She did not see Marcus during this period, and she got the distinct impression that he was avoiding her. Worse still, if their marriage to date was any indication, he would continue to avoid her, keeping that distance between them, and erecting those walls once more.
What he needs is a push… a reminder of what can be. I saw it last night, he wants it, he just does not want to be the one who initiates in case things go wrong.
Lucy had to believe that if she pushed Marcus to spend more time with her and James, that he would do so. Just as she had to believe that he wanted her to. One more such occasion, a final firm reminder, and she knew that they would finally cross that bridge.
So it was that Lucy took things into her own hands.
It was early in the afternoon when she found herself approaching Marcus’ office. She knew what she had to do, and now it was just a matter of doing it. The key here was to be gentle with it, to not push too hard, while also refusing to take no for an answer.
Most of all, to not find herself in a position as she had last night, where reminders of their near kiss might just ruin everything.
Easier said than done…
She knocked once on the closed door and waited.
“Come in,” Marcus’ voice called.
A deep breath, Lucy tried to still her beating heart, and she popped the door open then stepped inside.
“Lucy!” Marcus balked at the sight of her. “I… I did not expect you.” Although his initial surprise was readily apparent, Marcus was quick to straighten and calm himself.
Lucy smirked to see how nervous he was, relieved to know that last night had affected him in similar ways that it had her. Perhaps even more so…
“I won’t take up too much of your time.” She closed the door behind her and walked to the center of the office. “I just wished to ask you something.”
“Of course.”
Lucy had always found her husband to be attractive. With his dark hair, darker eyes, and sharp features, there were likely fewwomen living who would not call him handsome. What had changed, she quickly realized, was her attraction to him.
When they first met, he was cold and sullen. Moody too, he stood always as if there were storm clouds gathering above his head that might break at any second. In truth, it had frightened her a little, the sense that at any moment he might unleash his rancor upon her just because he could. Worse, as if he might enjoy seeing her tremble.
Now, she knew how wrong this impression had been.
The darkness in him was not anger but loneliness. The sullen and morose mood was not his simmering temper, but a desire to push away anyone who might grow too close. He was emotionally closed off, but he was not wicked, and he certainly was not mean.
She met his eyes. She looked into them. She saw in them a faint spark, perhaps even excitement that she had come to him. It was that look that told her this was the right path to walk.
“I wished to know what you are doing tomorrow,” she asked simply.
“Tomorrow?” he blinked. “I have not thought about it.”
“You are not busy with work?”
He considered. “Not that I know of.”
“That is good.” She smiled so that he could see it. “I realized earlier today that I am yet to take James out of the estate. In fact, I do not know if he has been since you adopted him…” She raised an eyebrow.
“I… I am not sure.”
“He is young, yes, but that does not mean he needs to be cooped up here all day. So, I thought it might be fun to take him on a little adventure. Just a picnic, is my thinking. I am sure that he will love it.”
“Are you here to ask for my permission?” he frowned. “You know that is not necessary, Lucy. If you wish to take James on a picnic, feel free. I hoped you would know that you do not need to run such things by me like this.”
“Oh, that is not why I am here.”
“It’s not…?” His voice cracked as if he knew what was coming.
“I wished to ask if you would like to join us.” Her smile grew and she made sure to hold his eyes so that he had nowhere to look but at her.
