Page 65 of Tempting Her Viscount

“I’m well, and you?” If he wanted to exchange pleasantries as if she were nothing to him, then she could do that. For the time being anyway.

“I’m not well at all actually. I missed seeing you and Gray this morning but I didn’t know if I would be welcome after how I’d behaved.”

“You’re speaking of the way you ran off while I was still abed?”

“Yes.” He closed his eyes tightly.

“I remember our plan was to remain friends, but not hours after making that pact it appears to have collapsed into awkwardness.”

He smiled. “I believe you’ve spent too much time in my company. You have become adept at speaking the truth as directly as I do.”

“It’s a fine quality, I think, to speak one’s mind so expectations are set and no one is confused or disappointed.”

“Go on.”

“I don’t wish to marry. At least I don’t wish to marry at this time. If I did, you would be the only person I would even consider. But that doesn’t do anything for the fact that you do want to marry and soon. I said I would help you find a proper bride and as yet, I’ve not met that obligation. Likewise, you said you would assist me in finding a man suitable for an affair and have not.”

He opened his mouth as if to speak, but she continued.

“Both of us assured each other that regardless of the outcome—whether we found the people we were searching for or not—we would always remain friends, and now here we are in agreement that our friendship is at risk. Might I propose we move forward with the original plan so I shall not lose the best friend I’ve ever had?”

“I do feel that if I was not standing on this side of the desk my ear might be in peril.”

She smiled, happy to have the happy Kit back.

“Quite.”

His smile faded. “I cannot go on like we’ve been, Celia. We can’t fall into bed again. It hurts too much to leave.” He shook his head and ran his palm over his chin.

“We both agreed we would not make more of this arrangement than what it is,” she reminded him.

“I’m well aware of what we agreed to. But I also told you my plans. I want a family. For years you and Gray have been my only family. Is it any wonder why I wished to keep you?”

“I will always be here for you, no matter what.”

He took a deep breath and nodded. “I know that. Or I should. I’ve been alone long enough. But as enjoyable as this time has been with you, it cannot go on.”

“And that is why I’ve come. As I said, we need to move on with the other part of our arrangement. We both agreed to help the other person maneuver the ton and find someone suitable for our needs. Are you ready to proceed in earnest?”

“You don’t think I was looking for a lover for you in earnest previously?” he asked. Her only answer was to cock her eyebrow and stare at him. “Very well, I wasn’t.”

“I’m as guilty. It was pleasant to keep you to myself for my needs. But that is not fair to either of us.”

She realized during her travels, that part of the reason she enjoyed being with Kit was because he was safe. He was known in a world where most things were unknown. But she longed for the adventure of meeting someone new and the experiences she would have with him.

He stood and came around to lean against his desk. “I can’t thank you enough for coming today and setting us back on course. I would be grateful for your assistance.” He gave a slight bow.

“Very well. Tonight, I will meet you at the Sterling Ball and we will begin our search anew and not stop until we’ve both found success.”

“I look forward to seeing you. Good day, countess.” With a kiss to her cheek, he escorted her out.

Once home, she went to her room and slumped into a chair by the window. Their time together as lovers was over. Tonight, they would begin the search to find other people. She should be pleased to finally get on with her plans.

She was terrified.

*

After getting anod of approval from his valet, Kit rushed down the stairs and out the door. He was running slightly late in meeting Celia at the Sterling ball.