Chapter 15 #2
Melissa’s heart sank at the thought of having the woman at the castle on a more regular basis, and she secretly hoped and prayed that this wasn’t going to be the case.
There would be no end to the woman’s flirting if she had a regular line to Daniel all the time.
Yet, Melissa could see that the business deal was important to Daniel and decided to hold her tongue.
“Aw, Daniel,” Fiona purred. “It’s going to be just like the good old days when we would see each other so often and have an unforgettable time.” She lowered her voice. “With the added benefit of ye making some money an’ getting to see me on yer own once again.”
Daniel looked at Melissa before turning to Hamish and ignoring his sister altogether.
“I think this is a far more sensitive matter that should be dealt with by the men,” he explained, making his voice firm so that Fiona would understand what he was saying.
“I would prefer it if we used one of the men that we trust.” He turned toward Fiona with a serious look in his eyes.
“Ye can always visit the castle whenever Melissa decides to extend the invite.”
Melissa’s heart skipped a beat as she watched Daniel take control and assert his opinion on the situation at hand.
“I dinnae see why I cannae deliver the money,” Fiona argued, taken aback, and glanced at her brother.
“This is a business discussion between men,” Daniel said coolly. “Ye were invited here this evening as a courtesy toward Hamish and naething more. It wouldnae be right if ye were the one to handle the money.”
“I must confess,” Hamish finally said. “I dinnae care for the way yer speaking to me sister, not when she’s always been welcome here in the past.” His plump face turned red as he spoke. “I think yer forgetting who has the upper hand in this deal.” He narrowed his eyes.
“I am nae forgetting anything.” Daniel stood and glared at the man, his jaw ticking. “It is ye an’ yer sister that has forgotten yer manners when being invited to a dinner.” Although he kept his cool as he spoke, he seethed with anger, nonetheless.
“I can see that yer recent marriage has changed yer priorities.” Hamish shot Melissa an ugly look.
“Fiona an’ I have never received anything but a warm welcome in this castle, a fact that has changed since the new Mrs. Forrester has appeared.
” He placed his hand on his sister’s arm and led her away from the table.
“Come, Fiona, our business is no longer needed here.”
Daniel watched as the pair exited the hall whilst a low susurration broke out amongst the rest of the guests.
Melissa felt a pang of guilt at being the reason why a business deal went bad for Daniel. She attempted to speak but was quickly silenced by him as he once again took his seat by her side and whispered in her ear, “Dinnae fuss, we can talk about the matter later.”
The rest of the guests looked at him in shock as if they could not believe what had just happened in front of their eyes.
“Please,” Daniel said politely and gestured around the table. “Continue with the meal.” He gave everyone a charming smile. “There’s nae need for any of the food to go to waste.”
Melissa lowered her head and picked at the meat on her plate as everyone went back to talking in quieter tones.
Daniel leaned in and whispered in her ear, “There will be other business deals. Dinnae fuss over a silly lass. I’m glad they left, I couldnae stand her constant flirting in any case. Besides…” He shot her another smile. “She cannae annoy me the way ye do.”
Melissa smiled despite the situation and leaned in a little closer. “Only you would say something as insufferable and silly as that, Daniel Forrester.”
“An’ it’s only ye that wouldnae appreciate when a man defends his wife’s honor by nae letting anaether woman flirt with him, Mrs. Forrester.”
Melissa’s stomach fluttered as she once again focused on her plate.
It was the first time that Daniel had ever referred to her as Mrs. Forrester.
It made her wonder if things would go back to normal with the bickering and distance between them, or if they would start to grow closer now that he had publicly defended her.
Doubts began to creep in once again as she recalled the fact that he’d married her in order to save her honor. He hadn’t loved her then, and as Fiona had said, he had the uncanny ability to save those who couldn’t save themselves.
“Just so that ye ken,” he whispered to her once again as if he could tell that she was getting caught up in her thoughts.
“I didnae invite Fiona here because of anything we had in the past. I simply invited her along with Hamish as a courtesy because she would always tag along ‘afore. There was never anything more than a harmless flirtation between the two of us.”
Melissa felt more at ease with what had happened as Daniel confirmed what Isla had said to her earlier in the evening. Her hopes were once again ignited by the comfort and attention he was making sure to give her.
Pushing himself up with his legs, Daniel stood and addressed his guests once again.
“Me Lairds,” he said, looking around the table at all of the curious faces that hung on his every word.
“If ye would care to join me in front of the fire for some after-dinner ale, we can continue the discussion about business.” He took a moment to look at each man that sat around his table.
“Just because one man has decided to leave, disnae mean that the rest of us have to throw in the towel.”
She marveled at the way Daniel was able to restore the atmosphere at the table. He held his guests in the palm of his hand and put them at ease effortlessly.
It was then that Melissa realized with shocking clarity that she’d fallen in love with the rake she had married to save her reputation.
The reason he had occupied her thoughts day and night, making her angry with his remarks and holding her attention whenever he entered a room, was that she had fallen head over heels in love with him.
Avery had been right when she had said that there had to be a reason why they fought like cat and dog.
“Are ye all right?” Daniel asked as he looked at his wife with concern. “Ye look as if ye’ve seen a ghost.”
“Just the excitement of the evening,” Melissa lied as she swallowed the feelings that came bubbling to the surface when she looked into his eyes.
I love you.
That was the thought that came to mind as he smiled at her before turning back to his guests.
I have gone and fallen in love with my husband.
The sounds around her dimmed as she stared at him while he spoke to his guests.
Now, if only he would love me back…