Page 64 of Courting the Country Miss

She grew serious. “I know, Tristan. I do.”

She did know. In spite of her sometimes-snide comments about his debauchery, she understood him a great deal—better than anyone. While others assumed he seduced other men’s wives and preyed on the innocent and frequented brothels, Leticia knew somehow that he had always been selective. Little did she know he had recently become extremely selective. Could a man of his previous nature become celibate—at least temporarily? The thought left him wanting to gasp for air. But he was finished with meaningless affairs with meaningless women. The past year had almost fit the bill for celibacy, anyway, and he’d survived that.

She shifted but left her hand in his. “Can I get you anything—water or medicine?”

“Water.”

While she poured a glass, he rolled over onto his side and propped himself up with his elbow, grateful his valet had dressed him in a nightshirt so Leticia wouldn’t have to see more of his skin than she should. The compassion in her expression sent another bolt of guilt through him.

Softy she asked, “Are you in pain?”

“I think I’d rather have gotten shot in the shoulder again. That hurt in one place instead of my entire body.” He drank from the glass.

“You’re lucky you’re alive. A fall that bad should have broken every bone in your body.”

After handing her the glass, he lay back and closed his eyes. Had Appleton suffered or had he died in an instant? His family must be overwhelmed with grief.

“I know.” His throat tightened.

Leticia enfolded his hand in both of hers. He hung on to her as if she alone protected him from his demons. While she remained near, those demons stayed in the farthest shadows instead of surrounding and overwhelming him. He must do what he could to keep her untainted by his darkness.

“You shouldn’t be alone in my room, Tish.”

“You? Lecturing me on propriety?”

He opened his eyes and shot her a baleful glare. “As I seem to keep pointing out to you, I am aware of proper behavior.”

She smiled, her expression gentle. “The door is open. Besides, I doubt anyone considers you a threat in your condition.”

“I don’t want you to suffer any more because of me. I’ve been a great disappointment to you.” He gave up the struggle to keep his eyes open.

She laid a hand over his, so soft, so warm, so comforting. “That’s no way to talk. Right now, you concentrate on getting better. We can discuss your many sins later.”

Grimly, he said, “I don’t want to talk about them. I want to stop committing them. I’m doing things differently from now on.”

“Very well,” she soothed. “Hush now; don’t worry about it.”

She didn’t believe him; she was humoring him. He’d have to prove it to her. He had a great deal to prove to a great many people. He would change. He would show everyone he could be a better man.

Her voice sounded very near his ear. “Tristan, stop worrying. All will be well.”

He released a long exhale and kissed her hand. “I’m glad you’re here. You heal me.” Holding her hand next to his cheek, he relaxed. The pain eased with her touch.

She wiggled her fingers out of his. “I should go and let you rest.”

He gripped her hand. “Stay. Please stay.”

She huffed her amusement. “A moment ago, you said I shouldn’t be in your room.”

“You shouldn’t.” He kissed her hand again and pressed it against his face.

“I’ll check on you later this evening.” Her clothes rustled as she arose, and she leaned over to kiss his cheek.

He lifted his head and turned his face to allow her easier access but at the last second, she turned her head the opposite way than what he’d anticipated. Their lips touched—an accident, of course, but shockwaves from the kiss nearly knocked him out of bed.

She didn’t move away. He kissed her in earnest then. To his surprise, she responded. The softness of her lips, the gentleness, all wrapped up in her sweetness, filling him with a thrilling energy unlike any he’d experienced. He’d shared similar moments with scores of women, but none came close to the purity, the happiness, the safety of kissing Leticia. She embodied warmth and beauty and love. At last he’d found that missing piece of his life.

She gasped and drew back. He tried to focus on her face but the halo-like glow surrounding her blurred her expression. Was she shocked? Horrified? Repulsed?