He was amazed he’d been able to answer Natty at all.
Because he’d known how attractive Penny was, but dressed like this…she was devastating. His chest hurt, and he could hardly breathe.
The pale purple gown he’d chosen complimented her brown hair and eyes while highlighting the creaminess of her skin. The dress, falling just off the shoulder, accentuated her petite frame and rather ample bosom, the high natural waist showing off her figure and in a manner that stole his reason.
“Miss Walters,” he said, reaching up a hand. “Are you ready?”
She smiled down at him, soft and sweet and achingly warm. “Ready. I think.” Then she gave a little insecure laugh. “I’m not sure actually. I’ve never been invited to a duke’s home before.”
She came down the stairs and her gloved hand slipped into his outstretched one. Holding her fingers in his, he gave them a light squeeze. “Don’t worry about that. Darlington only wants to help you. He’s an ally and if he isn’t…” He smiled ruefully. “My face can withstand a few more hits.”
She made a squeaking noise, almost too quiet for him to hear but her eyes misted, and she held his hand tighter. “Logan,” she said so low, it was barely a whisper.
He heard the thank you in the way she uttered his name. He jerked his chin in response, in a manner that he hoped resembled a nod, emotion clogging his throat. He wanted to touch her. Kiss her and hold her in comfort and in desire. Instead, he looked up at Clarissa. “My groundskeeper is with me, but he’ll be staying here for the evening. He’s happy to sit on your front steps. If you’ll permit him, he could occupy your parlor. He’ll be returning tomorrow to put a fresh coat of paint on the house in order to help it sell faster.”
“Sell?” Clarissa lifted her skirts and started down the steps.
Logan raised his brows. She had on a shiny new pair of boots instead of leaving her feet bare. It made her look far older. More like a woman and less like a child.
Penny turned back toward her charge. “His lordship has raised his contribution. And I’m going to meet other possible benefactors tonight. That’s why I’m going. We may well be able to move.”
Clarissa broke into a large smile and without warning, grabbed Logan’s other hand, giving his fingers a squeeze. “Thank you,” she whispered as her blue eyes filled with tears as well.
The children began to clap and cheer, three little girls dancing at the top of the stairs.
His heart squeezed in his chest. How could he have not known helping them would feel like this? The worst part, it had been so easy. A paltry sum for him had literally changed their lives.
Shame filled his stomach as he dipped his head. He’d been so full of his own ambitions. Have the most gold, be the most successful, show every member of the ton his true worth.
He’d written to that marquess about his daughter. The man would likely reject him as others had before him. In this moment, he didn’t care.
But those pursuits had been so…empty.
Did they like him more?
Did those members of the elite value his gold or his prowess? Not at all.
But these people considered him a man of great value for six thousand pounds. And even more surprising, he valued himself.
“We should go,” he said, his voice rough and scratchy. “The Duke of Darlington is expecting us.”
Penny gave a tight nod as they crossed the room and he opened the front door, allowing Fergus into the house. He then placed a thick wrap about Penny’s shoulders to hold off the cool December air. After slipping Penny’s hand into the crook of his arm, he led her out the door and into the waiting carriage.
Evening cast the interior into shadow as she slid into her seat and he settled on the bench across from her. Silence fell around them like a blanket.
“Do you know who we are meeting this evening, besides His Grace?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I don’t.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that they were all potential business partners, but he didn’t say the words. They made his insides twist and he tried to discern why.
He’d seen the happiness in their eyes, the gratitude. Would their feelings about him change if they knew the reason why he’d helped them?
That acquiring a gaming hell was the only reason he’d contributed to their cause. His stomach twisted even tighter.
Penny sighed across from him. “So we’re to meet unidentified men. That makes me nervous.”
That protective feeling that was always just below the surface when he was around her, swelled up in his chest. “I would never let anyone hurt you. And Darlington wouldn’t either. I’m certain of that. He seems uniquely interested in your cause.”
She twisted her hands but still managed another one of those smiles that knocked the wind from his lungs. “Thank you.”
Her gratitude tore at his stomach again. He should tell her that his interest in supporting her cause had started as another business deal. He couldn’t change that. But somewhere along the way, his intentions had become personal.
And now that he was invested, he’d see Penny and her orphans settled in a safe neighborhood with clothes and shoes and food. He’d finance them annually if he had to.
But he didn’t say any of that as the words stuck in his throat. Because they revealed so much, and he wasn’t accustomed to sharing such feelings. Not after burying them for so long. So instead he just said, “You’re welcome.”
Penny could feel tension in the air of the carriage like a palpable presence. She’d been nervous when they’d been in a carriage the last time but for entirely different reasons. Then she’d been worried about his intentions. Now, she was trying to decide if she thanked him again or just leaned over and pressed her lips to his.
Because no one had ever made her feel the way he did.
And no one had ever supported her orphans the way he had. She trembled as she considered how wonderful that was. To find a man who made her heart beat out of her chest and who helped her cause.
She didn’t expect that he’d wish to marry her. He was an earl, a member of the peerage. He’d marry a woman who suited his position.
But that didn’t mean that she couldn’t taste his lips once. Just this once. It might be the only time in her life she ever tasted such a treat and her relationship with him would be one she looked back on until her dying day.
Penny was certain of that.
Because no one person had ever made such an impact on her life.
Except her father, of course.
But somehow, Logan had become significant. The first person since her parents that she could truly rely on. Someone she felt made her life better, easier, took some of the large weight off her shoulders.
Leaning forward, she reached across the carriage. Her hand trembled and she knew her voice held a touch of the desperation she felt. A need to be close to him. “Logan?”
He threaded his fingers through hers and with a quick jerk, she was across the carriage, landing in his lap.
She gasped at the feel of him.
He was all muscle and angles under her. Hard edges fitting into her softness.
It was glorious. She sank into him, her arms wrapping about his neck.
His breath blew across her cheek and she inhaled his crisp, clean masculine scent. The intimacy of the moment making her chest flutter. Her heart hammered in her chest as the tip of his nose touched hers.