Page 29 of Hot and Bothered in July
She didn’t know what to say. She had not expected him to be so candid and forthcoming with his emotions. This was not the conversation she wanted to have. It confused her, especially when she had decided that she would happily give herself fully to Reed. It would have been much more preferable if Michael had continued his attempt at humor, rather than reveal his innermost longings. His words were causing a slight hesitation, a whisper of doubt to coil within her that she did not like at all.
Instead of acknowledging anything further, she decided it would be best to change the subject. “We should head for the next?—”
“Sariah, wait.”
She paused. She told herself to keep walking, but the soft, intimate way he said her name made her stop. Perhaps it wassome sense of obligation since they had known each other for such a long time, but something deep down told her it was more than that.
He removed his gloves and then reached out and took her palm and grasped it between both of his hands. “Forgive me for being so bold, but I was hoping that I might be granted a chance to redeem my past failings and court you now. I know that you are promised to Mr. Carrington, but can he really make you happy? Can he give you the things you need, that you deserve? I am willing to give you my protection, and someday, something more, if you are willing.”
Sariah froze. She had known that this moment was going to arise eventually. He was too attentive not to make an overture at some point. She just didn’t think it would be quite that soon.
While she was momentarily stunned that he was doing it in the midst of a crowded lawn full of people, it was not any more shocking than the fact that the touch of his hand did not stir her soul like Reed did. It was a revelation that she should have known from the beginning. A childish crush could never be confused with the adoration she felt for Reed, the all-consuming passion that coursed through her veins when he was near.
She slowly disentangled herself from Michael’s grasp. “My lord, trust me when I say I am humbled and honored by your proposal, but please understand that if my heart were not already engaged to Mr. Carrington, I would gratefully accept your suit. Unfortunately, that is not the case.”
His expression fell slightly, but he managed to drum up a slight, consoling smile. “Then you truly do love him?”
Sariah’s heart began to race at the very thought. “Yes. I do.” Saying the words aloud made her yearn to rush across the green expanse and throw herself into Reed’s waiting arms, but she refrained from doing so. There would be plenty of time to showhim how much he meant to her tonight. Once the merriment was over, they would engage in their own brand of entertainment.
“Then I wish you every happiness together.”
As he started to walk away, Sariah had a thought. “Lord Michael, if it is not terribly inappropriate of me, might I offer an alternative?”
Chapter Twelve
Reed drummeda hand against the doorframe of the cottage, anticipating the moment when Sariah arrived. They had contrived to meet in secret, each slipping out after dinner and sneaking to the assigned location. He hoped he had given appropriate directions on the note he’d given to her ladies’ maid to deliver. He knew that Sariah trusted Sophie implicitly. She would be the only person who knew where her mistress had gone for the evening.
A crack of a twig nearby caught Reed’s attention and he snapped to attention, his head swinging in that direction.
His heart began to pound when he spied a figure emerging from the shadows of the nearby trees. They made the perfect shelter for this seductive oasis.
As she drew closer, Sariah removed the hood of her cloak and smiled. It was so brilliant, so full of adoration and confidence that he was humbled by the sight. He moved toward her and swept an elegant bow. “My lady. How good of you to join me this evening.” He held out a hand and she took it with a slight twist of her lips.
“Doing it up a bit brown, are you not, Mr. Carrington?”
He grinned. “I certainly hope so.” He sobered as he brought her against his chest. “This is one night I want you to remember vividly for the rest of your life.”
“Vividly?” she breathed. “Then it had better be good.”
He smiled, his roguish demeanor returning. “On that, you can be assured. I have not received any complaints yet.”
She lifted a brow, as if offering a silent challenge. It was one competition he was determined to win.
As he led her into the cottage, he heard her gasp lightly when she spied the array of flickering candles in the main room. He knew it would be warm to light a fire, and the small flames would offer a more alluring atmosphere. However, it was the wildflowers spread over the floor, offering a fragrant scent that she seemed most pleased with.
She closed her eyes and inhaled. “Beautiful.”
“They pale in comparison to you.”
Her eyes fluttered open and her lips parted, her amber eyes darkening. He could tell it was an invitation to kiss her, but he was not going to rush this moment. It was imperative he do this properly. The man he had been before he’d met Sariah was gone, and he was determined that he never return. He was prepared to embark on a new adventure with her by his side when he had shunned such connections over the years.
She was different. He’d known it from the moment he’d spied her walking across the Pond. He knew his life would never be the same. And it hadn’t.
After following a path of wildflowers toward the rear of the cottage, he finally released her, so she could gain her first look at the scene he’d set.
Flowing, sheer drapes framed the cushioned window seat, the crystal-clear windows offering an inhibited view of the sun, just starting to dip below the horizon. Red rose petals were scattered in front of the seat, their strong fragrance permeatingthe air with a heady aroma. White silk sheets concluded the perfect haven.
It had been rather difficult to construct his vision without drawing unwanted attention to his actions, but luckily it was another task that Sariah’s ladies’ maid had been willing to assist with. He was fortunate that, other than her sense of discretion, the servant had a romantic bent to her heart.
