Page 20 of The Earl That Got Away (Sirens in Silk #2)

Chapter Sixteen

Before

Philadelphia

A t their next clandestine meeting several days later, Basil and Naila explored a neighborhood of new houses and then went for the ice cream they’d been unable to get at their previous visit to the ice cream shop.

Basil adored being in Naila’s company and, even though she made an effort to keep things between them light and fun, he was completely smitten.

She pretended their acquaintanceship was nothing more than a summer flirtation, but he was convinced that she was fooling herself.

That kiss, which he couldn’t stop thinking about, couldn’t stop reliving, proved that she was not indifferent to him.

Her feelings were there. Now all Basil had to do was convince her to take a chance on him.

Ice cream in hand, they found an isolated spot in a nearby park to settle down. The icy cold treat slid down his throat, a balm against the Philadelphia heat.

During these interludes, they never ran out of things to say. They talked about everything—her childhood in New York and his in London, her interest in architecture, and his plans to make something of himself.

“How will you know what you want to do?” she asked as she dipped a spoon in her ice cream.

“I am still evaluating my options. I don’t stand to inherit anything of significance from my father.

” He had never talked with a young woman so openly.

Naila was a true friend. Although his feelings for her far exceeded the boundaries of friendship.

“A distant cousin stands to inherit a fortune because his father is the Earl of Hawksworth, but I must fend for myself.”

“I am sure you can accomplish anything you put your mind to,” she said confidently.

He was buoyed by her faith in him. Naila made him feel like he was capable of doing anything. “My uncle has offered me his manufacturing enterprise. He thinks it has great promise. Uncle tells me Philadelphia is your country’s industrial leader.”

“I don’t know much about that, but I do know Philadelphia is well known for its weaving textiles.”

He was enjoying Naila’s company, as always, but she seemed a bit distracted. “What is going on?” he asked. “Is there something on your mind?”

A little frown wrinkled the skin between her delicately arched brows. “I am bracing myself to tell you some dreadful news.”

“What is it?”

“Auntie Majida is talking about going home next week.”

He inhaled sharply. “So soon?”

“We both knew this was inevitable,” she said glumly.

“But it’s too soon.”

“I know.” She sighed. “But what can we do?”

“I can come and call on you in New York,” he said. “I can assure your father of my intentions.”

She shook her head. “Why won’t you listen to me?” Her eyes glistened. “I have always told you there is no future for us.”

“Don’t cry.” He couldn’t bear to see her upset. “I will think of something. I promise.”

“I so want to believe you.”

“Then do,” he said with a confidence he did not feel. “Come now, finish your ice cream.”

She did as he asked. A drop of the cool confection dotted her lip. He could not help himself. He leaned over to capture it with his mouth. Her lips were sweet and lemony. She tasted like the future they could have if they held on tight enough.

He gathered her closer. “Don’t give up,” he said against her lips. “Hold on.”

“I don’t know if I can,” she said, a catch in her voice.

“Then I will hold on for both of us.” He could no longer imagine a life without her. “I promise.”

And then he kissed her again.