Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,310

that easy! After all, Tobias did have a say in what would come of…of their kiss, of that deep, unsettling, all-consuming feeling that made her heart race and her breath lodge in her throat. It was not merely her decision, but his as well.

“Promise me!” Phin insisted.

Anne nodded, unable to utter a single word.

Phineas grinned, giving her shoulders a slight squeeze before he walked away in the direction of the lake, a soft chuckle echoing after him.

Anne inhaled a deep breath, rubbing her hands together against the cold. Her thoughts were racing as much as her heart, trying to conjure the right words to say. Never had she been good at expressing what lived in her heart. Somehow it had always simply been a known truth between her and Tobias. They’d been friends, almost family. She’d always loved him, and he’d always loved her. They’d never said it, never spoken about it, and yet, they’d known.

They’d simply known.

How on earth was she to tell him what lived in her heart now? Was she simply to blurt it out?

Her feet carried her around in little circles, her gaze drawn to the other guests still engaged in a snowball fight, laughing, their faces flushed with excitement. Oh, if only she could join in and ignore the nagging fear that lingered in her chest!

“Miss Thatcher, what a surprise to see you!”

Anne almost groaned at the sound of Lord Gillingham’s voice behind her. Her eyes closed, and she inhaled a calming breath before turning to face him.

“I’d thought you’d remain indoors after your ordeal,” he remarked as long strides carried him closer. “Are you well?” His gaze swept over her.

Anne felt a shiver run down her spine; and this shiver was not of the teasing, tingling kind; the kind that stole one’s breath and quickened one’s heart. No, this shiver spoke of reluctance and unease. “I am well,” Anne told him, annoyed that he’d found her again. “As I’ve said before. Is there a reason you don’t seem to believe me?”

A hint of surprise came to his face at her harshly spoken words. “Not at all. I’m merely worried.”

Anne sighed, “I appreciate your concern; however, it is not necessary.”

“Would you like to take a stroll around the gardens?” Lord Gillingham asked, stepping closer and offering her his arm.

Anne glanced over her shoulder. “I’m afraid I cannot. I’m waiting for a friend.”

Lord Gillingham’s smile faded. “It seems we’re always interrupted.” He moved closer, and his gaze sought hers in a way that made Anne want to turn and run. “I lost not one, but two chances to kiss you today.” His gaze drifted lower to touch upon her lips. “But perhaps a third will present itself.”

Repelled by his frank words, Anne took a step back. “You’ve been very kind, my lord,” she told him, doing her best not to sound as repulsed as she felt, “but I feel compelled to inform you that…my heart beats for another.” There, she’d said it! Not to Tobias, but at least she’d managed to tell Lord Gillingham how she felt.

Thus far, Anne had been reluctant, hoping that the man would come to understand her short, indifferent answers and lack of interest for what they were. She’d hoped he would realize that she did not care for him and bestow his attentions elsewhere. However, it would seem open words were needed after all.

Lord Gillingham’s face darkened. “That cannot be true.”

“But it is,” Anne insisted, wishing he would simply take his leave and go. “My heart beats for another and has for a while.”

His lips thinned. “You’ve misled me,” he gritted out on a hissed breath.

Anne frowned. “I’ve done no such thing. I’ve spoken to you as a friend, no more and no less. But I am sorry if you’ve misunderstood my intentions.”

The look in his eyes remained hard and, instead of taking a step back, Lord Gillingham took one closer. “You−”

“I must insist you leave!” Anne objected to his inappropriate approach. No longer concerned for his feelings, she drew back her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Now!”

Lord Gillingham tensed, but he kept his distance. Still, he seemed more than a bit reluctant to comply, no doubt another accusation on the tip of his tongue. However, before he could give it voice, a snowball hit him hard on the side of his face, sending him sprawling into the snow.

“She’s looking for you.”

Lost in thought, Tobias flinched at the sound of his brother’s voice. “Pardon me?” He turned to look at Phineas