“You are trying to trap me into marriage. I recall telling you before that women have tried many times, but they have not succeeded. I will not play these games, Judith.”
Sighing heavily, she relaxed against the seat. “Honestly, Trey. Do you really believe I wanted to court Henry Pratt? Do you really think we suit? You know me well, so tell me honestly. Would I have been happy married to him?”
He studied her solemn expression, and the way she gazed deeply into his eyes. Why did she have to ask that question? Why did she fight him so? Yet it was in her nature to go against his opinion. She enjoyed debating issues with him. And God help him, he loved it. That was one of the things he admired most about her, her willingness to use her brain instead of her body.
He chuckled. “No.”
“You didn’t answer all parts of my question.” She arched a brow.
He grinned wider. “No, no, and no. There. Is that better?”
She kept silent for a few moments as her gaze wandered over him. With each second that passed, her smile softened.
“No, that’s not better,” she said, then lifted off her seat and moved to his, sitting right beside him. “Now this is much better.”
He groaned and closed his eyes, resting his head back against the wall of the coach. It was dangerous for both of them to be this close. He couldn’t fight her. He didn’t want to. But he must.
“Trey,” she whispered as she stroked his chin, turning it to look her way. “I wore this gown for you and only you.”
“What am I going to do with you?” Opening his eyes, he shook his head.
Her smile widened as she cuddled beside him. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
“No.” He cupped her face. “I already know your answer.”
“Tell me why you continue to find me a potential husband when you know I will fight you every step of the way?”
“You are a stubborn woman, Miss Faraday.” He ran the pad of his thumb along her bottom lip. “You are also refusing to see the truth of the matter.”
She leaned into him, her mouth hovering below his. “Trey, I know you want me. Why can you not see I want you just as much?”
Groaning, he brushed his lips against hers. His heart hammered against his chest, threatening to break his ribs. Did he care? Not at this particular moment.
Judith cupped his face as she met his soft kisses, but the more she pressed against him, the more hunger invaded his senses, and being gentle drifted further and further out of his mind. With a loud moan, he wrapped her in his arms and crushed her against him as he deepened the kiss.
She pulled away, looking into his eyes. Emotion etched itself all over her expression, and although she didn’t say the words, he knew she was in love with him. His heart leapt, yet his mind tried to crush it. He couldn’t have her saying those words to him. He didn’t know how he’d react.
As she opened her mouth to speak, he shook his head, not wanting her to say the words for fear he’d break her heart when he didn’t repeat them back.
“Trey, I—”
“Shh…” He said, then kissed her lips again. “Don’t say it.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t wish to hurt you anymore.”
“Then don’t.”
“Can’t you see? I have no other choice. It’s the kind of man I am.”
Scowling, she pulled away from him and crossed her arms over her chest. “I refuse to believe that rubbish.”
With a deep sigh, he relaxed and pushed his fingers through his hair. “Oh, Judith. Why can’t you believe me?”
“Obviously, I know you better than you think I do. The man I know is kind, understanding, and forgiving.”
“Then I have put on an excellent performance.”
