“I would be most grateful.” An attractive flush of warmth spread over her cheeks. She was a beguiling young woman, with an admirable cause by the sound of it, which even his hardened heart responded to.
How grateful would she be? A kiss or two, a brief tryst. Kissing those sweet, cherry-pink lips could make the time well spent. “You consider your gratitude to be enough to persuade me, Miss Lacey?”
Her blue eyes grew anxious. “This is not a money-making venture,” she said, sounding breathless. “I want to make that clear. If you will just call to meet the children, I’m sure you will see….”
How charming she was when flustered, doubt deepening her blue eyes to violet. He wasn’t interested in deflowering a virgin. As delightful as making love to her might be, it would prove a threat to his freedom. Still, she was very pretty, and her gratitude might make the trip worthwhile. No reason they couldn’t enjoy each other without taking it too far. His gaze settled on her rosy mouth. For her not to be kissed thoroughly and often would be a crime.
“Then I shall view this Hartnoll House of yours,” he said. “And I find myself free this week. Your personal tour if you will.”
***
He’d taken a step closer. Was it desire that flickered in his eyes? Breathing in, she caught a whiff of his cologne and something elusive. His very maleness. Her cheeks flooded with warmth at the way he looked at her, and she struggled to organize her thoughts. Her plan had been to meet Eaglestone when her parents were away attending a wedding, but that wasn’t for several weeks. Bella cleared her throat.
“I’m not sure that I can…if you’ll call, my housekeeper will take you through and furnish you with the ledgers. We can discuss it at a later time.”
He had moved so close to her she could feel the heat of his body. She was unsure how to proceed. Heavens, her thighs trembled. She’d intended to keep control of this conversation, but she was no match for this cool, sophisticated man. She was already out of her depth. Had she made a mistake in choosing him? If he did come through with the money, however… She could not afford to let this go. Although she’d never visited the orphanage alone, she would have to arrange it somehow.
Her decision made, Bella strengthened her resolve. “I believe you shall gain much from helping those less fortunate—a wonderful sense of satisfaction, as well as your peers regarding you in a good light.”
He gave a brittle laugh and his eyes narrowed. “My peers? You think I care for that?”
“Everyone wishes to be respected, to be liked, surely?”
“Some care too much for society’s opinion.”
“Perhaps some care too little.”
He frowned at her. Had she gone too far?
“As I said, I am happy to call and view your orphanage, Miss Lacey,” he said, his voice cool. “When you are free to take me on a tour.”
It would be unwise to let the matter go on too long. He would lose interest. She’d set this in motion and couldn’t believe her good luck. She must not lose her courage now and let a small hiccup like her parents stop her. Rubbing the bare skin above her elbow, cool in the short-sleeved dress, she realized by her shiver she was concerned more with the second part of her plan. To lie in this man’s arms.
“You are cold. Let’s return inside.”
She glanced uneasily through the French windows to where the guests milled about in the drawing room. She’d forgotten all about them. Her conversation with such a man would hardly fail to go unnoticed.
“I appreciate you giving me your valuable time, sir. I shall be pleased to show you Hartnoll House.” She took his proffered arm, and they strolled across the terrace. “I did write to your secretary, but his reply gave me little reason to hope you’d be willing to consider my proposal.”
He smiled. “I get many such proposals, Miss Lacey.”
“I imagine so.” She wondered if he’d seen her letter. Was it ridiculous to hope he’d come tonight because of it?
“What made you write to me? My reputation for philanthropy is not widely known.”
He had her there. “Something I saw in you at our last meeting,” she said, aware of how lame that sounded.
He stopped, raising his brows. “You found that quality in me during our one dance at Lady Byrne’s ball?”
“Your good business sense made you an attractive prospect, sir.”
“Ah. Now I understand.” Dense dark lashes hid his expression. “I’m not used to being assessed in such a cool manner, not by a lady in any event, Miss Lacey.”
She didn’t believe that for a moment. Women would attempt to entice him into their beds, and many would want to marry him.
He offered her his arm again, and they continued to the door. “I shall call for you tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you but unnecessary.” She must find a way to forestall her mother, who always accompanied her. “Shall we meet there at, say, half past eleven?”