Mr. Handsome I Love You

He would most definitely be disappointed when he learned her secret. Leaning forward, he took her hand in his again noticing the change of color in her face, "Abigail, are you all right?" "I'm sorry; I just find this all overwhelming.

When he focused on her again it was gone like before. "Joseph was my best friend. You were his little sister. I couldn't touch you then. You were too young."

He added the last sentence with some strain in his voice. Now she was really confused.

He made her an offer of marriage for companionship and stability, but spoke of the past as if he wanted her? However it was brief and when he released her, the warmth in his eyes clouded over.

It was then she realized that he was using her affections against her.

He knew exactly which buttons to push. The man could probably convince the Lord to change religion, she thought.

He was so darn good at manipulation. He certainly wasn't a wealthy because of his looks, although, if that were possible, she wouldn't doubt he could be.

Yet, his willingness to comfort her was real. She was sure of it. And combined with the grief she had seen at her house when he thought she was in bed, she knew he had affection for her and her cousin.

Again, she couldn't help shake the feeling that he was protecting her out of respect for Joseph. His motives were admirable, but she needed something more. "Can you give me a few days to think about this?"

"Of course." He said without hesitation as if he expected her to say just that. To her, he said it like he just told the waitress he'd like cream in his coffee.

The affection was gone as quick as it came. Always the businessman, she sighed inwardly. Then she heard him say her name and felt his fingers under her chin as he lifted her head to meet his gaze.

That simple touch sent another warm wave of pleasure through her. "I know this is a big decision and I sprang it on you when you are vulnerable, but some resolutions need to be made in regards to your future."

Carefully calculating to move in for the kill, she thought almost smiling. He was good. Very good. And the way he spoke, with such a deep drawl of concern, nearly made her fall at his feet and beg him to marry her on the spot, but she still had some pride and restraint, though little as it was around him.

"I understand." She added, surprised the tremor that she felt at his touch didn't make it into her voice.

"Are there any more surprises?" She added causing him to set back then allow a sensual smile to grace his handsome face. "You do know me well."

"Fess up." She made a mock face of anger causing him to chuckle and lighten the mood somewhat. "Later." He said with amusement while standing up causing her to do the same, "First, I'll show you your room and you can get settled.

Maybe you should lay down for a nap because you look exhausted," he traced a thumb under her eye over the dark circle not seeming to notice her slight tremble at the caress.

"I'll wake you for supper and Alice should be home by then after her dance class." A nap? That sounded wonderful. Again she didn't like him telling her what to do, but in this case, she would accept.

"That sounds fine." "Come then." He held out his hand and she took it with some slight hesitation remembering that Owen had never touched her as much as he did that day and quite frankly, she admitted to herself that she was starting to like it.

He led her to the second floor and down the hall explaining that the penthouse had five bedrooms in total. Three up on the second floor and two for the servants off the kitchen.

He made it clear that their rooms had an adjoining door then started explaining the other features in the room like the door was a small pittance.

Then he left her alone and she did exactly what he asked and lay down for a nap. With the horror of burying her cousin today fresh in her mind, she doubted she'd nap at all.

It seemed like she had just closed her eyes when she heard his deep voice. "Abigail." She thought she heard her name and slowly reality started entering her consciousness.