Would she ever find such a man?
A small knock rapped on the door. There was only one person who was awake at this hour, and in her confused and depressed state of mind, it was unwise to let him in.
Problem was, she truly didn’t want to get rid of him.
*
“Who is it?”
Trey stood in front of Judith’s room, resting his palm on the door as if mentally reaching to her through the solid oak barrier. The crack in her voice said it all. Telling her about Mr. Cutler had broken her heart. Trey couldn’t let her suffer alone. Whether or not she knew it, she needed him. Needed his comfort. Just as he needed hers.
“Judith, please let me in,” he whispered, hoping everyone in the house had gone to bed by now.
From the other side, feet padded to the door and stopped. He waited for her to allow him entrance, but so far, that hadn’t happened. He must convince her he was only here to comfort.
“Judith, my sweet. I cannot let you hate me like this.”
“I don’t hate you, Trey.”
Her voice was too soft for him to believe her. “Please, let me in so I can explain.”
The doorknob clicked and the door opened. She peered at him through the small gap and shook her head. “Go to bed, Trey. I don’t wish to talk tonight.”
His stomach clenched and his heart ached. “I fear I cannot leave. I must know you are all right.”
Through the small amount of space the cracked door had to offer, he pleaded with his eyes as he kept hold of her puffy-eyed stare. Finally, she nodded and stepped away from the door. He pushed through then closed it.
Just like his study, not much light illuminated the room. Only a few candles cast shadows everywhere. He sucked in a quick breath. It would be nigh impossible to keep her at arm’s length tonight.
She folded her arms and walked to the window. She pulled back the curtains only slightly, letting in a sliver of moonlight from outside.
“Judith, I want to apologize.”
“Why? You were only trying to help,” she said over her shoulder. “It’s not your fault Mr. Cutler has deceived me and everyone else he comes in contact with.” She lifted her fisted hand to her mouth as if she held back a cry.
His heart cracked with emotion. Seeing her distraught was more than he could bear. Taking soft steps, he moved closer until he stood behind her. Long chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders and back in a seductive wave. Tenderly, he stroked the hair resting over her shoulder. “My heart is breaking for you, my sweet. Tell me what I can do to make your pain disappear.”
Beneath his touch, her body quivered. Heat surged through him, stronger this time. She’d always responded well to him, and he smiled from the knowledge he still affected her.
“Trey,” she whispered. “You really must leave. This is not proper.”
She didn’t need to tell him what his mind continually repeated every time they were together. Yet, right now, he couldn’t abandon her.
He stepped closer, clutching both of her shoulders as he pressed his face into her hair. The scent of roses filled his head, making him dizzy with wanting. “You need not think in such a way. I’m here to share your pain. When you hurt, I hurt.” He kissed her head. “It’s because of me you are hurting, and I want to take it away. Please, allow me to comfort you, my love.”
A deep sigh came from her as she leaned back against him. On impulse, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her closer. She caressed his arms but didn’t remove his hold.
He nuzzled her ear before moving his lips over her lobe. She shivered and clung to him.
“It tears me apart to see you cry, knowing I’m the one who caused you such agony,” he whispered. “Did you really love him?”
She tilted her head back to rest on his shoulder and met his gaze. “I have been asking myself that very question tonight. I think I was in love with love and the idea of marriage, more than I was in love with Mr. Cutler. He was the first man to really give me attention.”
“I cannot believe that. You are a very beautiful woman.”
“Most men do not share your thoughts.”
“They are blind fools then.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “So you really didn’t love Mr. Cutler?”
