Chapter Thirteen #2
Justina decided they would look for furniture first—and then proceed to kissing.
The attics were filled with many items, most of them covered to keep away the dust. They peeked underneath, only removing the sheets when something of interest was found.
They discovered several chairs and a settee which would fit nicely, as well as a few tables.
David carried everything he would take to the entrance and returned to her.
“I think we have enough,” he said.
She sneezed. “I agree. And this dust is getting to me. Why, I feel it is covering my skin and has worked its way into my hair.”
He stepped close, his fingers taking her chin in hand. “Your hair looks lovely today. And your rose gown suits your coloring.”
“Thank you for noticing. I usually wear my hair in the same, simple fashion and put on whatever Bessie leaves out for me. Today, I made an extra effort.” She paused. “Because I knew I would be seeing you.”
“You did?” he asked huskily, his arm going about her waist, bringing her flush against him.
“I did.”
His lips grazed hers. “I wish we had longer together.”
“So do I. Let us make the most of it.”
“Ten minutes. No more,” he said decisively.
His mouth seized hers, the kiss searing. It was as if a hot, white light poured into her, flowing through her veins. The place between her legs came alive, throbbing in need. She wanted to ask him about it, but she did not want anything to keep them from kissing.
Justina wrapped her arms about his waist. His hands roamed her back, dropping to cup her buttocks. He kneaded them sensually, bringing a deep longing. She wickedly wished that she could peel aside her clothes so that her bare flesh touched his.
His kisses enthralled her, causing desire to flood her. She felt as if he wanted to consume her, just as she wanted to swallow him whole and make him a part of her always. Justina realized she liked David more than she should have.
And suspected she actually loved him.
That thought shook her to her core. She was changing, becoming someone she did not even recognize.
She was still herself, but this man was bringing out a new side of her which she had not known existed.
It terrified her because she had always lived her life on an even keel.
Now, she was consumed with thoughts of him and wanting to be with him.
Yet he had already told her they were not meant to be together.
Even she understood they lived in different worlds.
Because of his close friendship with Lord Marbury, David skirted the edge of Polite Society, but he would never be accepted into it.
No shopkeeper attended ton events, much less wed a lady who orbited in that particular sphere.
Even if she had wished to wed him, she knew David would never offer for her. He would see her as unattainable—and her heart ached.
He broke the kiss. “What is it?”
She knew he was already so attuned to her moods. “Nothing. I just realized that our time together is done. We should return downstairs so you can tell the butler what pieces to have delivered to your shop.”
He smoothed her hair and then framed her face with his long fingers. “You are right. I was being selfish, trying to squeeze as much out of this stolen moment as I could.”
“You will come to the assembly tonight and dance with me?”
He frowned. “It is not a good idea, Justina.”
“Everyone from the area comes, from farmers to gentry to, yes, even shopkeepers.” She smiled. “Please say you will.”
He kissed her mouth softly. “I will. Only because you asked me to do so.”
They returned downstairs and found Tray. He was dancing with Lady Elinor, who was flushed from the exertion. Justina wondered if Tray might be thinking of a match with the girl. Though she was young and inexperienced, she was the daughter of a duke.
Lord Marbury told David that he and his sister would call for David in their carriage so they might come to the assembly together.
They said their goodbyes and when they reached the foyer, Tray said, “Please join us in our carriage, Mr. Rochester. We can drop you close to your cottage.”
“I appreciate the offer, my lord. You will save me time and keep me from the cold.”
David gave their coachman instructions, and within a few minutes they were at his cottage.
“We will see you tonight,” Tray said as David left the carriage.
Once the vehicle started up again, he turned to her. “When did you develop feelings for Mr. Rochester, Justina? And better yet—should I ask him what his intentions are regarding you?”
“What?” she exclaimed, realizing how well her brother knew her, and wondering if anyone else had guessed of her strong feelings for David. “We have become friends, that is true, and I have been helping him with his books. You know that.”
Tray gave her ha knowing glance. “It is more than that. Being inside a carriage with the two of you, I could feel how charged the air was. Do not lie to me, Jus.”
She bit her lip. “We have kissed,” she admitted.
“There is an attraction between us. But I have told him I am more interested in my painting than marriage. He even made it very clear to me that he is not in a position to offer for any woman. After all, he is fresh from the army, just starting his own business.”
Left unsaid was that she was an earl’s daughter and sister to one, as well, and ladies in her position did not speak their vows with common shopkeepers.
Her brother studied her a long moment. “Take care. That is all I ask. I do not wish to see you compromised.”
Her face grew hot. “That will not happen,” she assured him.
Tray nodded. “See that it does not. I like Rochester, but I would not hesitate to call him out.”
“You would duel with him?”
Grim determination filled her brother’s face. “If I thought he had compromised you, I most certainly would.”
She reached for his hand. “No, Tray. It will not come to that. I promise you.”
His gaze met hers. “And I will hold you to that promise, Jus.”