Page 13 of The Wayward Lady (The Wayward Widows of Willoughby Hall #1)

K endrick watched Lavender’s reflection in the train window, the sunlight illuminating her delicate features. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness toward her, knowing the pain she had endured in her past. Even so, she still found the courage to retain her sunny smile, and she was still trying to comfort him for his own pain. She truly was unlike anyone he had ever known.

He was so glad he’d asked her to come on this journey with him. She deserved so much more than what life had given her so far. How he wished he could be the one who showed her how much she deserved, how precious and special she truly was, but he wasn’t certain he could be. What did he know of making a woman happy? He’d ruined the one chance he’d had, as evidenced by Isabella leaving him and taking their child with her.

Kendrick felt a lump form in his throat, her kindness cutting through the walls he had built around his heart. He had carried the weight of Isabella’s betrayal for so long that it had become a part of him, shaping his interactions and view of the world. But Lavender’s unwavering belief in him stirred something within him, a flicker of hope that had long been extinguished.

As the train continued its journey through the picturesque French countryside, Kendrick found himself opening up to Lavender in ways he never thought possible. They spoke for hours about their childhoods, families, hopes, and dreams. While they talked, she sketched things she saw out the window, and once, he even caught her sketching him. Before he knew it, the bright lights of Paris were visible in the distance.

The train pulled into the bustling station, its steam billowing out into the cool evening air. Lavender and Kendrick gathered their belongings, preparing to disembark and begin the next leg of their journey through the enchanting Paris streets. As they stepped onto the platform, he could sense Lavender’s excitement tinged with nervousness at the prospect of exploring such a vibrant and romantic place.

He gave a porter a few coins to carry their bags on a cart, and they set off into the city.

The cobblestone streets were alive with activity, the soft glow of gas lamps casting a warm light on the elegant buildings and bustling cafes.

Kendrick’s usual prickly reserve softened in the presence of Lavender’s infectious energy. Despite his past pain and solitude, he found himself drawn to her warmth and optimism, grateful to be sharing this new experience with her. For the first time in longer than he could remember, he didn’t want to hide from the world. With Lavender by his side, he wanted to explore it.

“Let’s find a hotel and store our things. Then, if you want, we can come back out and find a cafe.”

Her eyes lit up, and he was immediately glad that he hadn’t insisted that they just spend the evening in their room and order room service, though that would normally be his preference. “That sounds wonderful!”

Kendrick led the way through the lively streets of Paris, his tall frame towering over the bustling crowds as Lavender walked by his side, her eyes wide with wonder.

They found a charming hotel tucked away on a quaint side street, its ivy-covered facade adding to its romantic allure. The concierge welcomed them warmly, and soon, they were shown to a cozy suite with two separate bedrooms and a view of the twinkling Eiffel Tower in the distance. Lavender pressed her face to the glass, her eyes bright as she gazed at the strange structure.

The Eiffel Tower stood tall against the night sky, its iron lattice glowing under the moonlight. He knew of it, having read about how it had been built for the 1889 World’s Fair. But this was the first time he’d seen it, and it was truly majestic, soaring nearly three hundred meters above the city and easily visible from most spots. The article he’d read said most Parisians hated the tower, thinking it an eyesore, but he loved the modern look of it. They were on the cusp of a new century, and it seemed to be ushering in a time when all sorts of magnificent building projects would be possible.

Kendrick watched her from across the room, a soft smile playing on his lips as he observed the childlike wonder in her expression. She made him so much more aware of the simple joys in life, of the beauty that could still be found amidst the darkness that had clouded his life for so long.

As Lavender turned away from the window, her eyes sparkling with excitement, she caught Kendrick’s gaze. “Isn’t it incredible?” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t believe we’re truly here, in Paris!”

“I can’t either,” Kendrick agreed, absolutely captivated by her and wishing they were sharing a bedroom tonight instead of sleeping separately. Every minute spent with her only made his attraction to her grow. But although she’d agreed to come with him, he wasn’t certain she’d truly forgiven him for having kissed her when he thought he was still married. He didn’t want her to feel under any obligation to him or feel pressured in any way. She’d admitted she was attracted to him earlier, but he knew that didn’t equate to a willingness to share his bed. Lavender was a lady, after all.

After freshening up and storing their belongings, Kendrick and Lavender ventured back out into the night, the sounds of laughter and music guiding them to a nearby cafe. The scent of savory meats, sauces, and rich coffee filled the air as they settled at a table outside, immersed in the lively atmosphere of Parisian nightlife. The cafe was alive with energy, the chatter of patrons mixing with the soulful notes of a nearby accordion player. Soft lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow on the street and the eclectic mix of people passing by.

Lavender could barely contain her delight as she perused the menu, her excitement palpable. Kendrick couldn’t help but be captivated by her infectious enthusiasm, her laughter like music to his ears. As they waited for their orders to arrive, he found himself studying her features in the dim light, marveling at the way her golden hair caught the flickering glow of the candles. She was always incredibly attractive to him but looked particularly lovely by candlelight.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself,” he remarked, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Lavender looked up, her gaze meeting his with joy and gratitude. “I am, Kendrick. This is truly a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to eat at a Parisian café.”

The waiter placed two plates of steaming food in front of them. Kendrick’s bore a juicy steak cooked to perfection, with a side of buttery mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans, and on Lavender’s, a chicken breast in a gorgeous cream sauce, freshly baked croissants, and a cup of velvety hot chocolate. The presentation was stunning, each dish plated with care and precision.

“It’s beautiful,” she said in awe. “The food back home never looks like this.”

He laughed. “Perhaps food always looks and tastes better when you’re traveling.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know since I’ve never been anywhere,” she said, taking her first bite. “Oh, my goodness,” she breathed, her eyes practically rolling back in her head. “This is delicious.”

Her sensual enjoyment in the flaky pastry twisted something deep inside him. Was this how she would look when in the throes of passion? He couldn’t help but remember her sweet surrender on the cliff that day and the way she’d shyly told him she enjoyed it. What sweet torture to sit here with her and be reminded of such things when he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to act on them, but he wouldn’t give this moment up for anything.

They passed the meal lost in conversation, ending with a fabulous dessert. The confection was a work of art, layers of creamy chocolate mousse piled high on a delicate wafer, drizzled with glossy caramel, and topped with a fresh strawberry like a jewel on top.

“I never knew something edible could look so beautiful,” she murmured as she took her first bite, and once again, he was arrested by the look of ecstasy on her face.

He took a bite of his own, and his tastebuds were overwhelmed with a burst of rich and indulgent flavors.

By the time they were done, he felt full in body as well as spirit. He tended to eat austerely, just enough to fuel his body, but tonight, in Lavender’s company, he had indulged in more than just the exquisite food before him.

As he settled the bill and they prepared to leave the cafe, contentment washed over him. Such a small thing, perhaps, to have dinner with a beautiful woman, but he’d been alone for so long that he couldn’t imagine a life where such good company and conversation were commonplace.

The night air was cool against their faces as they strolled along, a soft breeze ruffling their hair. Lavender linked her arm through his, her presence warm and comforting against his side.

“Thank you for tonight, Kendrick,” Lavender said softly, her voice carrying a note of sincerity that tugged at his heartstrings. “I know that this trip is not about sightseeing and that you have a lot on your mind, worrying about Miranda, so it really means a lot to me that you’re making sure I enjoy it.”

“It was my pleasure,” Kendrick replied, his tone sincere. “I haven’t experienced a meal like that in my entire life. And whatever happens with Miranda will happen either way, so we might as well enjoy the journey.”

“We should,” she agreed. She stared up at him for a moment and then led him over to a nearby bench. “Can we talk for a moment?”

He thought they’d been talking all day, but something about her tone made him pause. “Of course.”

Once they were settled, she leaned forward and took his hand, staring deep into his eyes, her nervousness palpable. “Are we friends, or are we something... more?”

The soft glow of the streetlamp above cast a halo of light around her, illuminating the uncertainty in her expressive blue eyes. His breath caught in his throat as he considered his response, knowing their fragile bond was teetering on the edge of something unknown. He wanted more... so much more... but he needed to be certain that she was really asking what he hoped she was asking.

He swallowed dryly. “Lavender,” he began, his voice filled with raw honesty, “I care for you deeply, in ways I never thought possible. You’ve brought light into my life. I think about you constantly, and when we’re not together, I long for the moment we will be. Those weeks spent without you seemed endless.” His thumb brushed over the back of her hand, a gesture both tender and hesitant. “What we have is... different than anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s more than friendship, yet... less than what I desire it to be.”

Her gaze searched his intently as if trying to decipher the unspoken words lingering between them. “What do you desire it to be, Kendrick? I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding between us.”

He cleared his throat, afraid of being too blunt, afraid that he would somehow ruin this. “You’ve been married before, so I think you can hazard a guess.”

“I think I can.” A relieved smile spread across her face. “I want to make love to you, too, Kendrick.”

His heart thundered at Lavender’s words, her admission rocking him to the core. He’d never expected her to say those words, and a surge of arousal pulsed within him. His breath caught as he searched her eyes, seeing a mixture of vulnerability and determination shining within their depths. He knew that asking for what she wanted couldn’t have been easy for her. She was so fucking brave.

He lifted his free hand to gently cup her cheek, his thumb brushing against the soft skin. “I want you desperately.”

Without another word, Lavender leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed as she savored the warmth of his palm against her skin. The moment stretched between them, charged with longing and the promise of what was to come. It seemed as though it had been building for a lifetime. Kendrick’s heart swelled with desire and tenderness for this woman who had captured his heart so completely.

Leaning in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted, he pressed his lips to hers.

Lavender responded with a soft sigh, wrapping one hand around the back of his neck. A surge of emotions flooded him, and he wanted to remain lost in this moment forever. He kept the kisses gentle at first, tender, but then he traced the seam of her lips with his tongue. He caught her soft gasp as they parted and let him in, and then he plundered her mouth hungrily, passion exploding with him.

Dear God, she was so sweet. She tasted like chocolate and strawberries. He knew he was never going to be able to get enough of her.

When they finally parted, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, Lavender gazed at him with a mixture of desire and something deeper. He very much feared that he had fallen completely head over heels with her.

The realization hit Kendrick like a thunderclap—this was more than a fleeting attraction. He loved her. Perhaps he’d loved her since she first fell out of that tree at his feet.

“Lavender,” he murmured, his voice a low rasp filled with unspoken promises. “I want you to know that I...” His words faltered, emotions swirling within him like a tempest.

Her eyes searched his, understanding dawning deep within them. “I feel the same,” she whispered, though he didn’t think that she truly realized the extent of what he was feeling. She couldn’t possibly love him. “We can talk about the future after we’ve completed our journey and Miranda is with you again. But for now, let’s just savor this passion between us. Tomorrow will bring what it may, but let’s just enjoy each other tonight. I have no expectations of you beyond this evening.”

Kendrick nodded, a sense of peace settling over him as he drew Lavender close once more. Her words relieved some of the pressure he’d been feeling, allowing him to at least try to just enjoy the moment. They sat there on the bench, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world around them fading into insignificance. He couldn’t stop thinking that he didn’t deserve this, didn’t deserve her, but he wanted her too badly to listen to his own dark thoughts.

“Come on,” he said softly, pulling her to her feet. “Let’s go back to the hotel.”