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Blake finally lifted his gaze back to her face and raised his hand as if to touch her again, but Annalise flinched, and he stopped mid-motion. He closed his eyes in agony as he swore and stood from the bench.
“I thought we might want to start attending social events,” he said, walking back toward the exit. “Start dispelling some rumors, show up together, smile politely at the lords and ladies.” He stopped at the door and turned back to her.
“I think you’re right.”
“How about a ride in the park? Tomorrow.”
Annalise wanted to refuse. Her instincts screamed at her not to trust him. But she’d promised to give him a chance. And even if she intended to keep him at arm’s length, she needed to keep her promise.
She cleared her throat. “I think it will go a long way toward dispelling some rumors. You need to be prepared, though. People will ask a lot of questions.”
“Do not fret. I am versed at steering the subject to other pastures.”
Yes, I am well aware.“An afternoon in the park is a good start. But we received many invitations for the upcoming gatherings. And they’ve doubled since your return. Would you like to take a look at them and decide which social engagement will be our first one to attend?”
He frowned thoughtfully. “I am not certain I am the best person to do this. How about you pick a gathering you’d like to attend? I am convinced you’ll do far better than me.”
Annalise smiled tightly. “I shall think on it. I also think it is important for us to host a ball. To celebrate your official return home.”
“Hmm.” He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “You are right. Perhaps about a month from now?”
A month wasn’t a long time to prepare for a ball. But it would give her something to do with herself besides agonize about Blake’s return.
“As you wish,” she said.
Blake gave a swift smile. He paused then, hesitating at the door. “I would like to ask you another favor. I know I do not deserve it, but I’d like to spend more time with you if you’ll allow it.”
“What do you mean?”
“When we just married, one of the things that drove us apart was that we barely saw each other.”
And whose fault was that?
Blake grimaced uncomfortably as if he’d heard her thought. “I am not asking for much. Just your company during the morning meal and supper.”
Annalise licked her lips. Perhaps it wasn’t much for him, but it meant too much for Annalise. It was all she’d wanted of their marriage back when it just started. But he rarely spent evenings at home and even fewer mornings. On the rare occasions he spent nights home, he came in so late that he slept through the morning meals. But it wasn’t like Annalise had anywhere to go. So she conceded.
The meals were not the most frightening part of living with Blake, though. There was a question that had plagued her from the moment they struck the deal. She wished she didn’t have to ask, but a mix of hope and distress settled in the pit of her stomach.
“Do you… Do you plan on coming to my bed?” she asked, her voice trembling.
She didn’t know which answer she dreaded more, yes or no. But she’d rather hear it now.
He narrowed his eyes on her as if trying to decipher her thoughts. “Not unless you want me to,” he finally answered.
She swallowed. “Not just yet.”
“It might be winter in our relationship right now,” he said and tipped his head at the pianoforte. “But spring will come, eventually.” He turned on his heel and walked away.
* * *
Not just yet.The words rang in his mind as Blake entered his room. They haunted him as he performed his nightly ablutions and settled into his soft, warm bed. He lay there awake, running every interaction he’d had with Annalise since his return in his mind.
When Annalise had asked him whether he was planning to come to her bed, her face was vulnerable, her eyes full of doubt.
Blake couldn’t fault her, really. The only two times he’d come to her bed, he hadn’t been exactly gentle, nor had he been eager to please. Hell, he hadn’t even been sober. Blake was determined to make her forget those sordid memories and replace them with pleasant ones. Blissful ones.
He listened to the sounds coming from her bedroom as she prepared for bed. The light dimmed, and he turned to see that his bedside candles were burning out. How many candles had he gone through since his return?
