in Rome. This was a holiday purely to enjoy the sights of Italy. It was indeed a fortunate turn of events that Mr. Armstrong had arrived in her life. Ava had mentioned very little about Hugh, she had never met the gentleman, and had assured Molly that he was away from the city for the duration of her stay.
How very fortunate she was that he'd come back and decided to stay. Her trip to Rome already in the day she'd spent with him had been tremendous, and she hoped just the start of many more to come.
They came up to the door to her room, and she paused, turning to face him, having to glance up due to his towering height. "Thank you for the wonderful night. I shall treasure it always. I cannot remember the last time I had so much fun."
His lips quirked into a grin, his eyes inviting and warm. "The pleasure was all mine, Molly." He leaned down, the brush of his lips against her cheek making her breath catch. Should she turn just the littlest bit, their lips would meet. The scent of sandalwood teased her senses, and unwittingly she reached out, clasping his upper arms. Strong, toned muscles met her fingers, and she had the overwhelming urge to squeeze his flesh, see if it was indeed as strong as it felt beneath her fingers.
He pulled back, watching her. Time stood still. Her stomach fluttered when he didn't move away. She could kiss him if she wished. Did she want to? Did he?
Oh yes, yes she did, very much. His gaze dipped to her mouth, and liquid heat pooled at her core. Her breath hitched, she fumbled for the door handle, pushing herself into her room, and away from temptation. "Thank you again, Hugh, for the pleasant evening. Goodnight," she said, not waiting for his reply before she closed the door.
She stood there a moment, forcing herself not to move, not to wrench open the door and jerk him into her arms, taking from him what he was so obviously offering.
The sound of retreating footsteps sounded in the hall outside, and she breathed out a relieved sigh. She couldn't throw herself at him. They were starting to be friends. He was going to be showing her about Rome some more and the surrounding countryside. She could not jeopardize any of that. She wouldn't. Her time here was so precious, to start a love affair with a man she would not marry would be the worst decision she could ever make.
Her cousin played that game of giving herself to someone before wedding vows were spoken and had paid for her error of judgment with her life. She would not be another silly chit to be fooled by a handsome face and sweet words.
No matter how alluring that may be.
The following day Hugh was impatient for her to visit the Vatican, and by the time she had broken her fast in her room and come downstairs, a carriage was waiting for them to take them to their morning location.
If he missed her at breakfast, he did not say, and nor was she willing to give an excuse as to why she had not ventured down. After their almost-kiss last night, embarrassment had kept her upstairs.
Why she was acting like a blushing debutante, she did not know. From Hugh's easy manner and charming self, he seemed oblivious to what had transpired between them.
"I shall ride on the box if you do not mind, Miss Clare," her companion said, smiling up at Mr. Armstrong's manservant, Marcus, who had already sat on the driver's seat.
Molly took in the secret little smile between the two and wondered if her companion, too, was embarking on her own adventure, one of her heart. "Of course, if you wish."
"If you need anything, do let me know. I will have Marcus stop the carriage."
"Miss Clare," Hugh said, holding out his hand to help her climb up in the equipage.
Molly braced herself to feel his touch and fought to school her features when her body thrummed at his presence, his voice, and warmth.
"Thank you." She swallowed her nerves and climbed up into the carriage, settling back onto the squabs and waiting for Hugh to join her.
The carriage dipped as he climbed inside, he rapped on the roof, and the carriage lurched forward.
His usual affable self, he seemed pleased to be with her again, no hint as to what had transpired between them in the early hours