Page 83 of Almost A Scoundrel

Because they had spoken in might haves. Both wanting yet neither entirely willing to give in first. Which was why she was all but bouncing up and down in her chamber—she wanted to stomp on that sliver of doubt. Stomp the agitating feeling to dust. She wanted to discover what could be possible for her and Deerhurst.

And she had ample time to lay her doubts to rest. But patience had never been her strong point.

The biggest challenge for her had been to admit that she would change her mind for therightman. That she would forgo her vision of spinsterhood and place her trust in a man.

Was Deerhurst this man?

Absolutely, irrevocably,yes.

It didn’t matter to her that he had a daughter. She adored Abigail. How could she not? And Deerhurst loved that little girl. It was hard to not admire a man who would sacrifice his life for his daughter.

Phaedra’s resolve firmed.

To hell with patience!

She darted to the door, careful to make as little sound as possible as she slipped from her room. She quietly and quickly made her way through the hall, down the stairs, and to the French doors that led to the garden. Cold nipped her skin, but Phaedra ignored the chill as she dashed off to the iron gate she had grown familiar with the past week.

She hadn’t given any thought to what she would say to him once she found him, nor that to find him, she’d have to sneak into his house. If that were even possible.

I’ll find a way.

She was, after all, a resourceful woman. What she wanted she would find a way to get.

The gate swung open as she reached it, and Phaedra jumped back. Her jaw nearly dropped as Deerhurst appeared before her, dressed in nothing but a shirt and breeches, just like the first night they had kissed.

“What are you doing here?” Phaedra asked, shocked. Then she recalled, well, she was also there, so he could ask her the same.

“I...” He frowned, and narrowed his eyes on her, his gaze traveling over from tip to toe. “What areyoudoing here?”

“I came to find you.”

“Wearing just that?”

Phaedra blushed as she fought the urge to cover herself. She wore the same chemise she’d worn the first night. She hadn’t even thought to grab a cloak.

Confidence, Phaedra. You must show confidence.

She squared her shoulders. “What else should I be wearing?” He arched a brow, and she cleared her throat. “Well, you still haven’t answered my question.”

Amusement lit his face. “I came to find you too.”

“Well, it seems we have found one another.”

“It seems that we have.” He snatched her wrist and pulled her through the gate. “Why did you come to find me?”

“I imagine the same reason you came in search of me.”

He chuckled, forever patient. “How about you say it? Or better yet, whisper it in my ear.”

“You need to hear it that much?” Phaedra teased.

He touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “I need to know I’m not dreaming.”

“You’re not dreaming.” She stepped up to him and lifted on her toes to whisper in his ear, “I came to find you because... I wanted to kiss you.”

His lips were on hers a moment later.

Phaedra circled her arms around his neck. There was no mistaking the raw urgency of his claim. He wanted her as much as she wanted him.