Page 31 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

“Y ou know I want you,” Trey whispered before clearing his throat and straightening as he pulled his hand away. “Do you think it wise to go riding with Hawthorne today?” he said louder.

Judith shrugged. “I don’t foresee a problem. Do you?”

His tongue darted out to swipe across his lips as his gaze dropped to her mouth. “Have you forgotten about last night so soon, my love?”

Her heart leapt. “I don’t think that’s something I shall ever forget,” she whispered. “However, from what I have heard so far today, I believe you are the one who has forgotten about last night.”

He arched a brow. “Are you jesting? I could not sleep at all because you were on my mind.”

She wanted to sigh aloud from his comment. Instead, she lifted her chin, stubbornly. “Well, you definitely have a strange way of showing it.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you enjoyed what happened last night so much, then why are you making a list of future husbands for me?”

He growled and ran his fingers through his hair. “You do not understand. It’s the way things are done.”

“Well, I certainly don’t understand, nor do I approve.” She turned to continue up the stairs only stepping on the next higher, but he grabbed her wrist. His blue eyes pleaded with her, and her heart softened, if only slightly.

“If you don’t approve, then why do you insist on going riding with Nic?”

“What?” She blinked, shocked of what he said. Did she detect a hint of jealousy? But of course. Trey had already admitted that he was envious of Dominic. “I enjoy riding with him because he’s my friend. I love to ride, as well.” She smiled and stroked the side of Trey’s face. “Tell me the real reason you don’t wish me to ride with the marquess.” Her heartbeat quickened as she anticipated hearing his confession. He loved her—she knew he did, if only he would say the words.

“I—I—” His Adam’s apple jumped. “I don’t trust my friend around you, Judith. He’s a rogue. Just like me.”

She arched her eyebrow. “Just like you? I think not.”

He took her hand off his cheek and kissed her palm. “You are correct. He’s worse, which is why I cannot in good faith, allow you to continue going riding with him every morning.”

“Trey, you should not fret. Lord Hawthorne has not made any improper advances toward me, nor will he ever. He respects you and your mother too much to do so.” She squeezed his hand. “So please, have faith in me that nothing is going to happen.”

Silence stretched between them, except for the occasional laughter down the hall from Lord Hawthorne and the dowager who were still in the drawing room. Trey’s expression relaxed, but his mouth dropped into a frown.

“If you believe you are safe, then I will, as well.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Trey.”

She leaned in to kiss his cheek, but just before her lips touched the mark, he turned his face and his mouth met hers instead. A gasp of surprise left her throat, but she didn’t pull away. The kiss was short, but so very sweet.

When Trey took a step back, he grinned, gave her a wink then walked back to the drawing room.

Excitement bubbled in her chest and she wanted to laugh out loud. True, he didn’t confess he loved her, but she was one-step closer to convincing him.

Grinning like a fool, she lifted her gown to her ankles and bounded up, unlady-like, toward her room. Her heart swelled with happiness.

Much later as she rode across the estate with Dominic, thoughts of Trey still filled her mind. Once she and Dominic left the house, she hadn’t said much as she tried to piece together her future. Riding had always helped her to think clearly, but so far it wasn’t doing the trick.

“Judith, my dear, you have been abnormally quiet today. Are you out of sorts?”

Putting her thoughts away for now, she turned and looked at Dominic. “Please forgive me. I have much on my mind.”

“Do you wish to share?”

She almost laughed aloud. Although she wished, she certainly didn’t dare. “No.”

He chuckled and brought his horse to a stop, so she followed his actions.

“You know, Judith, if I didn’t know better, I would say you look quite smitten.” He cocked his head. “Did something happen at last night’s ball that I don’t know about?”

Oh, did it ever. But once again, that was something she couldn’t share. “You think I look smitten? Pray, what made you come to that conclusion?”

“The faraway look in your eyes. The soft smile on your lips, and especially the dreamy sighs I have heard repeatedly since we left the house.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she couldn’t turn away quick enough. She realized when he noticed her blush because his grin widened and eyebrows rose.

“See. You are indeed, smitten.”

She shook her head and urged her mare into a trot. “I shall never tell, my lord,” she said over her shoulder.

He laughed and caught up to her, taking her reins and bringing her horse to a stop once again. His friendly gaze stayed on hers as he clasped her hand. “I believe I know who the man is.”

Holding her breath, she didn’t dare make a sound or a movement. He couldn’t possibly know. If he did suspect, how could she keep it a secret?

“Do you think I’m blind, my dear? I notice the way you gaze at Trey. I have watched the way you act whenever he’s near.” He nodded. “You were in love with him before you knew the truth about Mr. Cutler. Am I correct?”

Oh, good heavens. Dominic did know her well. Then again, he was her friend, and friends should notice things like that. Relief swept over her. Finally, someone she could talk to about her feelings. “You are correct. It’s Trey.”

Dominic pulled back and chuckled. “Have you told him?”

“No. I have no desire to scare him.”

“You believe it will?”

She arched a brow. “You are his friend, my lord. I think you know that answer as well as I.”

He scratched his chin and nodded. “Correct. Telling him right now is not a good idea. We must wait until he’s ready.”

“We?” She leaned forward and touched his arm. “Are you saying you wish to assist me?”

“Why of course. I have known for several days that you are the right woman for my friend.”

Tears of joy stung her eyes as excitement grew in her chest. “You don’t know how pleased I am to hear that. I feared you would chase me away for trying to steal your friend.”

“You are not doing that. Worthington and I will always be friends. You are the first woman I have approved of, and I have no desire to see him lose you.”

She straightened and wiped away a stray tear. “Thank you. I worried I would not be able to do this alone.”

Dominic winked. “My dear, I shall help you more than you anticipate, but you have to agree to work with me on this. I have a plan, and I believe it will work.”

“What’s your plan, my lord? I’m most eager to hear.”

Dominic threw back his head and laughed. Enthusiasm bubbled inside her until she almost couldn’t stand it. But she would be patient, because having Trey’s love was the only thing that would make her happy and complete.