The Earl's Stowaway. Krystina Daryl

Meed, come with me," Nancy announced standing up.

      Melanie didn't turn to see them leave and neither did Christopher break the hold his eyes had on hers. She felt like they were conversing and the one thing they both wanted was to be alone in each other's arms.

      Nicholas laughed once they were both gone. "That eliminates one suitor from the race. I'll give you two some privacy, but I'll be back when your Gran appears."

      With that he bowed out, leaving them alone, quietly looking at each other. She half expected Christopher to pounce on her as usual, but he didn't. It wasn't lust she saw in his eyes, there was something else that made him look outright uncomfortable.

      Christopher slipped her hand between his thumb and index finger, and slipped his other hand on her waist, as she rested her free one on his shoulder. They waltzed in silence for a few minutes before he spoke.

      "Why is Carl very forward with you?"

      Melanie turned the question back to him. "Why do you hate him so much?"

      Christopher exhaled loudly. "Somehow, he convinced Gran to let him run her share of the Wimberley businesses. And since then, he's being trying to get his claws into my fortune as well."

      "Well then, I believe you have your answer." She whispered, grateful for his response. She wasn't accustomed to lying, but she never wanted to see Christopher so livid again!

      "What did he say to you?" he commanded with a gentle tone.

      Melanie realized when he had that commanding tone, it was impossible to deny him anything. She wondered if it was just her or if everyone else felt compelled to confess when he used it on them. Mayhap she should try resisting now. She kept silent, her gaze fixated on her hand resting on his broad shoulder.

      His hand moved from her waist to pat against the back of her skirt. "Melanie..."

      Her eyes quickly rose to his. The palm against her backside might be a silent warning but the tone of his voice as he spoke her name was a definite command she answer or… or face unpleasant consequences. "He asked why I was first-naming you."

      "And what did you tell him?" His tone was much more gentle, but still stern.

      "That we were friends," she paused. Daring herself, she whispered, "Or are we much more?"

      Christopher stopped and pulled her hands to rest on his chest. He drew her into his arms, completely enveloping her. She tipped her head further back to keep his gaze on hers. The discomfort was gone and replaced with something she was familiar with. His lips spread in a smile, and then he leaned down and took her lips in a gentle kiss.

      She expected it to grow into an uncontrolled fire but it was warm and tender.

      He pulled away and kissed her forehead. "I am not sure. But I would like to get to know you better."

      "You know everything that there is to know about me, and I you," she whispered back, placing her head on his chest.

      "Yes, but those are just details. I want to know what makes you laugh and what makes you cry. I want to know if you love taking walks and which season you prefer. I want to know the little things, not just the big things."

      She nodded, pressing a kiss on his chest before she drew her hands around his waist. "I'm not sure about any of those... but I do love climbing to the roof top of high structures."

      He pulled her away. "Why?" He sounded worried.

      She shrugged and giggled. "The feel of the wind rushing past me, with my hair down and arms held wide like a bird's wings, makes me feel free. For that moment, I feel like am flying away from my hell."

      He pulled her close and held her tight. "You never have to go back to that hell ever again. You have my word."

      She tightened her hold around his waist feeling safe and protected. This was where she wanted to be for the rest of her life, in Christopher's arms. Like Nicholas said, she'd just have to wait until it was as clear to Christopher as it was to her—the fact that they belonged together.

      "Christopher, let's go for a walk in the garden." She nuzzled her nose and planted two more kisses on his chest.

      "It's dark," he answered.

      "And quiet, and still, and windy," she countered, pulling him towards the door.

      He laughed at the effort she was making to move him and took two steps forward to entertain her. "Gran will not allow it."

      She pulled out of his hold and took his hand. "There are lanterns in the garden. I asked your grandmother to put them up before you arrived."

      He smiled, following willingly behind her. "I saw them last night. Would you like me to send for Annie?"

      Melanie shook her head. "I trust Nicholas will be enough. And besides, I want to let my hair down and Gran doesn't allow it in the presence of company."

      Christopher stopped, pulling her to an abrupt halt. "You first name, Nicholas?" he accused.

      Melanie laughed at his jealous tone. "He asked me to." She looked around the hallway before she tiptoed and planted a quick kiss on his lips. "Besides, he knows well not to court me."