by Laura Mills
“Oh, forgive me, I’ve awakened you,” Robert said as he gave her an apologetic expression.
Waking her wasn’t her concern at the moment since she’d just realized her fingers brushed along naked skin, her own exposed skin, while standing in the doorway of her home before John’s partner and even worse, his best friend.
Robert acted oblivious to knowing where her thoughts had traveled but the sudden change in her sleepy look prompted him to question her. “Are you all right, Miss Howard? You look distraught?”
She replaced the shock on her face with a kind smile. “Melissa, please.” In a flash she turned away from him and crossed her arms over her chest to conceal any exposure of her body through her nightgown. She invited him in while she hobbled back to the couch. “Please, come in,” she told him as she retrieved her wrap from the couch. As she closed the wrap around her body she gestured for Robert to sit down. “Have a seat,” she offered.
“Thank you,” he said, sitting in the wingback chair across from her. His hand loosened its grip on the package he carried, reminding him of its purpose. “By the way, this is for you,” he told her as he handed it over to her. “It’s cakes and muffins and such. My friend Rose made them.” Robert watched her unwrap the folded linen and saw her eyes widen in delight when observing the array of treats.
“They look scrumptious. Please thank her for me,” she told him as she kept her eyes on the single cake she brought to her mouth.
“Rose is quite the baker. I have to limit myself of her treats or I will ruin my perfect physique,” he chuckled. Melissa didn’t respond verbally but nodded with a mouth full of cake.
His laughter declined when he spoke again, “My condolences regarding your father.”
She had just swallowed the last bit of cake as her eyes took in his pleasant features. “Thank you, Robert, if I may call you by your first name?”
“Of course. I see us as friends. You are a part of our team, are you not?”
Licking the remaining crumbs from her lips, she responded, “Well, yes. I mean, I started out that way. I’m not sure now that my leg is ruined.” She looked away from his concentrated stare. She was using her leg as an excuse when she shouldn’t have. By now the doctor had approved of her riding again as long as she kept up the strengthening of her leg. Could the real reason for her statement be because of the intimacy she had engaged in with her mentor? Could she continue to work with him under the circumstances?
Robert appeared baffled. “I thought with exercise your leg would be fine, regarding riding, at least?”
Does he know what happened between John and I, she wondered. “To be honest Robert, it’s confidence that concerns me. My leg may be dead weight. I’m not sure how John feels about that, if he still has confidence in me, that is?”
“Why don’t you ask him?” he suggested.
There was hesitation, then the truth. “Because I’m afraid to hear the answer,” she confided.
“I think you should ask anyway. You can’t deny he cares about your welfare?”
“No, not at all. He’s been here practically every day.” That was until she had asked him to leave because of his reluctance to indulge her about his mother.
“Well then, the next time you see him, ask him. Then your confidence will be restored.”
Melissa’s brow lifted in curiosity. “So then, you’re sure that he hasn’t given up on our arrangement?” she asked.
“Has he given any reason to show different?” Robert countered.
“No. No, he hasn’t,” she rushed out.
“I’m curious about something, Melissa. Forgive me if this isn’t the proper time, but it’s been bothering me since we met in Dublin.” He had attained her full attention. “When I mentioned being at John’s manor the day of your accident, I noticed you tensed immediately. Did my being there have anything to do with your accident?” he questioned.
“Why would you think that?” Melissa asked him as her body tensed.
“I’m not sure, but for you to run off before John arrived, I thought perhaps someone or something had upset you.” Robert looked worried, like he was accusing himself.
“Yes, I was upset. But your being there did not cause my accident Robert.” This was her moment to discover the truth and learn how wrong she’d been. “I have an inquiry of my own. Around noontime on that same day, were you in John’s library?” She saw his brows crease at the question.
His features softened when he recalled that not only had he been in John’s library at the time specified but what he’d been doing in there. A blush of color heated his face. “Yes. Yes I was,” he admitted, leaning forward and without further explanation, snatched a tempting cake.
Melissa hadn’t noticed the cake he took because the truth had been verified. Just to make sure she asked another crucial question. “Robert, did you have a lady friend with you?”
Bloody hell, she must have heard us, he thought. He had sincerely hoped his cheeks weren’t turning red but was doubtful because he could feel his cheeks warming as he answered her, “Yes, it was Rose. How did you know?”
It was Robert and Rose, not John and another conquest. She sighed as she responded, “I was bored waiting for John so I thought I’d look over the collection of books he’d talked about. When I got to the library door I heard voices, a man and a woman’s.”
In abrupt realization it dawned on Robert the scene that must have taken place before Melissa. It would be hard on any woman to hear what Melissa had heard, but knowing Melissa and John’s intimate history he couldn’t blame her for escaping like she had. His hands covered his face, no longer from embarrassment but from the fact that everything had turned upside down. His fingers combed through his thick hair. It all made sense now. “You thought that I was John?”
He’d figured it out on his own. That was good because it would humiliate her to explain every detail. “Yes.”
“And that he was with a woman?”
She delayed in answering, even though the answer became apparent. “Yes,” she acknowledged.
“Well, everything is clear now,” Robert replied in good spirits.
“What do you mean?” Melissa questioned.
“Well John, Charles and I have been beating our heads against the wall trying to figure out why you took off the way you did. It will be a relief for all when I tell them the reason,” he explained.
“Robert, no,” she responded sharply, causing Robert to look alarmed. “Please don’t tell John or Charles for that matter. He may mention it to John,” she pleaded.
“What do you mean, lass? John needs to know. He’s mentioned you’ve been upset with him and he doesn’t know why. I presume it’s because of what you thought to be true. It will relieve him to know the explanation.”
“He cannot,” she begged.
Now he understood her harsh reaction. She was humiliated. “He needs to know something Melissa. You had reason initially to be upset but John is unaware of your reasons,” he attempted to convince her.
“You’re absolutely right, Robert, but I feel ashamed as it is,” she agreed although her eyes remain full of worry.
“You’d go on letting him think otherwise?” Robert asked, trying to see her point of view but knew it was unfair by not explaining to John.
“No. I don’t know,” she said on a defeated breath.
“His reaction may surprise you. You need to tell him,” he ordered as he pointed a finger in her direction. “In fact, you two need to sit down and have a long talk about everything. Clear the air, as they say,” he recommended since he knew both sides of the story.
Melissa grew wary of his solution. “You know more than you’re letting on, don’t you?”
He gave a handsome, devilish grin. “Not every detail, Melissa. But I am John’s best friend.”
He didn’t have to say any more as she guessed the extent of Robert’s knowledge. Robert knowing about the intimacies between she and John didn’t bother her as much as she thought
it would. Robert seemed caring and concerned about his two friends. She supposed he was right when he suggested she and John talk. She owed John at least that much, and more, to make up for her unreasonable behavior. She gave Robert a sincere smile. “I think that’s exactly what John and I need to do. The next time I see him we shall talk,” she told him and since John had said he’d see her in a week that gave her enough time to prepare an appropriate apology.
“Good. It eases my mind that you two will work this out,” he told her as he returned her smile.
While Robert rambled on about the progress he’d had with his students and how it hadn’t matched the progress she and John had made, Melissa drifted into ways of telling John about the misunderstanding she’d had, concluding that there wasn’t any way around the truth. He needed to know and a week’s time remained for her to prepare.
The front door burst open and Miss Beckett trailed in with supplies piled high in her arms. Robert rose from the chair to help her.
Melissa hadn’t thought of her auntie’s reaction finding her alone with an unknown man. Her aunt smiled when Robert lightened her load but she remained distressed. “What is it Auntie?”
Miss Beckett set the rest of the items on the hardwood floor. “My aunt has taken ill,” she said in disbelief. “I received a message while in town. I’m afraid I must go to her.”
As if there couldn’t be any more bad news. “Which aunt?” Melissa inquired, knowing what a large family Miss Beckett had.
“Theresa.” She stepped over to Melissa and sat next to her. “Oh love, will you be all right by yourself?”
She covered her aunt’s hand with her own. “Yes, but I’ll go with you if you like?”
Miss Beckett shook her head, squeezing Melissa’s fingers. “No, that’s not necessary, love. You need to get better. I’ve already made arrangements to travel with cousin Harriet.”
“Good. It comforts me to know you’re not going alone. Is there anything I can do?”
“Just get better. I feel guilty leaving you like this . . . so soon after,” Miss Beckett swallowed to contain her tears. Emotions had run high all week with the passing of Melissa’s father and now with her aunt. It seemed unbelievable to deal with so much tragedy in one week’s time.
Melissa used the edge of her wrap to dry the tears forming in her aunt’s eyes. “Auntie, please. Don’t feel guilty. I know how close you are to your aunt Theresa.”
Robert kindly interrupted. “Pardon me. If it will make you both feel better I’ll send John out to check on Melissa. He lives close by and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
Miss Beckett shifted toward Robert, her eyes narrowing. “May I ask who this young man is?”
“Oh, forgive me, Auntie. This is Robert Gibson, Lord Blackburn’s partner and friend.” Melissa informed her.
“Well,” she spoke with creased brows, a look of interrogation taking place. Then her face softened and a teasing smile curled on her lips. “I think you have a superb idea there, Mr. Gibson.” A hand shot out to his. “I’m Miss Beckett.”
“Miss Beckett,” Robert said as he bowed, “Allow me to escort you to town. I was just leaving myself.” He turned in Melissa’s direction. “I will send John out at once.”
“So soon? That isn’t necessary.” A week, I need a week, Melissa cried in silence.
Miss Beckett cut in. “Oh that’s a marvelous idea, love, that way I won’t have to worry about you.” She sent Robert another smile. “I better get packed.” She scooted away, climbing the stairs to retrieve her things.
Melissa stood, astounded, as Robert made further suggestions. “Melissa, you’re putting it off. Unfortunately for your aunt she has an ill family member. Fortunately for you and John, now you’ll have time to talk.”
She witnessed Robert’s wicked, matchmaking grin. “Robert Gibson, you’ll pay for this!”
He didn’t respond right away to her playful threat. He wanted her to ponder on it awhile, think about the right thing to do. He was about to reply when Miss Beckett came down the stairs lugging a couple of bags.
She entered the doorway of the sitting room, dropped her bags, and went over to Melissa to hug her goodbye. She lifted away and made a request. “Knowing that Lord Blackburn will be caring for you, would you mind if I take a week’s time to be gone?”
Initially Melissa did not want to agree, but for her auntie’s sake she did. “Of course. Take all the time you need. I’ll be fine.”
“Bless you, love. One week’s time should be enough.” Miss Beckett started looking around the room as if taking inventory. “Oh, I’ve prepared some food. You should be all right.”
After placing a kiss on her cheek Melissa chuckled at her auntie’s mothering ways. “I’ll be fine. Now get going so you’re not late.”
Miss Beckett smiled. “All right, love. Be good.” She went to lift her bags but Robert took them from her and carried them to his carriage. Miss Beckett started to follow Robert when she remembered something. “Oh, Melissa love, there’s some soup on the stove ready to eat.”
“Goodbye, auntie. I love you.”
She watched her aunt’s stout little body turn and leave. Leaning over she grabbed another cake, biting into it as she heard the carriage leaving. Her throat tightened when trying to gulp down the delicious treat as anxious feelings started dominating her body. Being alone hadn’t distressed her as much as the thought of John stopping by. Together they would be alone.
The plan was to talk. She would even make him supper and surprise him, then they could talk some more and he would be on his way. She rose off the couch and decided to heat up the soup that was already prepared. She had a clumsy shift in her step when trailing to the kitchen. John had been right. She had pushed her leg too far too soon. As long as she took it easy she could rest again. All she needed to do was warm up the soup.
Not only was there hot soup simmering on the stove, the cabin itself had been whipped into shape. Blankets were folded and placed in a neat pile. Supplies left by her aunt were picked up and put away. The dining table held two candles casting a glow of light across their best dishware. There was a cup of tea for her and a glass of brandy for him, and with everything else shimmering, Melissa had chosen to wear one of her mother’s evening dresses. Her parents’ room being downstairs invited the perfect opportunity. She selected a longtime favorite, a satin evening dress the shade of blushing carnations adorning a trim of snowy white ruffles. Putting it on, Melissa transformed into an ambience of femininity laced with elegance.
John finished settling his mare in the Howard’s barn. Sliding his leather pouch over his shoulder he strode to the front door. He started to knock and then thought it would be less hassle if he just let himself in. Melissa would be expecting him.
Upon entering her home an appetizing aroma filled his nostrils. He strolled to the doorway of the sitting room and when he didn’t see her, he continued to the kitchen. On his way a glint of burning light caught his attention. He stopped to observe the dining table. His mouth curved upward. What kind of plans had she for them? This was unexpected.
Approaching the kitchen doorway he had to suppress a groan that threatened to make his presence known. There she stood, wearing a light cherry colored dress that cascaded around her like she was an angel as she stirred whatever it was that she was cooking. Her hair lay loose down her back, sparkling like solid gold. He ached because he was already aware of how soft it was, remembering how it had slipped through his fingers as he was caressing it.
A familiar presence taunted her. She breathed in a whiff of a familiar scent, a masculine, forested scent that made her body flush. He was here, she sensed it, and she found she’d been correct after turning her focus onto the most handsome man she’d ever known. Oh dear, she wished he’d stop looking at her like that. The gaze he gave could make her forget about supper, forget about the talk, forget everything except him and diving into his luscious world.
His eyes lit up as his mouth gave her a grin that sent
a spark of heat to the feminine core of her being. Her body had recalled his touch and all it required was that look he presented.
“I see you’re making supper for us?” he asked out of hope, enjoying her cheerful disposition. Earlier when Robert had approached him about Melissa, telling him how she’d be alone for a week, he hadn’t hesitated. His doubts were dealing with her sour temper, especially when he’d let her know he’d be staying with her until her aunt returned.
Her smile held promise of a generous mood. “Yes, for us. It isn’t anything fancy, I have to warn you.” She scooped a spoonful. “Come taste it for me.”
He wasn’t about to let the opportunity of closeness go by. Stepping in her direction, he stopped before her and opened his mouth. She lifted on her good leg to feed him.
On purpose he sipped in slow deliberation from the spoon. His lips were wet and his tongue licked at the wetness. He watched her dip the spoon in nervous anticipation back into the soup. “Tastes good,” he told her, reminiscing about the time they had spent in the barn almost a month ago.
His motions were personal. How could they not be, licking his mouth the way he had? “You like it then?” She wouldn’t look at him as she asked. Her hand on the wooden spoon kept stirring the well-stirred soup.
He slid the strap of his pouch off his shoulder, holding it gathered in his hand. “Yes, very much,” he told her as his stare lingered a second longer before he shifted to walk out of the kitchen.
Noticing his movements and now glancing at the back of his form, the leather pouch stood out. As he went to turn the corner of the kitchen doorway she inquired. “John?”
His stride halted. “Yes?” he responded, turning toward her.
“What is the pouch for?” she asked, pointing at it.
He was about to diffuse her joyous mood. “It holds my belongings.”
“Pardon me?” It sounded like he planned on staying awhile.
“You heard me,” he told her in defense.