Contrary woman.
But, back to the point that had caused him alarm, what if Annie were already carrying his child? She would have no other choice then but to marry him. And, as much as the idea of a bairn was intriguing, he did not want to force Annie into a marriage. She would hate him forever.
The carriage pulled up in front of her mother’s boardinghouse and Niall dismounted to open the door and offer his hand. Annie looked at it as though she weren’t quite sure if he was hiding a dagger in his sleeve. He supposed he shouldn’t blame her for acting suspicious about a touch of gallantry, since he’d been acting a bit boorish most of the day. They’d hardly spoken the two times they’d stopped for rest breaks, and he’dbought her a box lunch to eat as they travelled, so he wouldn’t have to make conversation.
Annie put her hand in his and stepped down. She’d taken off her gloves and the slight touch of her bare hand only made him remember how other bare parts of her had felt—her soft breasts smooth as satin, her flat belly silky, and the warm juncture between her thighs slick.
His cock stirred and he adjusted his riding coat. He cursed inwardly. Maybe he should have taken the tavern wench’s offer last night to share her bed with him, so his memory of shared intimacy with Annie would have been diluted. The last thing he needed was to entertain thoughts of having her naked body entwined with his once more. That was not going to happen.
****
When Annie went downstairs the second morning of her return, she was surprised to have Niall join her in the breakfast room a short time later. Since their return home, he had made himself scarce, generally breaking his fast before she came down.
Niall had stayed away from the boardinghouse for most of the daylight hours since they’d gotten back. Owen had assured her that Niall was busy with Aidan and what had taken place at Henderson Shipping while he had been gone, but Annie knew Niall was avoiding her. He only came to the dining table in the evening after everyone else was seated and any conversation she tried to make with him had been met with polite, neutral responses. Even her mother had noted the formality in his behavior, although she was probably relieved that nothing untoward seemed to have transpired during their time away. The memory of what did happen was as clear as the water of a mountain burn in Annie’s mind.
She missed having Niall in her bed, drat it all.
“What are ye doing here? Ye are usually gone by now.”
He arched a brow. “I ken ye doona prefer my company—”
“I dinna say that.”
The brow went higher. “Ye did nae have to. Ye were quite clear—”
“Ye never gave me a chance to explain,” Annie interrupted, her temper rising.
“’Tis nothing to be explained.”
“Aye, there is! I did nae mean to insult ye when I said I would nae marry ye. I…likedwhat we did.” She felt her face heat and hurried on. “’Tis just that I doona want to be dependent on a man.”
“Ye have made that point quite clear.” Niall shrugged. “I understand.”
Annie frowned. “Then why have ye been avoiding me for three days?”
“I thought it would be best.” Niall gave her a direct look. “I…likedwhat we did too.”
Heat coursed through her. She looked around to make sure they were truly alone, then turned back to Niall. “I would nae mind if ye came to my bed again.”
Niall’s eyes darkened, but he shook his head. “I will nae use ye like that.”
“Ye are naeusingme if I am willing.”
“I will nae treat ye as a doxy.”
“I am nae that.”
“Exactly,” Niall said. “So we are agreed.”
It was a statement, not a question. Annie huffed a breath. Stubborn man.
“But to answer ye,” Niall said, changing the subject before she could argue, “ye have an appointment with the magistrate this morning. Have ye forgotten?”
How could she forget? “I remember. Owen has offered to accompany me.”
Niall’s mouth tightened. “I will escort ye there.”
Annie nearly rolled her eyes. She would never understand the rivalry between the two of them. Owen might have flirted a bit—although she suspected that was more to get a rise out of Niall than it was because of real interest in her—but why did that matter if Niall was not planning to accept the invitation she had so blatantly extended?
