“My Lord,” she aimed her comment at Trey. “You need not fret. I feel well rested, thank you, and I would very much enjoy a ride with Lord Hawthorne.”
She stood and walked toward Dominic. “If you will give me a few minutes to change, I will meet you at the stables.”
He nodded. “Of course.”
She turned back to the dowager and Trey. “Please excuse me.”
Isabelle nodded, but Trey’s hard expression told Judith he wasn’t pleased with her decision at all. She didn’t wait for his answer, but turned and strolled out of the room. Besides, she couldn’t let him know what was on her mind. She’d yell at him, to be sure. Maybe flirting with Lord Hawthorne would help Trey out just a bit. By the time she reached the end of the hall, her smile was so wide it hurt her cheeks.
Just as she rounded the corner to the stairs, someone called out her name behind her so softly she almost thought she’d imagined it. But hard-heeled shoes pounded on the floor, making her turn to see who came her way.
Trey walked up the hall, not looking as angry as he had a minute ago. She halted near the stairs, holding onto the railing. Her heartbeat quickened. Would she be able to hold her tongue? Or would her temper take over?
He didn’t stop until he stood right in front of her, his hand covering hers on the railing. Her breathing accelerated and within moments, his desirable spicy scent surrounded her, making her want to cuddle in his arms.
“Do you want me, my lord?”
Trey’s blue eyes darkened, just as they had last night. Her throat turned dry.
Chapter Thirty-One
“You know Iwant you,” Trey whispered before clearing his throat and straightening as he pulled his hand away. “Do you think it wise to go riding with Hawthorne today?” he said louder.
Judith shrugged. “I don’t foresee a problem. Do you?”
His tongue darted out to swipe across his lips as his gaze dropped to her mouth. “Have you forgotten about last night so soon, my love?”
Her heart leapt. “I don’t think that’s something I shall ever forget,” she whispered. “However, from what I have heard so far today, I believeyouare the one who has forgotten about last night.”
He arched a brow. “Are you jesting? I could not sleep at all because you were on my mind.”
She wanted to sigh aloud from his comment. Instead, she lifted her chin, stubbornly. “Well, you definitely have a strange way of showing it.”
“What do you mean?”
“If you enjoyed what happened last night so much, then why are you making a list of future husbands for me?”
He growled and ran his fingers through his hair. “You do not understand. It’s the way things are done.”
“Well, I certainly don’t understand, nor do I approve.” She turned to continue up the stairs only stepping on the nexthigher, but he grabbed her wrist. His blue eyes pleaded with her, and her heart softened, if only slightly.
“If you don’t approve, then why do you insist on going riding with Nic?”
“What?” She blinked, shocked of what he said. Did she detect a hint of jealousy? But of course. Trey had already admitted that he was envious of Dominic. “I enjoy riding with him because he’s my friend. I love to ride, as well.” She smiled and stroked the side of Trey’s face. “Tell me the real reason you don’t wish me to ride with the marquess.” Her heartbeat quickened as she anticipated hearing his confession. He loved her—she knew he did, if only he would say the words.
“I—I—” His Adam’s apple jumped. “I don’t trust my friend around you, Judith. He’s a rogue. Just like me.”
She arched her eyebrow. “Just like you? I think not.”
He took her hand off his cheek and kissed her palm. “You are correct. He’s worse, which is why I cannot in good faith, allow you to continue going riding with him every morning.”
“Trey, you should not fret. Lord Hawthorne has not made any improper advances toward me, nor will he ever. He respects you and your mother too much to do so.” She squeezed his hand. “So please, have faith in me that nothing is going to happen.”
Silence stretched between them, except for the occasional laughter down the hall from Lord Hawthorne and the dowager who were still in the drawing room. Trey’s expression relaxed, but his mouth dropped into a frown.
“If you believe you are safe, then I will, as well.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Trey.”
