Gabriel barely checked the damage and raised an eyebrow in response once more, “It’s only a boot, Miss Balfour. I can assure you, I will be perfectly all right,” he reassured her with a calm demeanor that was surprising.
His understanding and non-combative attitude of recent times were not helping in ridding her of her ever growing feelings for him.
Not convinced by his nonchalance, her voice quivered slightly as she spoke, filled with concern, “But the apples... they fell, leaving a smudge trail. It can not be all right. Did it not hurt?”
A chuckle escaped Gabriel’s lips at her reaction, his eyes narrowing in playful offense, “Do you truly think so little of me, Miss Balfour? You believe a few apples falling on my foot would be enough to turn me lame?”
Struggling with such unusual smiles and humor from him, she stumbled over her words again, “Oh, but no, Your Grace, of course not,” her cheeks remained flushed, her gaze flickering between him and the stained boot, “I... I was only concerned.”
To her further dismay, the duke responded by cocking his head to the side, peering at her in amusement and somewhat question.
“How kind of you, indeed.”
Don’t look at me like that…
With fully crimson cheeks, desperate to avoid his gaze, she let out a soft groan as she lifted the hem of her dress to reach for the fallen apples, allowing her apologies to continue.
“Thankfully, these apples are for Whiskers, so we wouldn’t have to worry so much about the imperfections on them.”
“I shall assist you,” Gabriel’s voice was warm, his eyes flickering to hers as he lowered himself to pick the fallen apples as well.
Evelina’s cheeks remained flushed, shock evident in her expression as she watched him join her in gathering the fruit.
“Perhaps, you should not anchor yourself on that foot alone for now?” The words that came out her mouth were resulted more from the unease she felt watching a man such as him pick apples off the ground.
Gabriel’s eyes flickered to her and back very quickly and he chuckled, “I suppose I should feel offended. It seems you truly view me a frail man.”
“No, absolutely not, Your Grace, it’s just-”
“One would think a rock was tossed on my foot instead, the dramatics of it all.”
As her gaze flickered to him and back, she saw his eyes sparkling with amusement, seeming to enjoy the banter between them as he continued to assist her with the apples.
Evelina pouted as she hurried to pick more apples than him. “Would it not be odd if I showed no remorse?”
He let out another chuckle. “You’re being a tad too remorseful. I am perfectly fine, and it is a simple matter.”
“I can manage, Your Grace,” she protested, her hands filled with apples. “You need not trouble yourself.”
His low laughter echoed the air again as he teasingly remarked, “And who are you to give orders to a duke, Miss Balfour?”
Evelina hurriedly dumped her batch in the basket, shaking her head. “It’s not right for you to do this.”
“Says who? I am but always a man who makes his own decisions, outside what’s expected, you know this.”
“I would feel more at ease if you let me do this.” She tried to reach for the last few apples when Gabriel suddenly grabbed her hand. “Your Grace!” She raised her head to glare at him.
However, her protest was met with a smirk. “Miss Balfour.”
As their eyes met, along with him holding her hand in his, in that moment, time seemed to stand still. Their eyes locked, the intensity of their shared gaze speaking volumes.
Evelina’s breath caught in her throat, and her breathing became heavy as his hands grew more possessive of hers, tightening and pulling her gently.
Will you kiss me again? Here?
But as quickly as it came, the moment was shattered and reality settled in by the sudden loud barking of the playful puppy only a couple feet away from them.
Startled, the two swiftly moved apart, surprise evident in their expressions. Evelina’s cheeks aflame, she stood in a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness, avoiding Gabriel’s gaze as she tried to compose herself.
