we made was you agreeing to let me hold you.”
She giggled. “I had a feeling you’d say that. You’re an easy man to get used to.” She gently pushed his hand away. “Now, tell me about the books.”
He smiled in agreement to her suggestion, knowing he’d never be able to concentrate if he didn’t. As his hand brushed over her one last time, he promised, “Later.”
She managed a shy smile. “Later.”
They pored over the books for half an hour with her questioning and recalculating every step and him fighting the urge to touch her as he answered her questions.
When she took extra time refiguring what he’d already checked, he didn’t mind at all. As she studied the books one last time, he lightly began to brush his fingers over her gown. He’d gone long enough without the feel of her in his hand.
She’d grown used to him and except for now and then absently pushing his hand away she didn’t seem to mind his attentions. He kept his touch light, a promise between them.
Finally, when he thought he might go mad, she turned to him and smiled. “You’re brilliant. Now I have a reason to demand my uncle leave. It’s obvious he’s been robbing my father for months.”
To his shock, she leaned close and kissed him quickly on the mouth.
When she started to pull away, he whispered against her ear, “Do that again.”
And she did. Soft, light kisses that turned to fire as they lengthened. When she’d pull away her eyes were huge with wonder and her mouth pouty. Then, she’d smile and he’d ask for more.
They played the game until the housekeeper tapped on the door to remind them that it was well past dinnertime.
When they sat down to a late meal, neither seemed to want to talk. They both knew the bargain they’d set. As soon as Raymond left, there would be no reason for Michael to stay. Their time together was coming to an end and neither wanted to waste a minute of what they had left.
Finally, when they moved to the parlor with their cobbler, Cozette smiled. “You played your part of loving husband well. I’m growing very used to your kisses, sir.”
“You’re an easy woman to kiss, to cherish. That first man you knew, who hurt you and left you, was a fool.”
“How do you know he was the first man? Maybe I’ve had many lovers before.”
Michael shook his head. “In the study you were learning to kiss. If you’d had a lover, you would already have known.” He winked at her. “By the way, you’re learning very well.”
She blushed as she winked back. “I think I need a little more practice if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all. A woman with child should already have learned such things.”
He watched her carefully, guessing she was about to lie. “The truth, remember. Always the truth between us.”
She looked down at her bowl. “It’s worse than you think. He didn’t just hurt me and leave me with a child, he was paid to do so. Paid to dishonor me.” She gulped down a sob. “And somehow it is all my fault. I should have fought harder or killed him. I should have . . .”
“It’s not your fault.”
She shook her head. “My father said I have my mother’s blood. Several times I heard him tell my uncle that it was just a matter of time before I disgraced the family.”
He cupped her face in his hands. “I didn’t know your mother, but if you are like her, she must have been a wonder.” He moved his thumbs across her cheek. “Tell me about her.”
In the shadows of a dying fire she told him all she remembered of a loving mother. When she could think of nothing more, they sat side by side.
Finally, she patted his leg. “Thank you. I needed to remember. No one mourned my father’s passing but I remember how it was when she died. I think I cried today because I’m alone, not because I’ll miss my father.”
“You’re welcome.” He covered his hand over hers for a moment. “And you are not alone. I’m right here beside you.”
Standing, he pulled her gently up and kissed her cheek. “It’s time we called it a night. Do you think you can undress yourself tonight? I’ve work still to do on the books.” He didn’t add that he wanted to hide the records while Raymond was still in the house. If the books were lost, it