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“Oh, how cruel! I’m sorry you’ve had to go through such rejection.”
Her compassion warmed his chest. “Thank you. It’s another reason I haven’t done the pretty in society. Besides, the clinic I run with my brother takes up much of my time.”
She nodded. “Is that enjoyable work?”
“Very much so. To see men regain their confidence, to watch them embrace their futures within a new reality is something I never anticipated.” A slow grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “It gives me so much back I can’t imagine life without that work.”
“I can see it in your eyes how important that is to you.”
“In many ways it’s given me back my own hope for the future.” It was the most honest thing he’d ever shared with anyone outside his family.
“It’s nice there is support for wounded military men who struggle with more than physical wounds. I wish there were the same for war widows or women who lost fiancés, brothers, fathers, children.” When she let the basket fall to the floor of the carriage, she gently laid a hand on his thigh. Heated awareness shot up his limb. “We’re taught to grieve in private, but there is oftentimes the need for someone to talk with, to listen to, and know we’re not alone in those struggles instead of keeping a stiff upper lip and suffering in silence.”
His heart went out to her. “My sister has started a salon in London for just that sort of thing because of personal experiences. If you wish, I can introduce you to her. Perhaps that’s something you can assist with or even use for your own purposes.”
“I’d like that.” For a few seconds, she tightened her fingers on his thigh before she returned her hand to her lap.
“Good.” And it would put her in London with him if anything should come from the connection between them. “Because I’ve been in the war and made my sacrifice there, I well know how short one’s existence can be.”
“Yet? I feel as if that’s a big statement.”
Trey nodded. “Both my siblings are married and setting up nurseries. I might wish to try my hand—since I have just the one,” he quipped with a laugh, “at finding the same, especially now Father is gone.” Then he sobered. “Love is so fragile though. And brings grief. I don’t know if I’d want more of that.” Why did he choose to show such a vulnerability?
Noelle looked at him again. “That’s the penalty we pay for love, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t seek it out. If you build walls around your heart to keep grief and unpleasantness away, you’ll also block out the good.”
“Wherein I’ll forever watch life slip away.” It was uncanny how well she knew him.
“Yes, exactly. I’ve done the same.” When she smiled, the sensation of falling once more assailed him.
“You’re very wise. I appreciate that. I also appreciate you don’t pity me or treat me differently.” He halted the horse as his hand shook. If ever there was a time for the truth, to put himself out there, it was now. As he turned toward her, he asked, “Where have you been all my life?”
It sounded stupid and he was in danger of making a complete cake of himself, but he didn’t care. Suddenly, this was the most important moment of his existence.
Amusement sparkled in her eyes. “Perhaps waiting until our paths collided.”
“Those damned sheep,” he said in a barely audible whisper, and then because he needed to touch her, reassure himself that what he was beginning to feel for her was true, Trey cupped her cheek, leaned into her, and claimed her lips. When she uttered a tiny sigh of acceptance, he scooted closer and settled his mouth more comfortably against hers. He put every ounce of anticipation, confusion, and hope into that one embrace. Would she want to make that leap with him if he chose it?
Was there enough between them in this moment to build a future on?
“Oh, Trey.” The words were breathless and throaty, and the sound of them drove him wild. Noelle looped her arms around his neck, came ever closer to him until she nearly sat on his lap, and she encouraged him to kiss her all over again.
He did, gladly, teasing the seam of her lips until she opened for him. Satin glided against silk as tongues dueled and danced. Desire clouded his good sense, and all too soon he slipped his hand to dare cup her breast beneath her cloak. It was insanity how much he wanted this woman when he’d only just met her, but perhaps such a thing didn’t need an explanation.
Yet… he needed more assurance than a compatibility in kissing. Breathing heavily, Trey wrenched away and stared into her eyes that had darkened to sapphire. “Well then.”
“It’s odd, I know, but I’m suddenly wondering how those long-ago shepherds kept themselves busy during those long nights of watching over their flocks.” Her grin had a decidedly wicked bent. “I’m thinking kissing their wives was only one way to relieve the boredom.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle as he gave his attention to the reins once more, but bloody hell. He was in danger of becoming lost in this woman for no other reason than she was wonderful.
