Page 75 of The Thief
Chapter Sixteen
Scarlett looked up at the door when she heard a knock.
“Come in,” she called, sitting up and resting her book in her lap, keeping her place marked with her hand.
She quickly slipped her shoes on, not wanting to be caught shoeless in the library. Alastair stuck his head in and she smiled, watching him as he came in and sat down.
“Hello,” she said, grabbing her bookmark and putting it in her book before closing it completely.
“Hello,” Alastair replied, looking at the stack of books she had gathered and stacked next to her on the coffee table. He found one that he wanted and grabbed it, kicking off his shoes and getting comfortable.
Scarlett watched in amusement and couldn’t resist chuckling. He looked up at her and held the book.
“Fabulous book. You must read it when you get a chance.”
“I already have actually. I read it not but a few days ago.”
He smiled brightly. “Did you enjoy it?”
She contemplated the question for a moment before answering, “I did. I did find it a little bit slow to get going but it was excellent after that.”
“I agree.”
He leaned forward as if he was going to tell a secret. She leaned in and he whispered, “I came here to escape our mothers.”
Scarlett giggled; she couldn’t help it.
She crooked her finger, indicating for him to lean in and whispered, “So did I.”
He chuckled and that sent them both into a fit of laughter.
Alastair and Scarlett had told their other parents about the engagement the day after Lord Dundamear’s ball and they regretted it now. Their mothers had decided to extend their stays to plan their children’s nuptials.
Babette and Antoinette had been there at least five weeks, and even though they were sworn to secrecy, they already had everything planned for when they could go ahead and let everyone know.
“We don’t have to worry,” Babette stated. “We will just finalize all the arrangements once this messy business is all hashed out.”
Scarlett doubted it would be that easy.
She laid back against the cushions and opened her book, kicking off her shoes and getting comfortable once again. He did the same, leaning back and getting comfortable once again to enjoy the quiet and read.
A few hours later, Scarlett looked over, surprised to see him fast asleep, his book slumped on his chest. With a chuckle she stood, setting her book down and going over to him. She slowly removed the book from his hands, setting it on the table next to him.
He shifted a moment, making her worried she woke him. When he was still, Scarlett grabbed the blanket that was laid across the back of the couch, placing it over him. He sighed and Scarlett just stared at him for a few minutes, relieved to see that at least when he was asleep, he was relaxed and not worrying about her.
She leaned down and kissed him softly on the forehead, her heart full of so many emotions. She hadn’t spoken to Alastair about what her and her father discussed; Scarlett was unwilling to put her heart out there just yet.
Being unsure of his feelings, she waited until she was unsure about hers.
She was confused because she really did like spending time with him, and when they were together, they were happy.
When she was alone, she missed him and wanted his company.
“Scarlett…” he whispered, breaking her from her thoughts.
She looked down at him in surprise, her heart in her throat. When she saw him still sleeping, she let out the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Slowly she stepped away, going back to the couch and sitting down, gathering her book up and continuing to read.
Some time went by and Scarlett was surprised by a knock on the door, Bard announcing from the other side that it was lunch time. Scarlett stood and stretched, her muscles tight from sitting in the same position for so long. She looked over at Alastair, still asleep, and smiled. She was sure he would wake up, but he must have been so exhausted that he needed a long nap.
