The Sweetest Kiss (Brothers of Worthington Series) by Marie Higgins Page A

groaned. Why did she have to say that? More importantly, why did excitement leap in his chest from her confession? Seeing her emotional like this made him want to gather her in his arms, more so than he’d wanted to before. Who was he kidding? He wanted to kiss her like the dolt, Lieutenant Cutler, hadn’t been able to accomplish.
    A tear streaked down her cheek and he caught it with his finger. “Judith, you should not think this way.”
    “How else am I supposed to think? He didn’t even try. What’s wrong with me, Trey?”
    If only she knew how much he wanted to show her nothing was wrong, that she was a very desirable woman, she’d certainly box his ears.
    “No, my pet.” He cupped her face, which brought her liquid gaze to him. “Nothing is wrong with you. However, I have serious doubts about your fiancé. What man in his right mind could resist your charm?”
    “Stop lying.”
    He barked a laugh. “Lie? No, my dear, I’m not lying. Have you forgotten the kiss we shared at the woodsman’s cottage?” His voice lowered. “Or the walk in the flower garden? The gazebo?” He shook his head. “On my word, I’m telling you the truth, Judith. You are a very charming and irresistible woman.”
    She blinked several times, which dried her tears. Her hands covered his still holding her face. “So why could Alex resist me?”
    Trey couldn’t believe how their conversation had turned. If he didn’t put a stop to this now, he’d take her in his arms like he’d thought about doing. “I’m a rogue, Judith. I’m drawn to beautiful women. Cutler is probably more of a gentleman than I will ever be.”
    Her face flamed, heating the skin under his palms. A smile wavered as she pulled away. She swiped the wetness from under her eyes.
    “Forgive me for my emotional outburst. It will not happen again.”
    “Judith.” He took her hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “There’s nothing to forgive. You can count on me to help you in any way.”
    What had he said? Good heavens, had a roaring fire been lit in the room? A window needed to be opened, and quickly to cool his ardor.
    Judith pulled away from him then stood. “I thank you, Trey, for the letter you have written. I hope we hear something soon.”
    “As do I.”
    As she walked out of the study, he seriously prayed his solicitor found something disagreeable about Lieutenant Cutler. There was no way her fiancé deserved such a woman as the very lovely Judith Faraday.
    Trey frowned. He didn’t deserve her, either. She wanted a husband, and he definitely wasn’t looking for a wife. Finding her a man to marry and getting her out of the house was top priority. He couldn’t have her under his roof any longer.
    His reputation was at stake, as was hers.
     

 
Chapter Five
     
    Judith rushed outside. Spring’s warm wind caressed her heated face, making her stop and close her eyes. Breathing deeply, she calmed her rapid heartbeat. What a fool she’d been. Why did she allow her emotions to take over, especially in front of Trey? Now he knew her insecurities. Knowing him, he’d use them against her one day.
    Just now he’d been so wonderful and caring, which was not like Trey Worthington at all. He said the right things and made her feel like a real woman. Tingles erupted throughout her from his words and his heated touch. She’d soaked it in like a withered flower yearning for water and sunlight. Those feelings should be saved for Alex. After all, she loved him, didn’t she? Only moments ago, doubts had filled her head. Her fiancé had never made her feel like Trey had.
    She opened her eyes then squinted against the brightness of the sun. Had she been chasing a dream that would never come true? Had she been in love with love, instead of the man himself?
    After a few cleansing breaths, she turned and strolled back inside the house. From down the corridor, the dowager stepped out of a room, spotted her and waved.
    “Judith? Come