The Lost - J. D. Robb [131]
“What an amazing turn of events . . .”
They both looked up when Ross, accompanied by Meath and Mayo, stepped into the room. His hair was wind-tossed; his cheeks ruddy from the night air. He looked rough and dangerous, and his eyes, when he looked at Aidan, were stormy.
“Bridget said I’d find you here.”
“Ah, Ross.” Cullen indicated the chair beside Aidan. “Come warm yourself by the fire. Why don’t you take that chair next to Aidan.”
Was it her imagination, or did the sly old man appear to be pushing the two of them together whenever he could?
“The lass and I have been having a lovely chat. I’m sure you won’t be surprised by this, but we’ve discovered we have much in common.”
Including strong feelings for a certain mysterious man.
The thought startled Aidan and she found herself looking from the old man to the younger one.
She was drawn to Ross Delaney. And, she believed, he was equally drawn to her, or as much as a man like him could be.
But that didn’t mean they had to act on their feelings. Within forty-eight hours she would be winging back to America.
Why did that fact suddenly leave her chilled?
“. . . isn’t that so, my dear?”
She looked over. “Sorry. I seem to be dreaming.”
She saw Ross watching her a little too carefully and felt her cheeks color.
“Don’t apologize. This has been quite a day for both of us.” Cullen gave her a gentle smile. “We both need a good night of sleep.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I’ll say good night now.”
“Good night, my dear. I look forward to the morning. Ross, why don’t you see Aidan to her room?”
“No.” She spoke quickly before turning to Ross. “Please stay and visit with Cullen. Good night.”
She turned away, needing to flee the dark, dangerous invitation in his eyes, which spoke to a similar need in her heart.
Her legs were actually trembling as she climbed the stairs and fled to the safety of her room.
Aidan stood by the window and stared down at the gardens that looked as though they’d been drenched in liquid moonlight. The fragrance of roses was carried on the breeze, teasing all her senses.
She should be tired. Instead, she felt strangely energized. She wanted to blame it on the stimulation she’d felt while working on the Farmers’ Cooperative ledgers, but that would be a lie. It was true that she missed her job. Missed the thrill of adding columns of figures and the satisfaction of making them all balance. But in this case, the cause of this restlessness wasn’t a job, but a man.
Ross.
She’d missed him at dinner. Much more than she cared to admit. Missed him like an ache around her heart that wouldn’t be soothed. And afterward, when he’d walked into the library, she’d fled like a coward rather than stay and face him.
She’d wanted to stay. To listen to that deep, rich voice and bask in the glow of that sultry blue stare. Instead she’d run.
And all because she wanted him. Wanted to feel his mouth on hers, his hands on her. Had wanted it since the first time she’d seen him. And when he’d dared to touch her, to kiss her, a storm had been unleashed inside her that was threatening to drown her.
She shivered. There had been men in her life. Friends, coworkers, lovers. Not one had ever aroused her as this man did, with nothing more than a look. Not one of them had ever touched something deep inside her as he seemed to, even though they’d shared but one brief kiss.
She paced the length of the room, then back, feeling oddly disjointed. Again she had