Page 35

“Very well,” Wren said.

They walked out of the kitchen to the back door that led to where the stables were. Once outside, Grant frowned down at her. “You seem perturbed at me.”

He was so impossibly tall and broad-shouldered that Wren had to lift her chin to peer up at him. She took a step back to make it easier to meet his gaze. “It is that, well… I am surprised that you would so casually state taking me home to your mother. She cannot possibly approve of a friendship between us.”

“I am an adult male who does not require his mother’s approval as to who I am friends with. I told her we were friends when I asked that she consider hiring you. It is not like it is a surprise to her.” His statement did not help her feel better.

Unable to stand still, she walked in a circle and came to stand in front of him again. “And I am a woman. No matter the difference in our stations, we are opposites in many ways. A friendship between us is most unconventional. And unacceptable. You must know that!”

Before she could take another turn, he grasped her elbow. The touch was startling, not only because it was unexpected, but because her body immediately reacted to it. Wren stood silent, waiting to hear what he’d say.

“What if I am interested in more than friendship?” His voice deepened. “What if I wish to court you, Wren?”

“What?” She swallowed as her mouth and throat went dry. “Me?”

“Yes,” Grant said with an earnest expression that bordered on uncertainty. “I think about you constantly. I find it impossible to go an entire day without seeing you. Whenever I consider the future, I picture you in it.”

“I am not sure what to say.” This was most extraordinary, so very unexpected. Her mind had gone blank. Grant had most certainly lost his wits, and once he recovered would take the declaration back.

The only thought that finally permeated was how very handsome he was, and how horribly it would hurt when he realized this mistake when the words he’d misspoken in haste would be taken back with an apology and she’d have to pretend all was well.

“Can you tell me what you will think about it? What I’ve asked?” He’d yet to release her arm and Wren felt as if she could not move. To move away would hurt him, but to remain made it impossible not to reach out to him. Grant took the decision from her, by releasing her elbow. It was as if a void filled her until he cupped her chin and lifted her face to him. She could only search his eyes, surely the truth of how he felt had to be there.

“You are so beautiful. A rare jewel,” Grant said, and then he took her mouth with his.

Her eyes closed and she fell against him, giving into the kiss, wanting more from him. Desire like she’d never known surged through her.

Grant’s lips moved over hers in a way that was so very intimate. When his tongue sought permission to go past her lips, she parted them. This was most definitely much more than a kiss. The ground shifted, and she grasped his shoulders to keep from falling.

When his arms encircled her and she was flush against his hard body, what had been embers of desire exploded into flames. From the top of her head to the tips of her toes, every part of her body tingled with untethered heat.

Wren tugged him closer, sure she’d die if he ever stopped kissing her. When he moaned against her lips, she wanted to cry out with happiness. How was it possible to feel so alive from a kiss?

“Wren.” Upon hearing her name, Wren realized Grant had broken the kiss and was holding her.

Her eyelids fluttered open, and she gazed up at him. “What happened?”

“You were overcome with…er… passion.”

“Did I faint?”

“No, you simply kept your eyes closed for a long moment.”

“Oh.” Wren pushed him back and swayed on her feet. When he made to move closer and ensure she was stable, Wren held her arms out. “No… don’t touch me. I may become overcome again.”

Grant laughed and she frowned at him. “You are a dangerous man. My lack of control is not comical, but quite disturbing. You cannot ever do that again.”

“Will you still consider my courtship?” Once again, uncertainty crossed his features. “I am quite sincere in my declaration.”

It was as if she’d come to from a wonderful dream, and her mind remained hazy. First, she took inventory of her legs to ensure she could walk without falling over, and then she touched her lips, which she was certain were swollen from his kisses. Lastly, she ran her hands down her apron.

All the while, Grant studied her with interest, seeming confused. Thankfully he didn’t question her and instead waited patiently for her to finish without speaking.

Certain all was in order, and that she could walk and more importantly not run straight to him to beg for more kisses, Wren cleared her throat. “We can speak on Sunday. I am afraid I cannot keep a single thought in my head at the moment.” With that, she rounded him and ran into the house. Once inside, she turned from the kitchen to her small bedroom.

Whatever had come over her to allow what happened? She’d just promised not only her aunt but also Mae had warned her not to allow him liberties. Not only had she allowed him more than a fair share of liberties, but she’d taken plenty of her own. Had she really touched his back, his shoulders, and his face?

A giggle escaped her and Wren pressed her lips together. Grant played a dangerous game. She was sure he toyed with her. Although, he had seemed quite genuine in his request of courting her.