Page 56 of Magic Touch
I see the truth in her concerns. If I go to her world, I cannot continue as a gentleman. If she comes to mine, she cannot continue as a witch. "I shall think on what you've said. I do not take your fears lightly." I close my eyes and search the darkness for an answer where my heart isn't shattered. "There must be some middle ground. Is there not, Esme? Is there no existence where you and I find a place together?"
"I know of no such world." Her voice is soft and sad.
Her sorrow makes my chest hurt. "Then we only have this time in this cottage?"
"We had our time, and now we are stealing moments."
As I could find no argument for what she said, I left her room, and now stare at the ceiling of my own. I made her no promises, though she asked for none. Her point is well taken. If she is a bird, I am a fish. How do we make a life between the air and the sea?
Until I have that answer, I will keep our relationship to working on magic and friendship.
Perhaps it is for the best, but my chest aches with the truth.
It's not yet dawn, but the birds begin their song, and I give up any hope of sleep. In breeches and a shirt, I walk to the pond. It's too close to when the others will wake, so I jog through the woods and follow the stream to where it deepens into a small pool.
I drop my clothes on the bank and jump in. The chilly water wakes me up and cools my desire as much as possible. I'm never going to stop wanting Esme. I've accepted that, but bathing helps the physical aches at least.
"Do you want company in there?" Trina leans against a large oak. Her dress isn't properly fastened at the front and hangs off one shoulder. Her feet are bare, and her hair is unbound.
"No. I do not." It's not the entire truth. If Esme were willing, I'd love to have her bathe with me. Trina is a very pretty woman, but she's not the right woman.
Her bottom lip puffs out. "I'm younger and prettier than Esme. Why don't you want me?"
I wade farther into the pool. "It's not about that. I don't recall ever giving you the impression I would be interested in your favors."
She pulls the ties at the front of her dress, and the light blue cloth slides down and pools at her feet. "All men are interested. I learned that by the time I was fifteen."
I turn my back to her. She's clearly unashamed of her body, and she's no reason to be. How did I get myself into this? More importantly, how will I get out? "Trina, why are you doing this?"
"I would think that's obvious." Water sloshes behind me.
It's a small pool. There's not much space to maneuver away. "Spell it out for me, as I'm a bit slow."
"I'm a woman, and I see the way you look at me. I suspect Esme holds her virtue too tight, and you've been without a woman for some time. You hardly seem like the kind of man to take a servant to your bed, so Anne would be safe. I like a bit of fun." Her fingers touch my shoulder.
Turning, I grab her wrist. "It's a generous offer, but no, thank you." I move to the right to pass her.
She's fast and blocks my path. Her breasts are above the water and her nipples are pointing up in invitation. "Don't run away, William. I'm not going to trap you into a marriage. Witches aren't like those fine ladies you're used to. All I ask is for some satisfaction, and in return, I promise to give you pleasure."
Everything she says is somehow abhorrent. I suppose many men would be flattered and eager, but this is not the woman I want, and despite her obvious attributes, nothing about Trina attracts me. Wrapping my hands around her waist I lift her and toss her into the deepest part of the pool.
I hurry out of the water and pull on my breeches.
Sputtering, she stands up. Her eyes are narrowed on me, and it's obvious she's angry.
"Again, I appreciate the offer, but my answer is no." I pull my shirt over my head.
She climbs out and stands naked in front of me. "Are you under some religious constraints? What kind of man are you?"
I bow. "The kind whose interest lies elsewhere."
Without giving her time to respond, I turn and practically run back to the cottage.
Esme is eating breakfast in the front room. She sees me and raises a brow at my wet hair and shirt.
Trina's voice echoes from outside. She's muttering something about treading on twigs in the woods.
With a shake of my head, I go to my room to dress for the day.
