Page 67 of A Stormy Season

“Thank you. I cannot think of anything, unless you know of hiding places frequently used by young ladies.”

“Have you looked under her bed? Of course you have. That is an obvious one.”

“I have.” He gave her his gentle smile.

How good he looked. He had such thick brown hair, and such kissable lips. Her heart turned over at remembering how it felt to kiss them.

What embarrassing thoughts she was prone to having these days!

Think, Jane. You were supposed to suggest hiding places.

“A good hiding place could be in the back of a closet, perhaps a hidden pocket of some sort, attached to the back wall. I read about something like that in a novel once.”

Luke nodded. “Ah, that is a good idea. I shall look.”

“Indeed, it could be hidden anywhere in the house. Her room might be too obvious.” Was she being too forward by mentioning Anne, even though she hadn’t said her name?

“Yes, that is what I have concluded as well.” Luke stared at the floor a moment, as if lost in thought.

“Or even outside the house. I once hid a letter I didn’t wish my mother to see under the seat in the carriage.”

Luke’s expression suddenly changed. Did he suspect her of something illicit?

“It was my friend’s letter. She was confessing a secret engagement of which her parents did not approve.”

“Oh.” Luke looked relieved.

“I promise, I have no secret engagements or other nefarious behaviors to confess,” she said with what she hoped was a flirtatious look, as she smiled up at him through her eyelashes. “Only a pretend engagement,” she added softly.And a secret kiss.

Luke cleared his throat, but he was smiling, thankfully. “I am glad to hear that.”

She imagined herself stepping forward and kissing him again.

No, no, she couldn’t. She mustn’t. What would he think of her? But she wanted to kiss him again, and the very thought made her catch her breath.

Luke went on, obviously unaware of her temptation to kiss him.

“I wanted to say that I am very grateful that you rescued Jeffrey from being kidnapped.” He was fidgeting with his hat again. “I don’t know if I even thanked you, but you have my utmost gratitude. Jane.”

He said her name after a slight hesitation, his voice lowering in both octave and volume. It sent a pleasant sensation through her middle.

What would it be like to hear Luke say her name like that every day? She shivered, the same pleasant sensation moving through her.

“Are you cold?” He took a step toward her.

“No, I am well.” She gazed up at him.

She had no excuse to kiss him. Before, she’d had the excuse of having just been through something frightening, of needing a warm embrace.

Perhaps she should have told him she was cold.

Jane pressed a hand over her mouth, stifling a laugh at her own ridiculous thoughts.

“Well, then, I suppose I shall see you tonight at dinner.”

“Oh yes, that is good.” She smiled brightly. “I shall look forward to seeing you tonight.”

He smiled and took his leave.