Page 67 of When a Duke Loves a Woman
She glanced at Thorne, and he wondered what it might take for her to come over and pat his cheek—or better yet, give him a kiss. That should send her brothers through the roof. Her gaze dropped to his tumbler, still half full. “I don’t think you understand the art of getting fuddled. You should have had three of those by now.”
He’d been nursing the one, filled to the brim, she’d brought him. “I prefer to savor. But feel free to send another over with your brother’s beer.”
After she gave a nod and walked away, Thorne retook his seat.
“So why invite us to stay?” Finn asked.
“Because I want you to tell me what Gillie was like growing up.”
The brothers exchanged secretive smiles.
“A hellion,” Aiden said as he dropped into his chair.
She wasn’t quite certain she trusted all the smiles and laughter going on at the table in the rear of her establishment, as she rather suspected she was their main topic of conversation, because every now and then Finn or Beast would glance over at her, looking quite guilty as they did it. They were no doubt telling tales on her.
“Your brothers seem to be getting on with your gent,” Roger said.
She was weary of stating that Thorne wasn’t her gent so she overlooked that portion of his comment. “I suspect they’re sizing him up.”
“As any loving brother would. Probably issuing a few dire warnings, too.”
They meant well but she was no longer a child in need of their protection. She glanced over at the clock and saw it was nearing midnight. “Time to close up shop.”
“Right-o. Hear, hear, mates! Finish up! Five minutes and out you go!” He began wiping down the counter. She went out into the main part to help her girls start clearing the tables as people departed.
“’Night, Gillie,” many called out to her as they headed for the door. This was her favorite part of the night, giving a hug here and there, offering a kind word to someone who might not sleep so well that night. It was also her least favorite as she hauled a few gents to their feet and worked to keep them on a straight path to the door. The worst moments came when someone got all blubbery. It didn’t happen often, but it was an embarrassment for both of them, especially when next they saw each other.
As usual, her brothers were the last to wander out.
“He’s not such a bad sort,” Aiden said as he hugged her tightly.
“He’s smooth,” Finn said as his arms came around her. “I don’t trust him.” But then he wouldn’t, not under any circumstances. Once he’d trusted the nobility and it had cost him dearly.
Beast was next, his embrace always her favorite because his size allowed him to envelope her in a safe and comforting cocoon. “Take care with your heart.”
She wanted to ensure him that she always did, but doubts regarding that particular skill were beginning to haunt her. She was keenly aware she fancied Thorne far more than was wise for a woman who owned a tavern. After seeing her brothers out, she turned, expecting Thorne to be waiting to have a word with her. Instead, following the example set by the men who worked for her, he was lifting chairs onto tables so the serving girls could go through more easily with brooms and mops. He’d set his jacket and waistcoat on the counter, rolled up his sleeves. She could see Polly and Lily fairly slavering at the sight of his magnificent forearms. With a quickness to her step, she crossed over to him. “You don’t have to do that.”
“If I help, the chore will be done more quickly, which means you can get out of here sooner. You have to be exhausted.”
“I’m used to it.”
“So tonight you’ll have a few extra minutes to yourself.”
Had he forgotten himself, his status? She very much doubted it. “A few extra minutes will be welcomed.”
It was amazing how much more swiftly everything got done with an extra pair of hands. He didn’t balk at hauling kegs or boxing up the empty bottles, but he pitched in, taking on any chore asked of him. When all was done and her staff had made their exits through the front door, she turned to watch as he once again made himself presentable. “Thank you for everything,” she said.
“I’m not finished yet. I’ll be seeing you safely home.”
“I can get my own self home. I do it every night.”
“Not tonight.”
Seeing no point in arguing with him, she locked the front door. “We’ll go out through the back, and check on Robin.”
The lad was asleep in his small bed beside the fireplace, the book Thorne had given him tucked up against his chest. Tenderly she brushed her fingers through his hair, then brought the covers up over him. After making certain all the lights were dimmed, and strolling through one more time to reassure herself all was secure, she led Thorne out through the rear exit and locked the door behind them. She wasn’t surprised when he took her hand, tucked it within the crook of his elbow, and escorted her down the short flight of steps and toward the taller ones that led to her flat. When they reached the stairs, she turned to face him.
“I’ll see you up,” he said before she could make any remarks.
