Part 6 (1/2)
Phin answered the pun by nabbing two sandwiches from the platter.
His friend continued undeterred. ”Let me know if I can a.s.sist. We can go back to the gaming h.e.l.l later in the week and check for Winton if you'd like.”
”Yes, we'll have to. It's the only lead I have. He hasn't been to his apartment in weeks and no one can explain what brought about his drastic change in behavior.”
Both men ate in silence until Phin spoke, his words edged with concern. ”Julia is taking Winton's rejection hard. I hope his explanation makes sense.”
The men completed their meal and Devlin moved from behind his desk.
”Enough of this unpleasantness. Why don't we join Lexi in the nursery? It's been too long since you've seen your G.o.dson. He's growing faster than you can imagine.”
The mood in the room took on a cheerful change and Phineas found a genuine smile. ”Capital idea. I'm in need of a little suns.h.i.+ne right about now.” He reached forward to grab another sandwich from the plate and followed Devlin out of the room, his words evoking immediate images of Penelope. Her smile warmed his soul despite he would be hard pressed to articulate the admittance. Still an afternoon spent in her company would prove delightful. No doubt at all.
Chapter Nine.
Phineas returned to find his townhouse ensconced in silence. He arched a brow at Jenkins who remained in the front hall sifting through correspondence, the unspoken communication expressing his immediate question. Where is everyone? The sudden encompa.s.sing solitude unnerved him until Mon Ami squawked several times in succession. The high-pitched screech echoed through the peaceful foyer with such irritation Jenkins dropped a packet of envelopes. Phineas made a direct line for the back door, rubbing his temples and seeking respite in the gardens. His long strides ate up the pathway bringing him to the gazebo at the corner.
”Phineas, how pleasant. Join us.” His mother motioned toward a seat beside Penelope, but no sooner did he enter the gazebo than a servant announced the arrival of Aubry's tutor. Springing to her feet, Maman reached for Aubry's hand as if leading a small child from the yard.
”Good heavens, I had no idea of the time. Come along, Aubry, I do want to co-ordinate your schedule.”
With hardly a by-your-leave, the ladies hurried toward the house, their faint conversation fading on the breeze as they left Phineas and Penny quite alone.
By d.a.m.n if he didn't find himself in another undesirable situation. He didn't want to enjoy her company, and the best way to achieve that goal was to avoid Penelope whenever possible.
She leaned on the side banister of the wooden enclosure, the sunlight outlining her profile in softness as if an angel come to earth. Meanwhile his thoughts echoed suggestions from the devil.
”We have been abruptly abandoned.” Phineas sought to keep his mouth moving with words, as a rush of desire urged him to cross the planked floor and kiss Penelope soundly. ”Funny how that continues to happen.” His lips quirked with the wry mutter. Did Penelope notice his mother's poorly veiled attempts at providing them privacy? Maman proved as cunning as a fox.
He took a step then stopped. A litany in his brain persisted he pull her forward and kiss her senseless. How could he resist when she stood there an image of adorable loveliness? His blood heated with an unexplainable force that made no sense and yet rocked him to the core.
He didn't want any relations.h.i.+p with permanence.
No wife, happy life.
He struggled to re-establish his mental decorum as the wind stirred the leaves, a sibilant whisper against the gazebo roof.
”Your mother has shown extraordinary kindness. I am grateful for her generosity. My sister and I are very happy here.”
He slid his gaze upward with the unexpected admission. How was it possible her eyes were greener, sparkled more, their clear depths as intriguing as the color? And those freckles. He'd like to memorize the location of each one.
”I want to thank you for helping me.” She tilted her head to the side and hemmed her bottom lip in a charming habit he knew as if his own. ”And most of all, for being my friend.”
Friend. The word alone was a bucket of cold water. Good, very good.
He walked to the other side of the gazebo and mirrored her pose. ”It's the least I can do after understanding your predicament. Friends help one another.” What of this gentleman she sought? Was she promised to him? It could do no harm to fish around for answers. ”So that I may help you further, why don't you share a few more facts? All the better to determine the type of functions that will place you in this gentleman's path.” Or not at all, having you avoid him completely. Then what would you do Penelope, if you could not find your mystery man?
”There's not very much to tell regarding his peerage or connections.” She finished with a feminine shrug although she struggled to conceal emotion. ”He is definitely not expecting to see me. That's certain.” She added this with emphatic confidence.
”What does he look like? Maybe I have made his acquaintance.” Unable to harness his restlessness, Phineas paced the circ.u.mference of the gazebo, full knowing he would arrive at Penelope's side. Did she smell like vanilla today? He no longer enjoyed dessert having discovered a sweeter reward.
”He is tall, not as tall as you.” She tipped her head as she pivoted in his direction. ”With a similar build, although your shoulders are much broader.”
Phin adjusted his frame to maintain his best posture.
”He is handsome, but not as...” Her words ended on a considerable hitch of breath.
He had come full circle, and stood beside her, hopeful the remainder of her sentence aligned with the obvious. She appeared a little nervous, not at all in the same manner of only a few minutes earlier.
”You were saying?” He looked down into her crystalline eyes and the decision was made. He would kiss her. Right then and there. Because he wanted to and he needed to and he was d.a.m.n tired of always doing what was expected of him. How terribly mundane to follow the rules and never take what one wanted on impulse within the pa.s.sion of the moment. Past experiences discounted. Penelope was nothing like other women he'd known, so one kiss would satisfy his curiosity and put it to bed. Poor choice of words.
But while he muddled through these conclusions, Penny moved to the bench, her expression grave as if she contemplated serious matters. d.a.m.n it all to h.e.l.l, was she thinking of the man she wished to locate? This man she claimed to love?
Penelope stared into her skirt and wondered how she'd maintain a secretive position in her quest to locate Simon and also kiss Phineas, because as he studied her with those incredible amber eyes, the impulse thrumming in her veins suggested she throw herself into his arms and kiss his lips in a shameless expression of desire. Good lord, what would he think were she to do such a thing? She wanted nothing more than to feel his mouth upon hers. That delicious mouth with that divine cleft in his chin. It haunted her every daydream.
She'd been kissed before. Simon initiated a reserved friendliness during their courts.h.i.+p. A mocking voice inside her insisted any affection she received in the past would pale greatly to the experience of kissing Phineas. Mostly due to the fact she would not be receiving, but actively partic.i.p.ating in the kiss. Kisses. She poked the tip of her tongue out and nervously licked her lips. Who could ever accuse her of wantonness for succ.u.mbing to his rugged good looks?
With her decision made, she rose in a swirl of skirts and met his amber gaze. He stood so close, spicy and male; she sensed his body heat and her heart melted.
”Phineas?”
He exhaled, his breath whispering past her cheek and her body reacted as if his hands skimmed over her skin with precious sensation.
”Yes?”
His voice, a low husky rumble from his chest, sent a p.r.i.c.kling of antic.i.p.ation skittering to the deepest part of her.
”Would it be terribly rude if I asked you a favor?” Her words came out too fast, charging the air between them with impatient emotion.
”Anything. Ask me anything.”
His eyes glittered and when he swept a wayward piece of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushed her temple in a lingering caress. He tipped her chin with his fingertip, the pressure entrancing her with warmth and strength. Something unfurled within her, an anxious desire that begged to be fulfilled.
”What is it you want, my sweet?”
The silky rasp of his voice sent another little s.h.i.+ver across her skin, her senses acutely aware of the subtle distinction of the man standing above her. He was strong, solid muscle and male handsomeness, yet his touch was gentle.
”You rescued us, providing for Aubry and me, when we were destined for dire straits only a week ago.” She matched his intense gaze and her pulse tripled. ”Your mother brought us to your home unannounced and instead of turning us away, you've shown great generosity. You deserve a boon, some kind of reward.”
”A boon?”
Something flickered in his eyes. An idea? A mischievous impulse? She could never confess she yearned for him to ask for a kiss. Whenever she stared into his fathomless gaze, his eyes locked to hers, she lost all logical reason and her heartbeat hurtled, her breathing hitched.
He leaned closer, as if conspiring something of great importance. ”I know the proper thing is to suggest a stroll in the gardens or a dance at the next social function, but I'm not feeling like a gentleman right now. If we're baring souls, I find I'm far from the behavior of a gentleman whenever I'm near you.”