ALLY WAS CAUGHT in the dream. Spectacular scenery was rushing past the windows of her car. Once again she felt that thrill of anticipation, as though she knew exactly where she was headed.
Something heavy closed over her shoulders, pressing her to the mattress. She awoke with a start and struggled to sort out where she was.
It came to her in an instant. Hamilton Hall. In Heath’s room. Heath’s bed. In his sleep, he’d dropped an arm possessively around her shoulders, drawing her close.
She lay very still, watching him as he slept. A lock of dark hair had fallen over his forehead, and she thought about brushing it aside, but she didn’t want to wake him. Not just yet.
He’d been the most amazing lover. With him she’d found passion, excitement, laughter. She smiled. Especially laughter. Just being with him made her happy. He was so easy to be with. With Heath she felt cherished. Special. As though she was a birthday gift and he was a little boy who couldn’t wait to unwrap her.
That thought had her smiling. Allison Kerr unwrapped. Or maybe unplugged. Ever since stepping off that plane, she’d been behaving like a different person.
She was a smart, sensible woman. She’d survived the loss of her parents and endured, on a daily basis, the trials and tribulations of making a living in one of the toughest cities in the world. So she was wise enough to realize that Heath Stewart was far from the lover of her dreams. He was, by his own admission, a sometimes cook and accountant who, despite the fun they’d had together, needed to get back to his home and his job. Furthermore, Hamilton Hall could never be mistaken for a luxurious castle. But these few precious hours with him had been the most memorable time of her life. And though she knew it would soon end, she would have no regrets. In fact, she would spend the rest of her life remembering this as a very special, magical time.
“Uh-oh. Looks serious. Having regrets?”
At those whispered words she looked up to find Heath watching her, and wondered how long he’d been awake. “Of course not.” She brushed aside the lock of hair from his forehead. “I was just thinking about how much fun we’ve had together.”
“It has been grand, hasn’t it? I’ve been thinking about what you said to me about forgiving my parents.” He shook his head. “I don’t know why it never occurred to me. But I think it’s time I let go of the past and get on with my life.”
“I’m glad.”
When she started to pull away, he tipped up her chin and smiled. “You’re always in such a hurry. Where are you thinking of going now?”
“I thought I’d slip out to the kitchen and see about making some coffee.”
“Why don’t you leave that for the cook?”
“Because he’s become lazy. The last time I checked, he was lying in his bed looking extremely satisfied.”
“The word is ‘sated.’ And I ought to be, after the night we shared. But the truth is”—he drew her close for a long, lingering kiss—“I’ve been thinking I’d like to try again.”
“You’re a glutton, Heath Stewart.” She shivered as his hands moved over her. The moment he touched her, she could feel her body respond to him in a way it never had before.
“Only where you’re concerned.” In one quick move he rolled, pinning her beneath him. With his mouth to her throat he murmured, “We could just stay here and make mad, passionate love.” He moved his mouth lower, causing her to clutch the sheets beneath her. “Or I could just forget about it and make you coffee.”
Her words came out in a long, deep sigh. “Don’t you dare.”
“Hmm. Seems we’re of the same mind on this.”
They came together in a searing kiss. And then everything else was forgotten as they lost themselves in the exquisite pleasure that only lovers know.
An hour later Ally sat up and stared in dismay at the sunlight peeking through a gap in the draperies.
“Your coffee.” Heath paused beside the bed and handed Ally a steaming cup from a seventeenth-century antique tea trolley.
She practically inhaled the liquid, draining the cup in several long swallows before setting it aside. “Oh, thank you. I needed that.” She eyed the covered dishes. Eighteenth-century French. Hammered silver. There was a time when she would have given anything just to touch such a dish. Now she was more intrigued by the man holding it. “Something smells wonderful.”
“Just a bit of eggs and cheese and thin slices of roast goose to tide us over until I can make something more substantial.”
“More substantial?” That had her laughing. “At home I’d call that breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
“I can see that you need someone to see to your needs.” He sat down on the edge of the bed and touched her cheek. His voice lowered. “I’m applying for the job.”
“Really? Just what are your qualifications?”
His smile was quick and dangerous. “I believe you’ve already seen my résumé. And had a chance to . . . sample my skills.”
She managed a straight face. “You are extraordinarily skilled, Mr. Stewart. I suppose I could consider your application. You realize, of course, there may be others interested in the position.”
“None of them count.”
“That’s true. At least not anymore.”
“I’m glad. I want to be the only one who matters to you, Allison.” He nibbled her lips until they warmed and softened under his. He kept the kiss gentle as his hands moved over her, skimming lightly until she sighed from the pure pleasure of it.
Now they had all the time in the world to taste, to touch, to explore. And as they fed each other’s hunger, they found a new depth of passion. As sharp and compelling as though it was their first time, even while they felt somehow as though they’d been together their whole lives.
“Did you see Sir Malcolm?” Heath looked up when Ally stepped into the kitchen.
She breathed in the most wonderful fragrance coming from the oven. “He’s nowhere to be found. I checked his office, the hallways, the front lobby. Not a sign of him. And Duncan’s missing as well. What do you make of it?”
Heath couldn’t help grinning. “I’d say they really know how to give their guests what they want. Are you complaining?”
She shook her head. “That’s just it. I’m grateful for every hour I get to spend here. But this just doesn’t make any sense. It’s morning. Sir Malcolm has to know that there are people anxiously awaiting his decision.”
“Maybe he enjoys the drama.”
Ally shrugged. “If that’s the case, he’s having himself a grand old time.” She glanced at the handwritten list of antiques that she’d faxed to prospective customers. “At least my time walking through the rooms wasn’t in vain.”
“Always thinking of business, aren’t you?”
“One of us has to.” She looked down at her wrinkled slacks. “I’m thinking about walking down to the village for a change of clothes. Want to come?”
He nodded toward the oven. “I don’t think I’d better trust this ancient equipment to keep running while I’m away. Why don’t you go along? By the time you get back, I’ll have a fine big breakfast ready.”
“You’re spoiling me.” She walked close and brushed a kiss onto his cheek. “What more could a girl ask for than that?”
Before she could turn away he drew her back and kissed her until she sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’d say she should ask for much more.” His words were muffled against her mouth. “And after we eat, I’d be only too happy to oblige.”
Though her heart was stuttering, she managed to step back. “My work has never been this much fun. I intend to hold you to that.”
As she walked along the lane that led to the village, her smile was as brilliant as the sunshine. The day was as much of a surprise as this entire trip was proving to be. Though it was winter, the air had gentled, and the rain that had washed the cobbled streets overnight had now blown away, leaving the entire countryside looking fresh and new.
The buildings in the village looked to be as old as Hamilton Hall, but the walkways in front of each shop had been swept scrupulously clean. A glimpse in the windows showed that they offered a wonderful array of goods, from fresh scones at a tiny bakery to gorgeous handmade woolen goods.
Ally stepped into a clothing shop and was greeted warmly by the owner. When she left an hour later she was wearing new slacks and a beautiful hooded sweater in soft heather tones. In her hands were several shopping bags bulging with more purchases. A lovely hand-embroidered pink blanket for David and Tara’s new baby girl. A bright scarf for her friend Iris. She’d even picked up a crocheted mouse for Mactavish.
She hurried along the lane, eager to get back to Hamilton Hall, her thoughts centered on Heath. Now that she’d heard of his childhood, she understood the sadness that she’d sensed in him. Losing a mother to death was far different from losing one to abandonment. That was beyond her comprehension. It broke her heart to think of that lonely boy raised by a succession of nannies while his father sought diversions from his own pain.
No wonder he’d kept his secrets to himself. She wondered if there were other secrets he was keeping as well.
He was a charming companion and an inspired lover. Yet he was willing to remain at this run-down inn in the middle of nowhere. Was he hiding from something? From someone?
What foolishness. She struggled to push aside the thought. Still, the closer she got to Hamilton Hall, the more her doubts grew. She quickened her pace. The moment she stepped through the door, all her fears scattered and were forgotten. She nearly ran in her haste to reach the kitchen.
Heath was just lifting a roasting pan from the oven. He looked up with that heart-stopping smile that never failed to stir her emotions.
“New clothes.” He gave her an admiring look that had the blood rushing to her cheeks. “I hope it hasn’t changed the woman wearing them.”
She did a quick twirl. “Same old me. See?”
“You look grand.” He drew her close. “The walk has added a bloom to your cheeks.”
“And here I thought you did that.”
He laughed. “Thank you. I’d like to think I helped.”
She set the bags on the floor and rummaged through them. When she stood, she was holding something out to him. “I bought you this. I hope it fits.”
He was looking at her with a bemused expression. “You bought me a sweater?”
“Oh, don’t worry. I didn’t put it on the company’s bill. I paid for it myself.”
“You . . .” His smile grew. “You paid for it yourself? Why?”
“Because I wanted to.” She was studying him closely. “I hope you’re not offended. It’s not a big deal.”
“But it is.” He tore his old sweater aside and shrugged into the one she offered. “It’s a very big deal, Allison. Nobody ever bought me clothes.” He smoothed it down. “How do I look?”
“Wonderful.” And he did, she realized. The charcoal wool was the perfect choice to set off his dark hair and rugged good looks.
Something flickered in his eyes. Something she couldn’t quite fathom.
Suddenly embarrassed, she stooped to pick up her packages. “I’ll just put these away before we eat.”
“No need.” He took them from her and dropped an arm around her shoulders.
She paused and arched a brow. “Where are you going?”
“With you.” His lips nuzzled her ear, causing a rush of heat that nearly staggered her. “Breakfast will stay warm while I thank you properly for my gift.”
“There’s no need . . .”
“Oh, but there is. It will be my pleasure, my love.”
My love.
She shivered at the passion in his tone and hugged the endearment to her heart, even while she reminded herself that she was in way over her head. Her intention had been to simply enjoy herself. Losing her heart hadn’t been part of the plan.