his side, he turned away from her. “I don’t wish to hear any more tales tonight. Good night, Kat.”
