“I promise,” he whispered deeply, which sent excitement through her, kicking up her heartbeat another notch.
They reached the dress shop and when they entered, he released her hand. Emptiness consumed her, and she wanted to return to his side, to look closely into his intoxicating eyes. But she couldn’t. It wasn’t wise to become so close to him, especially in public.
Timidly, she walked to the mirror where the young seamstress waited, assuming her position. Trey leaned against the wall with his arms folded across his chest as he watched Judith. A lazy grin stayed on his handsome face, even all the while Mrs. André chatted beside him. From time to time, he nodded at what the shop owner said, but he didn’t take his gaze off Judith.
Her breath caught in her throat, making her mouth dry, yet her body became consumed with an ache she couldn’t describe. All she knew was that she needed to be next to him while he comforted her. Plain and simple, it was torture, and shelonged for that kind of pleasure. Even now, while everyone stood around them.
Hours passed, yet time didn’t seem that long. Soon they were done and leaving the shop. Trey took her hand and placed it over his arm as he escorted her outside, with the dowager ahead of them. He walked them to their coach then turned, took Judith’s gloved hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. His eyes darkened even more as his lips lingered in a soft caress.
“Please forgive me, but I must return to my office.”
Words were stuck in her throat and all she could do was nod as he straightened.
“Thank you, Trey, for coming to dear Judith’s rescue.” Isabelle patted his cheek. “You are such a kind-hearted man.”
“You are too free with your compliments, Mother.” He kissed her cheek. “Do not hesitate to contact me if you need something.”
“Of course, my dear. I believe we are done here today. You will, I presume, be home for Judith’s dinner party.”
“I shall certainly try.”
“Splendid.” The dowager held out her hand for Trey to help her into the coach.
He turned to Judith and took her hand, too. His fingers caressed her palm gently, sending shooting sparks of fire through her body. When he cupped her elbow, her skin nearly burned with fervor.
As she settled in her seat and watched him until the footman closed the door, her heart sang with gladness. Would she always feel this way about him? Heaven help her if she did. She couldn’t fawn over a man who would never settle down and marry. If she did, she was only inviting pain and heartbreak.
But stopping her thoughts from heading his way, and her body from quivering whenever he touched her was beyond hercontrol. Indeed, she would suffer, and learn to deal with this torture.
Chapter Twenty
Anticipation pumped throughTrey as he paced the study, holding a cut crystal glass of Bourbon. Judith’s dinner party was tonight. He could hardly stand the wait, and it wasn’t because of his hungry stomach. Tonight, a different kind of craving surged through him.
For the past few days, he’d stayed away from the estate, making more investments with Dominic, which promised to double both their bank accounts. The time was spent wisely, yet being away that long made him anxious. It nearly killed him when he had to tell Judith good-bye at the dress shop.
Now he couldn’t wait to see her again. Would he act like a smitten schoolboy? All he could think about these past few days was kissing her endlessly. The only thing stopping him was the scandal and subsequent disgrace it would cause his sickly mother.
Besides, Judith wanted a husband, Trey reminded himself. Since he had no desire to obtain a wife, he must stay far away from her no matter how hard the struggle. She tempted him beyond reason. Once he found her the perfect husband, he couldn’t touch her again.
The bell at the front door announced more guests, which the butler would show into the drawing room where his mother and Judith would undoubtedly greet them. Behind the closed door ofhis study, he didn’t want to see her yet. Couldn’t until he had a hold over his uncontrolled emotions.
He sat on his cushioned chair and took another swig of his drink, realizing his performance tonight needed to be better than Judith’s. It wouldn’t be good if his mother’s guests noticed how Judith’s nearness affected him. Tongues would wag as the gossipmongers went to work. Once again, the Worthington family would be at the center of a scandal, and Trey couldn’t allow that to happen.
From out of nowhere, a memory slammed into him of when Judith and he were younger. This was probably one of the last times he saw her, and her body had started to grow and mature. His mother was having a weekend party at their estate, and Trey had noticed how the boys his age were giving Judith more attention than Trey thought she should have.
Closing his eyes, he drifted back to yesteryear…a place he didn’t like to visit very often.
Trey stood behind a tree and spied across the yard. Why had Judith and her parents come to this event? Couldn’t he get away from the little nuisance justonesummer?
Yet this summer seemed different for some reason. Her hair was browner. Longer and prettier. She wasn’t as chubby as she’d been last year. In fact, without walking up to stand by her and measure her height, he would guess she had grown since he’d seen her last year. And her dress…
He shook his head and blinked, not believing what he saw. Good heavens, but she actually filled out her bodice a little better. Then again, she was in her twelfth year if memory served him correctly, and that was about the age girls started blossoming.
Two of Trey’s friends stood by her. Their eyes twinkled with mirth as they laughed over something she said. Trey rolledhis eyes. What in heaven’s name could they find so humorous? Judith’s personality was as dry as a day-old piece of bread. Yet these boys seem to think this country girl was something special. Trey knew differently.
Within seconds, a third boy joined the little group as he brought her a glass of punch. She smiled sweetly and lowered her gaze as if shy. Trey snorted. She was definitely notthatshy.
He moved his focus from her to the other families gathering for the weekend party. How could he enjoy himself with his friends with Judith here? It was bad enough her family came to his family’s estate once a year, but Trey never told his friends he and his brothers had to entertain the girl. Now… Inwardly, he groaned. His friends would certainly laugh at him if they knew.
