Page 26 of The Earl's Secret
“Must be,” he said, and she was glad to see that he, at least, also seemed somewhat shaken by their kiss. Or maybe he had hit his head as he had fallen – she couldn’t be completely sure. “We should be getting back.”
“We should,” she said, and it was only then she realized that she was still lying completely flat on top of him, her breasts pressed against his chest, as a certain protrusion was digging into her stomach.
She gasped when she realized just what it was and she scrambled back off him, although perhaps a little too quickly as he let out an “oof” when her elbow landed soundly in his stomach.
“Sorry,” she muttered before she got to her feet, holding out a hand to help him up. He eyed her with a quirk of his brow before he did take her hand but pushed himself to standing without actually giving her any of his weight.
He didn’t let go once he came to his feet, and it was then that the first raindrop fell, landing on Cassandra’s nose and then rolling right off it to the ground.
“We better hurry,” he said, tugging at her hand and pulling her along with him. They kept a good pace as they hurried down the hill, mindful of their footing on the wet surface as they went. Cassandra had to take quick steps to keep up with Devon’s long legs, but she was as motivated as he once the raindrops fell faster. She was wearing a morning gown, one which allowed for some fluidity of movement, but of course she had nothing like the freedom provided by the breeches Devon wore.
Cassandra truly wouldn’t have minded the rain – that never scared her – but then lightning rent the darkening clouds and the sky let out another crack of thunder. She couldn’t help the cry that escaped her, and Devon turned around, pulling her in close by his side as he now ran with her held against him instead of walking behind him. Cassandra didn’t want to admit how much comfort she found with his strong arm around her waist. She had always prided herself on her ability to take care of herself, no matter what came her way, but she would take what he offered in this moment – at least until they were safe within the house.
They had just reached the gardens when the rain began to come down in torrents, and they sprinted the rest of the way along the manicured paths until they reached the side of the house, climbing the slick stone steps before Devon pushed open the glass library doors, which were, thankfully, unlocked.
They stood there in the entrance, dripping wet, staring at one another in shock. Devon’s eyes were intense, and as he opened his mouth, she knew exactly what he was going to ask – was she all right – but before he did, she took in his hair plastered to his head, the water dripping down his face, his soiled, expensive clothing, and she couldn’t help herself.
Her lips curled up into a smile, and then she began to laugh.
Devon’s mouth dropped open in incredulity as though he thought she had gone mad, but after a moment it appeared his resistance grew thin, and his own lips widened as he joined in her mirth.
Soon they were laughing together as the rain dripped off of them, and Cassandra didn’t know how long they would have stayed like that had thunder not boomed again outside of the window, and she jumped – right into his arms once more.
They wrapped around her as though they had been prepared for her, and she froze as she realized just what she had done – she had gone to him for comfort.
“I’m sorry,” she said, nearly tripping over her feet as she stepped backward, immediately missing his warmth.
“Nothing to be sorry for,” he said, clearing his throat as his eyes wandered away from her face and down her body, and she followed his gaze – then gasped when she realized what he was staring at.
The rain had wet her dress, and the fine muslin was now plastered to her skin, the pale yellow of the fabric doing nothing to hide her nipples, which were now practically protruding through the dress. He cleared his throat as he looked away, although his cheeks had turned a shade of red at how obviously affected he was by her.
“I should—”
“You should—”
She laughed nervously as they both spoke together.
“—probably go change,” she finished.
“Yes, I do not suppose your mother would be pleased to discover that you were caught out in the rain.”
“I could explain it, but she would have questions.”
“We probably should not have been unchaperoned.”
“No, we most certainly should not have been.”
Goodness, but she despised this awkwardness between them. She supposed it was a result of the simmering tension that had begun in the ruins – or the moment she had laid eyes on him once more, if she were being honest – but one way or another, she had a feeling that this had to be put to bed somehow. She just wasn’t sure how they should go about doing so.
* * *
Devon didn’t seeCassandra for the rest of the day – nor the next. He knew they should have been searching, but she had claimed a headache and remained in her room, or at least far from him. He knew the truth – that she had been as affected as he by how close they had grown the previous day, and she likely was equally unsure just what they were to do about it.
At some point, however, they would have to discuss it, and he wanted to be prepared. He wondered what she would say if he told her how he truly felt. He wasn’t sure she was quite ready to put the past behind her.
All he could do for now was show her that he was not the man he had once been – and wait for Gideon to return. For once he saw Gideon again, he was going to tell him what he truly felt for his sister, and ask permission to court her properly, to do this right – if she would let him.
Cassandra finally appeared at dinner, her cheeks pale until she looked at him – and then he noted the rosy hint that appeared, telling him it was as he thought, and she was having trouble remaining close to him without remembrance of all that had happened between them – and all that could still occur if they continued on.
