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The words sent a little flutter of pleasure through her. He leaned in and brushed a brief kiss to the side of her temple. She jolted at the sensation, twisting so that when he did not move their lips collided.

She froze, as did he. But it was not long before the warmth of his mouth seeped into hers. He groaned and cupped the back of her neck. His fingers were slightly rough, probably from the work he had done on the fence, and they were warm, oh so warm. However, it was his mouth that kept her attention. He moved his lips across hers, and her entire body heated, her pulse pounding in her ears. She responded in kind, mimicking his movements, her eyes closed as she absorbed every second.

Theo broke the connection slowly. He kept his hand on her neck and his lips a mere inch from hers. His gaze searched hers, but she could not be certain what he was looking for or else she would have given it to him. All she knew, was that she wanted another of those kisses. That it had been unlike anything she could ever have imagined.

“Lucy,” he sighed. “What am I to do with you?”

Kiss me, was what she wanted to say. But the words were trapped in her throat.

He straightened and shoved a hand through his hair. “What am I going to do with myself?” he muttered. With a slight bow, he moved to the door. “I shall leave you in peace to manage the menu.”

“Theo—”

He did not wait nor turn around. Who knew if he even heard her?

She touched fingers to her lips—lips that were still tingling. Dropping the pen, she lowered her head to the desk and rested it against the cool wood in the vague hope it would calm her racing mind and beating heart.

Why did he kiss her? Why would he do such a thing? Especially if he was intending to have her married off. Why did these moments keep happening?

Only she knew she wanted it to happen again. More than anything. Almost more than she wanted to remain at this house. For that man, she suspected she would do anything.

Chapter Ten

Theo’s lips twitched as he watched Lucy battle with an umbrella. The summer weather had given way to what would likely be a brief spell of wind and rain. Droplets trickled down the gallery windows, blocking his view somewhat—which he resented thoroughly.

The umbrella turned inside out, and she fought to hold onto her bonnet. He would go and help her in just a moment, but he rather liked watching her from here. Hell, he rather liked watching her from any distance. But at least here, he would not have to address his behavior toward her. For the past several days, they had been skirting around each other. She kept sending him little sly looks that made his blood heat. Every now and then, her lips would part as though she was remembering the kiss.

That damned kiss.

He could tell himself that he regretted it. That Lucy did not know what she was doing, that she was innocent, and he had taken advantage. But he would be lying to himself. And he would be doing Lucy a disservice.

There were few women as smart as Lucy, and she proved herself thoroughly capable and clever these past six weeks. Lucy did not do anything she did not wish to do, and he could take no credit for seducing her into that kiss.

Nor could he bring himself to thoroughly regret it. The fact was, he wanted another one. And another. And another.

Running a hand over his face, he headed downstairs and out of the front door to take the umbrella off Lucy. She smiled gratefully.

“I don’t know where this wind came from. It was perfectly sunny when I headed out earlier.”

He stashed the umbrella away and ushered her inside. The rain had darkened her red curls and a little droplet trickled down the bridge of her nose. He swiped it off without thinking, and she stilled, her lips parted. How was it possible a mere touch of her nose could have them both thinking of kisses again?

He assumed that was what she was thinking of. Lucy was not exactly adept at hiding her emotions. He hoped he was a little better at it.

“I’m glad you’re home.” He clasped his hands behind his back.

“Oh.” She carefully plucked off the bonnet and handed it over to the butler then started unbuttoning her pelisse. “Did you miss me?” She gave him a shy smile.

“No.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, yes…well…” He cursed inwardly. “That is, you have visitors who are waiting for you.”

Her brow furrowed. “Visitors? But I had no one scheduled to visit.”

He jerked his head toward the drawing room. “They are waiting for you in there.”

Brow still creased, she headed toward the drawing room and opened the door. Theo followed behind her. She stopped beside him when she saw the three women in the parlor room. Turning to face him, a small smile played across her face. “What is this?” she asked.

“Your lady’s maid mentioned that you usually had afternoon tea with your friends on Wednesday. I thought it was about time you continued the tradition.”

After speaking with Lucy’s lady’s maid, he had realized he had been interrupting her social life quite a bit. Lucy did not live in isolation here, it seemed she had a regular group of friends with whom she spent time.