Derrick made a noise in the back of his throat, and I swear, if Andrew hadn’t moved, he would have caught his fist.
Andrew strolled down the path toward the house, whistling a slow tune.
“What is wrong with you?” I asked, nudging an elbow into Derrick’s arm. “You said the Snows were family friends, and yet you look like you’re an excuse away from sending that man to the gallows.”
“Friends of my parents, Tessa. There’s a difference. Andrew and I haven’t been close for a long time. You should stay away from him. There’s a reason he’s the black sheep of his family.” He angled my chin to take a closer look at my injury. “Explain to me what he meant about poachers.” His thumb hovered over my cheek, and he bit back a curse. “How did this happen?”
“Apparently, I resemble a wild animal. Tell me,”—I gave him my profile—“from this angle, do I look like a boar or a ten-point buck? Careful—it’s a trick question.”
“You were shot at?” Derrick shouted, completely ignoring my self-deprecating joke.
“Yes, but I wasn’t hit. At least, not with an arrow. The cut on my face is from tree bark. It stings more than anything else, but I’m fine.”
“Can you identify the hunter?”
“No. I was too busy making a run for it. Next time, I’ll wave and get an introduction.”
“This isn’t funny, Tessa. Stop trying to joke your way out of this.”
I smoothed my hands over his shoulders, trying to diffuse the situation. “I realize I’m making light of what happened, but I don’t want this to ruin our trip. I know how you are—you’ll want to get involved. You’ll tear the woods apart from sunup to sundown. Please, let’s report it to the village authorities and let them handle it. Remember the rules: no agency stuff. Just rest, relaxation, and…stolen moments in a garden alcove?” I smiled coyly and pointed to the alcove in question.
Derrick was primed to argue, but he heaved a sigh when I pulled out the big spells and fluttered my lashes. His lips twitched. “You look ridiculous when you do that.”
“But I bet it’s working.”
“Only a little.”
“Hmm… I’ll have to try harder.” I went up on my toes and planted a kiss on his mouth.
He caught me before I could drop to my heels and walked me backward, toward the stone bench. “That’s much better,” he murmured, sliding his lips over mine. His fingers delved into my hair, then skimmed down my neck. “Now who’s a master at evasive maneuvers?”
“I learned from the best.”
Easing me down on the bench, he pulled me close and took full advantage of our secluded sanctuary.
Our frozen breaths mingled, and a burst of snow flurries tickled my skin, melting on contact. This was much closer to the romantic holiday he’d promised.
After a while, I drew back and nestled my head under Derrick’s chin. I shivered from the icy air but was reluctant to go back inside. His arms wrapped around me, staving off the inevitable for a few seconds more.
“You taste like whiskey,” I said, reaching up to rub my palm over the stubble on his jaw. “I like it. Were you having afternoon drinks with your father?”
“One or two. Edward joined us for a little bit. Sorry I was cooped up for so long in my father’s study—he wanted to talk business. Even though he’s retired from the shipping company, he’s still on the board. Richard Snow, who you’ll meet at dinner, was my father’s business partner. They founded the company together, and he’s running the business now. But my father wanted my advice on a few things.”
“Is everything okay?”
Derrick gave a hesitant nod. “I think so. Profits are down more than usual, and they’re starting to talk about succession.”
“Andrew?” I asked, receiving my answer in the way Derrick’s teeth clenched. “I have to admit, I’m dying to know the history between you two.”
“He just looks at things differently than I do. Some people have every advantage, and they waste it.”
“You don’t think the animosity has anything to do with the fact you were the one who was groomed to take over the company until you abruptly joined the agency? Maybe Andrew was jealous. All I’m saying is that I know what it feels like to be in someone’s shadow. It sucks, and it makes you do things you’re not always proud of.”
Derrick chuckled. “Wise words. Who knew you were such a wise witch?”
I shrugged. “I keep telling people, but they won’t listen.” Squeezing his knee, I climbed to my feet. “Let’s go. We can’t be late for dinner on our first night. Remember, I’m trying to appeal to your mother, not add tardiness to my list of faults.”
He took my hand and led me out of the alcove.
