“Have you remembered anything more—before that?”
“Not since we danced.”
“Are you talking about the memory you had of burning yourself?”
“Well that—and recalling being taught to dance when I was in my tenth year.”
His eyebrows rose. “Indeed? What did you remember?”
“I was with a boy older than me and we were both being instructed on how to dance. We were in a grand ballroom, much like yours.” She frowned. “But that’s all I remember; not any more about the instructor or even the boy who was with me. Although…” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I know I wore a pretty pink frock and had bows woven through my ringlets.”
“How extraordinary.” Trevor stood, walked around the desk and sat beside her. He took her hands in his. “Slowly your memory is returning. And, the more you remember, the more I feel you were never a servant. That is the very reason you have not been able to do the duties assigned you.”
She nodded vigorously. “Those are the thoughts I have had as well. Although”—she lost her smile again—“I don’t want to get my hopes high only to discover all of this was a dream.”
“No, Louisa dear, I don’t believe this is a dream.” He squeezed her hands. “If you don’t mind, I will ask around to see if anything tragic happened in the past several years, like a family dying or a daughter being taken from her family.”
Sighing she smiled. “Thank you, Trevor.” She pushed her fingers through his hair. “The Lord certainly blessed me when He put me in your path.”
He chuckled. “Even though I nearly killed you with my curricle?”
“Yes. Being hit by you was probably the best thing that happened in my life.”
He shook his head. “Don’t say that until your memory returns. You may end up hating me after all.”
“Never. Hate is the furthest emotion from my heart right now.”
Silence stretched between them as his gaze smoldered. She sighed. His blue orbs were so captivating. His lazy smile made her heart flip. What she wouldn’t give to have him look at her this way all the time, and for it to be right.
“What do you feel right now?” he asked softly.
She sucked in a quick breath as her heart hammered. Dare she tell him? As much as she’d like to confess her feelings, she dared not for fear he wouldn’t return them. Yet, studying his expression made her realize he might indeed feel something for her… something stronger than just an employer and his servant.
“Oh, Trevor.” She breathed heavily. “I fear that telling you what’s in my heart will be no good for I am but a servant and you, my master.”
“What if you are not a servant? What if you are an heiress or your father is titled?”
“Trevor, I don’t dare dream of such things, especially if discovering the truth will only break my heart. I cannot give my heart away and have it crumpled when my memory returns.”
Nodding, he leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. “I understand completely.”
An awkward silence grew thick around them, only their ragged, mingled deep breaths were heard. His breath smelled like the wine he usually drank before his evening meal. As she breathed in his masculine scent, she wondered why he didn’t pull away from her. Did he want her to make the first move? She couldn’t. Being this close was too nice. So wonderful. She didn’t want it to end. Ever.
Finally he moved, but instead of pulling away, his arms slipped around her waist as he pulled her closer. At first she thought he just meant to hug her, but soon his lips brushed over her cheek, heading for her mouth.
Although she knew it was wrong, she wanted this. Wanted him.
Before his lips found hers, she turned her face and kissed him first. A moan tore from his throat as his arms tightened around her. He turned the kiss wild, slanting his head and opening his mouth for more. She answered back just as urgent, winding her arms around his neck. Breaths blended, tongues danced, and lips caressed as if they couldn’t get enough. She knew she couldn’t. She wanted more. So much more.
He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Releasing a deep sigh, she weaved her fingers through his thick hair. Soon the kiss softened and became more meaningful. She responded with all the emotion blooming inside of her. Without a doubt, she loved him. But confessing would not be right. Not until they knew about her past.
Finally, Trevor withdrew and gazed tenderly into her eyes. A heart-warming smile graced his beautiful mouth. A pleasurable moan escaped her lips.
He drew his fingers over her cheek. “I should ask forgiveness, but—”
“None is needed.”
He placed a small kiss on her mouth. “I can’t stop myself, Louisa. Heaven knows I should, but I cannot.”
