“I was thirsty, so I came to get some water.”
It was then that he noted the jug in her one hand and the glass in the other. “I see.” And by god did he ever, from a pair of shapely breasts that would fit quite perfectly in his hands, to the way her belly curved down toward that secret place between her thighs.
Without even thinking, he flexed his fingers.
Stay.
Don’t even think about trying to touch her right now.
“I should probably go back to bed.” She hesitated briefly. “You’re still welcome to come lie down next to me if you like. If that would make you more comfortable.”
By all that is holy...
“I don’t think so,” was all he could manage to say.
She nodded, hesitated some more while every muscle inside him screamed for something he wasn’t willing to allow. Until she moved out of sight, blending in with the darkness, and allowed him to relax as much as a man could relax when he was fully aroused with no chance of release.
He muttered an oath.
“What was that?” she asked from the bed.
“I said, good night,” he grumbled.
“Good night to you too,” she replied.
Christ and all his apostles, this woman would put him in Bedlam if he wasn’t careful. So as much as he knew he’d regret parting ways with her soon, he had to acknowledge that they could not arrive in Sheffield fast enough. It was now a matter of preserving his health.
Chapter Three
WHEN LEONORA WOKE INthe morning, she found Philip gone. He’d left a note for her on the bedside table though, informing her to meet him downstairs as soon as she was ready. She glanced at the pendant watch she’d placed on the bedside table for the night. Good heavens! It was almost eight o’ clock. She never slept this late.
After leaping out of bed, she dressed with haste, did up her hair in a quick chignon and hurried downstairs.
“How long do I have for breakfast?” she asked Philip when she happened upon him in the foyer.
“About half an hour. I was actually coming to wake you.” He smiled, his dark eyes warm in the light of day. “Our fellow passengers from yesterday have already gone. They took an earlier coach that departed at five.”
