Jocelyn closed the ledger she had just finished reviewing. She woke up early this morning, wanting to get a head start on the books, but she did stop by the kitchen for a slice of toast and tea before beginning.
“You needn’t worry. I ate this morn.”
Smiling, he stepped inside. “I am glad to hear it. Have ye found more instances of unaccounted transactions?”
She nodded. “Unfortunately, yes.” She handed him the list she was keeping.
He read through it, brows drawing down. She could understand why. The amounts were of substantial sums.
“I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”
“Nay. Dinna apologize for that. ’Tis exactly what I wanted ye to identify. And identify ye have.” He sighed, handing her the parchment. “Are ye almost through?”
Twisting her mouth, she dipped her head from side to side. “I’m more than three-quarters of the way done. But I still have a few to review. I hope to be done tonight.”
“I do hope ye dinna plan to work the whole day and night, Jocelyn. Ye have plenty of time.”
It was kind of him to say so. She wanted to make sure she was making herself useful. Dallying about and taking her time didn’t seem like she was being helpful.
He narrowed his eyes. “Ye’re going to work through the afternoon, are ye no’?”
The man could read minds. Or at least he could read her mind.
He shook his head, a wayward tendril of dark hair falling over his forehead. “No’ today. Ye willna be doing such a thing.” He planted his hands on his hips and looked around the small space. “Ye dinna get nearly enough light in here. Ye need a space that allows more sun. I’m going to move your desk.”
She jumped up. “You do not need to do that. Honestly. These accommodations are perfectly fine. I am thankful for them.”
“I willna take nay for an answer. But it may be the morrow before I can make the switch.” He pulled a watch from his jacket pocket and checked the time. I will be back in two hours. At which time we will go for a walk.”
It wasn’t a question, or an offer. It was stated as fact.
He crossed his arms as he looked at her, daring her to challenge him. Truth be told, she liked the idea. It would give her another chance to learn more about him. To see the softer side of him when he let down his guard.
She dipped her head and pressed her lips together to hide her smile. When she was sure she could keep a straight face, she met his gaze. “That would be nice, thank you.”
“I am glad ye agree. I will see ye then.” He spun on his heel and left the room, leaving Jocelyn wondering what she was getting herself into.
She hadn’t spent a large amount of time with the laird, but the time she had spent with him she enjoyed very much. Last night at dinner was a surprise. She didn’t feel like his employee. Rather his partner. No, that wasn’t the right designation either. She imagined last night would be what it felt like when two people were courting.
The smiles. The easy conversation. The sidelong glances that they hoped no one else noticed.
But just as soon as she thought such things, Victor popped into her mind, dampening her mood instantly.
She was still a married woman. She had no right getting involved with another man.
No matter how much care and concern he showed her. How handsome he was. How strong.
Lord above, Gunn could snap Victor like a twig with one hand. But that didn’t matter.
She may have escaped him, but she was still bound to him.
And she loathed that fact. Mayhap luck would be on her side for once and he would just let her go. It would be nice if he would not bother looking for her.
But that was wishful thinking on her part, and she knew it.
No, she knew Victor. Too well.
He would never stop looking for her until he found her. His ego wouldn’t allow him to lose her. He’d never be able to explain it away to his friends and he damn sure wouldn’t tell them that she left of her own accord.
