“I hope you’re happy with your impending change in circumstances,” he replied as he reached for the doorknob.
“Of course I am. But there are still more than a few things we need to discuss, and—”
He gently shushed her as he opened the door and sent a quick glance down the hall.
“All is quiet,” he murmured and led her out.
“Kade, I’m perfectly capable of finding my way back to my room,” she whispered as he accompanied her toward the family wing.
“I’m not letting you wander around alone,” he whispered back. “It’s not safe.”
There was no point in arguing with the stubborn man, since he was clearly the overprotective sort. And even though she didn’t really need protecting, Charlie had to admit that it made her feel cherished in a way she’d never felt before.
They soft-footed their way to the corridor that led to her bedroom, and a quick glance showed that it was empty.
Kade leaned down to murmur in her ear. “I’ll wait till you’re safely inside.”
She nodded, and then stretched up on her tiptoes to kiss him. He lingered for a moment, his hand caressing her shoulder.
“Good night, love,” he whispered. “Sweet dreams.”
Charlie smiled at him and then quietly pattered down to her room. A glance over her shoulder showed he still waited, now merely a shadow in the darkness. She raised a hand in farewell and then slipped into her bedroom, carefully shutting the door without a sound.
She leaned against it as she eyed her big, empty bed. She suspected that sleep would elude her tonight. Her nerves still vibrated with lingering desire, and a dozen questions buzzed inside her skull. Once again, those questions had gone unanswered. Kade was the most wonderful man in the world, but also annoyingly adept at avoiding issues he wasn’t ready to discuss. He’d obviously decided that solving their immediate problems came first. Only then could they truly talk about their future.
Or make mad, passionate love, finally.
Feeling almost as frustrated as when she’d first knocked on his door, Charlie trudged off to bed. Answers—and lovemaking—would have to wait.
CHAPTER20
Charlie leaned against the terrace balustrade and peered out over the garden, looking for Kade.
After a restless night, she’d risen well past her normal time and had hurried down to breakfast, hoping to catch him. Unfortunately, Kade had already been and gone. She’d tried the music room next, but she’d had no better luck there.
“Where is the dratted man?” she muttered to herself.
Her reputed fiancé was, as usual, proving elusive. Had the clear light of day brought him second thoughts about his promises to her? As hard as she tried, she couldn’t shake the unwelcome notion that Kade had put a stop to their lovemaking because he still harbored doubts about their future. If he did, of course she wouldn’t press him or stop him from walking away. But it would break her heart into a thousand pieces, and how would she survive that?
She blew out an exasperated breath, disgusted with her inability to control her emotions. They continued to spin around in her head like a top.
You’re as silly and as mawkish as Melissa.
That thought made her snort with laughter. Love and lack of sleep had clearly addled her brain. Still, Charlie knew she couldn’t be easy again until she saw Kade.
She was about to go inside when she heard footsteps on the path from the stables. Kade appeared, dressed in riding gear. He took the terrace steps two at a time and crossed to join her.
“Good morning,” he said. “I’m sorry I didn’t see you at breakfast. Did you sleep in a bit?”
Charlie took a moment to appreciate how splendid he looked in the well-cut breeches that outlined his long, muscular legs and the hacking jacket that showcased his broad shoulders.
Then she frowned. “You’ve been out riding.”
When his eyebrows ticked up at her unfortunately chippy tone, she winced.
“Oh, dear,” she added quickly. “I don’t mean to sound rude. It’s just that I’ve been looking for you.”
“I thought to go for an early ride. I was up anyway, and I needed to clear my head.”
