Page 7 of Her Sweetest Rogue (The Worthington Legacy #6)

J udith sucked in her breath. He was actually trying to compromise? Ridiculous! Yet, his proposal sounded genuine. Half of her wanted to agree, the other half didn’t believe him. What choice did she have? The letter she hid from Trey not too long ago in her reticule was ready to send to Alex, only if Trey’s servants would do the errand. But Trey’s suggestion was better. He had more contacts than she did, so perhaps she should let him locate Alex. It wouldn’t be too hard to pretend to let the dowager teach her, either. It might turn out to be entertaining.

She smiled. “Agreed.”

A familiar look crossed his features, causing his eyes to darken again. She wished his mesmerizing gaze didn’t affect her so. Why did it tickle her insides and make her heart flutter? Only Alex should do this to her.

Grinning, he nodded. “Agreed.” He presented his elbow for her to take. “Shall we continue our walk?”

Before she could answer, he took her hand and draped it over his arm then led them further into the gardens.

“I do not think I have told you yet, but you have blossomed into a lovely lady, Judith.” His gaze swept over her. “I’m pleased to see the years have been so kind.”

Her heart skipped a beat. What was wrong with her? Why did her body react so quickly to him? Hadn’t she just admitted how much she loved Alex? Yet, the harder she tried to picture his face, the deeper Trey’s rugged good looks crept into her mind. Not only that, she had started to think of him as a decent person. A potential friend.

“Thank you for the compliment. I must admit, you turned out rather…um, different than I had expected, too.”

He chuckled.

Suddenly, his appealing scent of spice and leather surrounded her, making her want to close her eyes and breathe in deeply. As she studied the side of his face, his mouth opened while he talked, but she didn’t register what he was saying. Beyond her control, his baritone voice stirred something within her. Watching his lips move made memories of them kissing in the cottage return, along with the tingles that had soared through her.

What had come over her? His sudden kindness confused her. Either that or she must be in the hot sun, since she was melting all over. Alex, where are you? She tried to recall what it had been like in his arms, being kissed by the man she’d proclaimed to love, but it was useless. Trey held her interest completely.

The few times he gazed down at her, his crystal blue eyes captured her attention. Long thick lashes surrounded them. If she wasn’t careful, she could stare at them forever.

Trey for certain knew how to make a woman swoon. Why else would she obediently walk alongside him with weak legs as he made his way toward the gazebo? A place where they could talk in private. Had his caring actions made her doubt his intentions?

Heaviness settled in her chest as her limbs grew shaky. Her heart beat with renewed excitement. Why did he want them to go somewhere so secluded? Worse, why did she want to go with him? He was a rogue no matter how much he dressed like a gentleman.

This was Trey Worthington, for goodness sake. Why did she trust him enough to be alone with him? Running far away would be the best course of action. Unfortunately, her legs weren’t listening and matched his steps as they walked into the gazebo. Discreet shadows fell all around them. He faced her, keeping her close as his hands cupped her elbows.

Her breathing accelerated. Her heart would knock right out of her chest if she allowed it. Surprisingly, her wobbly knees kept her standing instead of collapsing to the ground.

A soft smile touched his handsome face. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

She couldn’t breathe and tightness consumed her chest. She couldn’t speak because her dry throat wouldn’t work. Her parched lips refused to move.

His gaze dropped to her mouth. “You are breathtaking, Judith.” His large hands cupped her face.

Would he kiss her? She mustn’t allow it. Where was Alex when she needed him the most?

*

What is happening to me?

Trey was lost in Judith’s emerald eyes. He couldn’t believe how quickly she had fallen under his spell. To think he was sinking just as fast. He was a fool for wanting to hold and kiss her.

She grasped his elbows, eyes wide with wonder. Would she allow his kiss? The time in the cottage, she really had had no other choice, although she hadn’t struggled. This time she did have a choice. He didn’t understand why he wanted to kiss her so badly right now, but he hadn’t the strength to pull away.

He leaned closer, and she followed his lead by bringing her face forward. Confusion swam in his head, but he couldn’t stop himself. Before he could separate his thoughts, his mother’s voice rang through the air from the gardens.

Judith jumped away. A flush bloomed brightly in her cheeks, her face reflecting honest bewilderment. In silence, he grumbled at his mother, fate, and for being utterly beguiled by Judith Faraday. He, too, felt a little off-center, and rightly so. To have been so close to kissing her, then to have the opportunity yanked from his grasp was almost more than he could bear.

She turned her back to him as her hands covered her cheeks. Straightening, he stepped out of the gazebo and inhaled deeply. Heat still soared through him. Try as he might, he couldn’t lower the temperature.

Within moments, Judith stood by his side. They walked toward his mother, neither touching nor saying a word. He feared if she brushed against him accidentally, he’d be severely tempted to take her back to the gazebo whether his mother approved or not.

He hadn’t noticed before, but now out here, the sun glinted off her hair, giving it a golden tone. Indeed, she was breathtaking, more than he wanted her to be.

The dowager still couldn’t see them, so when she called again, he raised his hand, waved, and shouted, “Over here.”

When her eyes fixed on him and Judith, she smiled and hurried toward them. Once she reached their side, she panted and color had disappeared from her face. Perhaps Trey had been too hasty in doubting her illness earlier, accepting her outward appearance of health as fact.

“Oh, there you two are.” His mother placed her hand on her chest and rasped deeply.

“What do you need, Mother?”

She smiled at him. “The most exciting news, I must say.” Then she turned her attention to Judith. “I wanted to let you know the dance instructor is coming tomorrow.” She grasped Judith’s hands, gave them a small, excited squeeze. “Is that not lovely?”

Judith nodded. “Just wonderful.”

“Mother, I was thinking…” He waited until both women gazed his way before continuing. “I thought about having a mock dinner party tonight with Miss Faraday acting as our hostess.”

“But—but she has not been properly instructed in how to be a hostess,” the dowager said.

“I understand, but I would like to see how much education she has acquired before we hire someone to tutor her.”

“Well, I suppose.” The duchess sighed. “But why tonight? I’m dreadfully exhausted and I had planned on having the evening meal in my room.”

“The Marquess of Hawthorne is here and he guaranteed me he would allow Miss Faraday to practice being an exemplary hostess on him.”

Beside him, Judith’s gasp overrode his mother’s. The younger woman scowled at him and bumped her elbow into his. “You neglected to tell me Hawthorne was a marquess .”

He gave her a grin. “Does it matter? He’s still my friend, and he’s willing to let you be his hostess tonight, knowing you will certainly make a few mistakes.”

Eyes that had once been a desirable green glimmered with intense malice. Trey certainly had enjoyed seeing her hot temper. She attempted to smile, although that too, was razor sharp.

“I suppose it matters not, my lord,” she bit out.

“Good girl.” He patted her shoulder then turned to his mother. “If you cannot make it to the evening meal, no harm will be done. This will only be a trial run for Miss Faraday. After tonight, I shall know what she requires as far as lessons go.”

The dowager caressed Trey’s cheek. “You are such a good son.” She smiled at Judith. “We are going to have a lovely time. I’m giddy just thinking about it.”

Judith forced another smile for her guardian. “Thank you, Your Grace. I’m looking forward to our adventures, as well.”

If Trey wasn’t mistaken, she geared that last part toward him. The gleam in her eyes when she glanced his way told him what vengeful thoughts simmered in her pretty head. Nonetheless, he’d made a bargain with her, and he’d stick to it. Just as he’d make certain she stuck to hers.

“I hope you two will excuse me. I feel a headache coming on.” The dowager touched her forehead and frowned. “Oh, dear. I do believe it’s here already.” She turned and left.

Both Trey and Judith stood still until the dowager was out of sight, then Judith slapped his shoulder. “A dinner party? Tonight? With a marquess?”

Grinning, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Marvelous. You got all the details correct.”

“You think being a hostess for a dinner party is beyond my capabilities?”

“Now, Judith, I didn’t say that.”

“You implied I was incompetent.”

“I did not. I want to see where you are in your education.”

She copied him and folded her arms. “You expect me to fail, and in front of a marquess, no less.”

“You could not be more wrong.”

Her lips pursed and her jaw tightened. Even the veins in her neck rose ever so slightly. “I know more than you think I do, my lord.”

“I’m sure you do.”

She scowled. “You still do not believe me. Ask me a question about the dinner party. Anything at all.”

Was he trying to provoke her? Of course he was. Even though making her upset and seeing the heat in her eyes was quite exciting, perhaps he should continue to charm her and become her friend. How else would he win?

“Judith my dear, don’t fret. I believe you. As I have mentioned before, this is just a trial run.”

“Whom shall I expect for the evening meal tonight?” she asked with a stiff upper lip as anger remained evident in her eyes. “Will the marquess be escorting female company?”

“No.”

“Will you?”

He chuckled. “No. Why do you ask?”

“What? You don’t know?” She put on the dramatics by placing her hand at her neck and hitching a breath. “Why, my lord, are you not aware I will need to make a seating chart?”

“But of course.”

“Then I need to know all the guests arriving tonight.”

He rolled his eyes. She was impossible. “It will just be Hawthorne, you, and I.”

She glared at him for a quiet moment. To be sure, the wheels in her head had to be churning as fast as a runaway horse. He wished he knew what vindictive thoughts charged around in there.

“Might I ask what happened to our bargain?”

Her voice remained calm, although he knew she was far from it.

He nodded. “It’s still intact. You hold up your end, and I shall come through with mine.”

“I had assumed you would find my Alex before you put me through this torture.”

My Alex… The words rankled him. “Then you assumed wrong.”

“Oh.” She stomped her foot, and her hands bunched into fists by her side. “You had every intention of misleading me, didn’t you?”

“My dear Judith, I have not the faintest notion of what you are talking about.” He stroked her chin, but she slapped his hand away. “Let me give you some advice, my dear Judith. Well-bred ladies don’t show their temper, and yours is mighty hot. To be quite blunt, it’s highly ill-mannered. Even your fiancé would want you to be a gracious hostess.”

She let out a loud grumble before spinning on her heels and marching back to the house. He grinned. He had her exactly where he wanted. Keeping her vexed with him was a good idea, also. The way she’d gazed at him in the gazebo—a moment more and he’d have been on his knees begging for her sweet kiss. He couldn’t allow that to happen again, which meant he must make her upset with him at every turn.

Yet, the challenge energized him, too.