Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)
Tobias stepped closer. “What’s going on, B?”
She sighed. If she explained properly maybe he’d go away quicker. “Oh, you are a truly interruptive man. Very well. My stepson is coming to Walden Hall. He’s also invited some of his unsavory friends this time, but his note was delayed in the mail. They arrive tomorrow and I must have everything ready in time.”
His face lifted toward the house as another thud reached them. “What exactly are your servants doing in there?”
Oh, botheration. “Why can’t you just go away?” She didn’t want anyone to know that she hid her possessions. It was humiliating.
A wicked grin spread across his face. “Because I find puzzles interesting and you do puzzle me.”
Blythe threw her hands up in the air and stormed off. “Can you ever be serious? Good day, Mr. Randall.”
“Wait, B. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have teased.” He ran ahead of her and blocked her retreat. “Could you use some help to prepare for your visitors? I have nothing else to do today.”
She stopped to think. He was a strong man and seemed to be somewhat eager to make amends for the kiss. Perhaps he could be put to use by her housekeeper and groom to take the rocking horse to safety without mentioning the incident to Mercy. Perhaps one of the outbuildings could be used, if the rocking horse was hidden well. “All right, but your being here must be kept a secret. I do not want any gossip.”
“I have no intention of causing you distress, B, but I do feel like I just won at
cards.” His slow grin and the warmth burning in his eyes caused her stomach to tremble. Perhaps asking for his help wasn’t such a good idea after all. She couldn’t worry about what he might do next and still get everything done in half a day.
She assumed her haughtiest expression. “Don’t feel too happy. I have a task that requires heavy lifting.”
“Well, whatever I can do to make up for this morning, I’ll do it gladly.”
How funny that Tobias appeared contrite. Finally. He was the last person she’d expected to receive assistance from.
Although she had her reservations, she led him into the house, introduced him to her fluttering and blushing housekeeper and showed him upstairs to Adam’s room. She waved her hand at the rocking horse. “This and a few of the larger things need to be moved to a place they cannot be discovered and accidentally broken.”
Instead of approaching the rocking horse, Tobias turned in a slow circle and looked about him. When his circuit ended, they faced each other. “This was your son’s room.”
Blythe swallowed. “Yes.”
His gaze switched to the tall screen in the corner. Murals covered every inch: wild woods, calm seas, and towering castles. She’d had a great deal of fun decorating the piece for her son while he slept.
Tobias cleared his throat suddenly. “I think I mentioned that your husband had been a lucky man, but I think Adam lucky, too. This must have taken quite a while.”
Blythe touched the edge of the screen and then traced the path through the painted woods with her fingertips. “I had the time.”
“You did this?” Tobias rubbed her arms, causing goose flesh to rise on her skin. “I had no idea you were so talented with your hands.”
Heat swept over Blythe’s cheeks as she blushed at the compliment. “My stepson will wish this room prepared for one of his friends. I’ve learned the hard way that they have little respect for anything when deep in their cups, or for me.” She added the last part quietly before she thought better of her confession.
His brow rose. “You stay here and are imposed upon?”
She shrugged. “It gets a little worse each time. So far I have been fortunate to possess a stout door and lock.”
Tobias nudged her chin so she had to look at him. “You haven’t mentioned any of this to your sister, have you?”
“Aubrey has every right to come here. What could Mercy do?”
“I can think of a few things,” Tobias muttered coldly. “Come on, I know the perfect place. However, it is far from here. Do you possess a wagon?”
Blythe nodded.
“Good.” He moved past her, juggled the heavy rocking chair under his arm as if it weighed nothing.
“Be careful,” she warned.
“Never fear. I’ve never dropped precious cargo before. I don’t intend to start now.”