Page 108 of If the Slipper Fits
“Don’t be daft.”
She glared at him.
“Nothing specific was said.”
“But they know,” she hissed, humiliated beyond measure.
He turned to look out the window toward the river. “They’re two intelligent men. Of course they know, just as they know precisely where to lay the blame for the situation.”
Blame.The word echoed in her mind. Did he even know what that one word revealed about his true feelings?Blameimplied someone was at fault. Implied someone made an error in judgement. The fact he viewed himself as that person didn’t lessen the sting.
“A good plan is in place. The first step ought to meet with your approval, at least.”
“Dealing with Bolton,” she murmured.
“Precisely.”
Without making the conscious decision to do so, she rose and joined him at the window. She simply wanted—needed to be near him.
“What did you and Kitty discuss?”
She gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I told her nearly everything.”
Caden eyed her with mock shock. “Was she scandalized?”
She gave his shoulder a half-hearted swat. “I saidnearlyeverything, including the fact that we are not actually engaged.”
Caden grunted. “What did she say to that?”
“She insisted I was mistaken.Me. About whether I’m engaged. I don’t know whether to thank you or scold you for this latest entanglement, Caden Thurgood.”
“You’ll let me know when you’ve decided, I’m sure.”
She gazed up at him.
Though the sun had not completely sunk, the moon had risen and its reflection off the river gleamed in his eyes, currently fixed on her lips. A muscle in his jaw ticked.
Her insides shimmered. A mind numbing, all-consuming need filled her, blotting out every other consideration. She wanted Caden to kiss her, now. To make love to her again, right here in his grandfather’s manse.
She opened her mouth intent on telling him everything he’d said about her wanting him to kiss her and touch her was true.
Abruptly, he tugged on his cuffs and sauntered for the door. “I’d best make myself scarce before the maid arrives and my presence scandalizes the household.”
She frowned, barely resisting the urge to chase after him. “You’re going? Now?”
“Hadn’t I better?” he asked, turning to gaze over his shoulder at her, all innocence.
“Of course,” she snapped out.
With a crooked grin of farewell, he exited the chamber. A moment later, she heard the antechamber door open and close.
She stared at the empty doorway, a cacophony of emotions roiling inside her. Restlessness and yearning, safety and warmth, happiness and belonging. Because she was here, with Caden, and he wanted to marry her.
Where was her affront at a marriage proposal born of duty rather than affection? She had until her marriage with Bolton was dissolved to figure out how to let Caden go. That was what she ought to do, wasn’t it?
Kitty seemed to think he cared for her. He must, beyond the call of mere duty, mustn’t he? Would that be so wrong a basis for marriage?
Probably. But she wanted it to be enough, God help her.
