Rockford smiled, his eyes softening. “I prefer not to remind you of the names you used to call me, ferret, carrot, parrot, but never Garrett. Should I go on?”
Lora let out a burst of laughter and quickly clamped her hand over her mouth.
“We should get back to work.” His voice was low with a touch of regret.
She nodded, her heart still racing. They returned to the table, the atmosphere charged with a newfound tension. As they worked side by side, the memory of the kiss lingered but didn’t fade, not completely.
“I received this in my morning post,” Rockford said after a few moments and handed her a response. “His Majesty is looking forward to attending the Enchanted Garden event on the 21stof October. This is a gentle way of directing us to change our date. He will be attending. His support could be pivotal for the clinic’s future.”
Lora’s eyes widened. “His Majesty?”
“Securing his support could significantly advance the clinic’s cause.”
She stared at him, a mix of surprise and apprehension. “That’s… monumental.” Her voice wavered slightly. “What if we fail to meet his expectations?”
Rockford reached across the table, his hand resting gently atop hers. “We’ll ensure everything is perfect. I have complete faith in you.”
She looked down at their hands, his touch sending a subtle warmth through her. “It’s a daunting prospect.”
“Great accomplishments often are,” he said softly. “But you are more than capable.”
Her gaze met his. “You always know what to say to ease my worries.”
He smiled, his thumb brushing lightly over her fingers before he released her hand. “I’m glad to be of service.”
The afternoon passed in a comfortable rhythm, with discussions of music for the gala as well as the selections for the art auction. But beyond the planning, it was the unspoken moments that lingered, shared glances, fleeting smiles, the quiet understanding between them growing with each passing hour.
As evening approached, Rockford gathered the financial records into his folio. Across the room, Lora remained focused on a final review of the menu, her lips pressed together in thought as she traced a finger down the page. The soft glow of the lamp bathed her in warm light, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to simply watch her.
He cleared his throat lightly, the sound breaking the quiet hush between them, and closed his folio. “Lora. It might be best to keep the king’s attendance to ourselves for now.”
Lora glanced at him. “Why?”
“If word spreads too soon about his attendance,” his expression serious, “it could lead to unnecessary complications, particularly for his safety. Discretion is essential in such matters.”
She considered his point and nodded. “Very well, I’ll keep his attendance to myself.”
As he stood to leave, a flash of a man with a dark coat popped into his mind. “If you notice anything amiss or have concerns, you’ll let me know at once.”
“I will,” she assured him, then added softly, “Rockford, about earlier—”
Before she could continue, he closed the distance between them, his finger gently pressing against her lips. The softness of her skin ignited a longing he had been trying to suppress. “Did I offend you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
She shook her head, her eyes searching his. “No, not at all.”
He brushed a stray curl from her face. The unspoken emotions between them swelled. Without further hesitation, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, deliberate kiss.
This time, he poured all his unspoken words into the connection, the admiration, the desire, the regret. Her hand rested lightly against his chest, and he wondered if she could feel his turmoil.
When they parted, her eyes remained closed for a moment, as if she was savoring the moment. As she opened them, the vulnerability he saw there warmed and shattered his heart.
“Until tomorrow,” he murmured, stepping back. His voice carried the burden of promises he wasn’t sure he could keep.
She offered a soft smile. “Until tomorrow.”
Leaving Fallsmith Manor, Rockford felt as though he was on a precipice. The kiss lingered on his lips, a reminder of everything he longed for, and everything he stood to lose.
Protecting Lora had always been his priority, but now his feelings for her blurred the line between duty and desire. Each step away from her felt heavier with realization that his love could place her in greater danger. The path he had chosen, to protect her by any means necessary, now felt more treacherous than ever. But no risk was too great if it meant keeping her safe.
