Yet it didn’t feel as if she belonged to Gregory anymore. By any standard he could identify, she seemed to belong to him.
How had that happened? He had no idea.
Quite quickly, she abandoned her restraint, and she participated in a gleeful way that rattled him. They kept on until he caught himself loosening the belt on her robe. He was an inch away from removing clothing, from taking steps he shouldn’t take.
Gradually, he slowed, then drew away. He smiled at her, and though it was very strange, his heart was aching, as if it didn’t fit under his ribs just right. He was awash with the oddest feelings of poignant affection. The most frightening words had surged to the tip of his tongue.
He yearned to have her by his side forever. He yearned to make promises and commitments he would be foolish to extend—because he wouldn’t be serious about any of them.
She was smiling too, but she looked exasperated, as if she couldn’t figure out how she’d come to be lying beneath him on her bed.
“We have to stop doing this, Caleb.”
He smirked. “You called me Caleb.”
“I’m still engaged to Gregory.”
“I intended to ask you about that. You can’t proceed with him.”
“I haven’t had two seconds to speak with Uncle Samson, so nothing’s occurred to change my situation.”
“You and I are so attuned. It’s proof that you’re in no position to marry him.”
“I understand that now, and you’re putting me in such a horrendous predicament.”
“How?”
“You know how. Don’t pretend.”
He did know. He constantly showed up where he shouldn’t be, then pushed her into conduct she shouldn’t attempt. He wasn’t sorry though, and he didn’t suppose he’d desist.
“I’ve been dithering over how to approach my uncle,” she said.
“Would you like me to talk to him for you? I could explain how reckless Gregory is in town.”
“It’s a sweet offer, but I don’t need your help. I can handle it on my own.”
He didn’t believe that was true at all. She’d regularly been coerced by her male relatives. They wouldn’t heed her. Her uncle would probably laugh, and Caleb couldn’t envision how Gregory might respond.
There had never been rumors about him being violent, but he was very proud. If she backed out, would he lash out at her? And how might he lash out? Was it any of Caleb’s business?
Her current problems were caused in part by the fact that Caleb let Gregory wager at his gambling club. Caleb had butted his nose into her dilemma, had encouraged her to run from her marriage. If she suffered difficulties later on, had he any duty toward her?
At the moment, he couldn’t answer that question. He would have to watch and ponder, would have to see how events unfolded.
“Will you leave now?” she said. “Please?”
“I guess I should.”
“And for pity’s sake, be more furtive when you tiptoe away. I’ve sinned and disgraced myself with you, and I—”
He laid a finger on her lips. “Everything about our being together seems exactly right.”
“Since I am betrothed, and you are not, you’re not the person to give me advice on the morality of my behavior.”
“You’re likely correct, but I’ll give you some anyway: Don’t you dare feel bad or guilty. I certainly don’t.”
“Of course you don’t. You have naught to lose by trifling with me. I, on the other hand, have a whole life and family to squander.”
“We’ll chat in the morning. We’ll devise a viable path for you.”
“What path? You can’t fix this—unless you’re prepared to wed me yourself. Is that it, you bachelor, you? Are you about to propose and save me from Gregory?”
She’d uttered her comment in a teasing way, but it had the oddest effect. For a brief instant, they froze, and the notion of his marrying her brought such a giddy swell of elation that he was practically dizzy with excitement.
He nearly blurted out, Yes, yes! Marry me instead of Gregory!
But that was a bizarre idea. Had she bewitched him?
He shook his head, chasing away the deranged thought, then he scoffed with amusement. “No, I’m not about to propose. I hardly know you.”
“And I hardly know you, so what is our plan?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“I’m glad one of us is so confident.”
“Will you do me a favor tomorrow?” he asked.
“That depends on what it is.”
“I would like to sit down with you and my brother and have you share every single detail you remember about our father. Would you be interested in that?”
She sighed with what sounded like gladness. “I would be delighted to tell you what I remember, but will you tell me what you remember?”
“I’ll tell you what I can.”
He slid away and stood, and he brushed his fingers through his hair and over his clothes so he wasn’t too disheveled. She remained stretched out on the bed, like a seductive harem girl who’d just serviced her master.
“Will you end your engagement?” he asked her. “Promise you will.”
“I’ll try to end it, but I can’t imagine the chaos I’ll stir.”
“If you need my assistance, I’d be happy to provide it. I can deliver a scathing recitation of Gregory’s malignant habits to your uncle.”
“I’ll be fine on my own.”
He doubted she would be, but he wouldn’t admit it. He gestured to the door. “Will you glance out for me to make sure the hall is empty?”
She climbed to the floor, and as she walked by him, he pulled her close for a final, desperate kiss.
She huffed with aggravation. “What am I going to do with you?”
“What am I going to do with you?” he replied.
“We’re mad,” she said. “We’re both mad. You realize that, don’t you?”
“Oh, yes, I realize it.”
She peeked out, then whispered, “The coast is clear.”
“I’ll find you tomorrow. We’ll talk about my father.”
“I can’t wait.”
He stepped by her and hurried away. He had an appointment with her fiancé, and he was suddenly more eager than ever to help Gregory dig a very deep hole.
“How much did you
