British Black Sheep - Lauren Smith Page 0,38
pudding.”
“Only the part that requires the brandy.” Alec leaned back in his chair smugly. “And that’s because you drink most of it.”
“Uh, guys?” Brie whispered.
“What?” they asked in unison.
“Everyone is staring,” Brie tucked her notebook under her chair and took a spoonful of the creamy pale soup, trying to ignore everyone else at the table.
“Would anyone like some sloe gin?” Byron asked after he shot his misbehaving sons an intense look.
“I would love a glass,” Simon replied before he winked at Brie from further down the table.
Relieved at the distraction, she was able to write more notes about the dark gin made from sloes. Byron explained that sloes were the fruit of Blackthorn plants which grew wild on the Merryvale property.
After a dinner of mince pies and beetroot chutney, the group retired to the salon to watch the countess light the tree. The main lights above them on the walls were dimmed and everyone counted down to one before Julia plugged in the cord. Brie held her breath in awe as sparkling, brilliant light illuminated the room.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Alec asked from behind her.
His hand touched the space between her shoulder blades, sending a shiver through her as he moved his hand down her body. “Yes.”
She was an instrument he was bringing to life right here in this room. The more he touched her, the more she wanted to make music. His offer of a secret tryst for just a week, just the two of them bound by passion, could she do it? They would simply be exercising their desires in a healthy way. It didn’t have to be about commitment. What was wrong with that?
She reached one hand behind her and he slipped his hand into hers. “Alec.”
“Yes?” He stepped closer, hiding the connection of their hands.
“Come to me tonight.”
He squeezed her hand to indicate he’d heard her, then let go and stepped carefully away. She joined Simon and Bridget, who were watching Brendan examine the tree.
“So…how was the hospital?” Simon asked her. “I’ve been there a few times. It’s a wonderful facility, but it’s difficult to see those children hurting.”
“Yes, it was hard but very much worth it.” Brie hadn’t been prepared for the pain at seeing those young lives and the lives of their families suffering. Yet she’d known it was important to visit and to give those kids a few minutes where they felt normal. She’d been amazed at how Alec had spoken with the children. He was quiet at first, but seemed so at ease with them by the end. She expected him to freeze up or be unable to relate, but the exact opposite had happened.
“So, what’s happening tomorrow?” Brendan asked as he joined them.
“More sledding? And visiting a Christmas fair in the village nearby, I think.” Simon looked at Bridget for confirmation and she nodded.
“Tomorrow is Christmas Eve,” Brendan reminded him.
“It certainly is.” Bridget laughed. “I hope Santa will find his way here for your presents.”
Brendan looked at his mother in the politest manner possible. “I hope he does too.” Brendan’s too innocent tone, however, implied he knew Santa didn’t exist. He left to pet the dogs who’d just come running into the room.
“It’s cute how he still humors me,” Bridget mused. “I hate that he’s growing up so fast.”
Simon put an arm around Bridget’s waist and leaned in to kiss her temple. “That’s why we had the twins, so you can do it all over again.”
Bridget kissed Simon’s cheek. “Oh, is that why?” With a smirk, he let her go and walked over to join Brendan and the dogs.
“You’re so lucky,” Brie said.
Bridget’s brows drew together. “Lucky?”
“Yeah, things with you and Simon work. You care about each other. It’s not just physical.”
Bridget seemed to understand what Brie was too afraid to say. “Brie, what happened with Preston wasn’t your fault. People who marry young don’t always know the difference between infatuation and affection.”
“Trust me. I know that now.” She looked down at her feet, her face a little flushed. “I’m just worried I’ll never be able to tell, you know?”
Her friend gave her a hug. “Just open yourself up. The universe will make something happen.”
Brie wanted to believe Bridget but couldn’t. She was too afraid to give her love life a second chance, She didn’t want to deny herself the chance to be with Alec. Maybe if she just embraced a relationship that was strictly a matter of lust and attraction, she wouldn’t be disappointed. Sex with him had been explosive, powerful,