once. “Not until we’ve resolved this threat to his life, and how far-reaching it really is. Of course I’ll go to him.”
“Thank you.” She nearly sagged with relief. “I seem to be perpetually thanking you.”
“Then stop. If you want to thank me, win the Derby. I’ll consider that to be a splendid token of your appreciation.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. Not to you.” Dustin hesitated, determined to explain that final statement and, by doing so, to explore his unprecedented pull toward her. “Candor is an unusual trait for me, at least where women are concerned.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, in my experience, women prefer to hear anything other than the truth.”
“Perhaps you’re associating with the wrong women.”
“Perhaps. Which brings me to my request—a request that involves those hours when you’re off duty. I’d like to call on you, to enjoy the pleasure of your company. On those occasions, I don’t care if you dress in breeches or gowns, nor do I care if our topics are as complex as the philosophy of life or as fundamental as the breeding of horses. You decide. Moreover, I’ll visit on your terms—at the cottage, with your father present if you wish. That should ease your mind, not only about my intentions, but about the risk of discovery, which will be nil. Anyone who sees me come and go will think I’m simply visiting my jockey to plan our strategy. May I have your permission?” He hesitated. “Nicole’s permission?”
Silence.
At last, she replied, “You promised to let me set the rules. Yet earlier, you insisted that our … embrace will happen again. I don’t understand how such conflicting assurances are feasible.”
“Don’t you?”
He saw her breath catch.
“Derby—” Staunchly, Dustin struggled to retain his final shred of control, the one that kept him from damning his vows and dragging her into his arms. “You will set the rules.” Who was he convincing, her or himself? “That was my vow, and I intend to keep it.” God help him. “As for our kisses, their future is in your hands. Yours, and fate’s.”
Nicole’s expression was an exquisite kaleidoscope of emotions. “And if I refuse your visits? Will Alden Stoddard be scratched from the Derby?”
“I’ll repeat what I said yesterday. Whatever Nicole decides will have no bearing on Stoddard’s position. My alliance with each of them is entirely separate, neither being contingent upon the other.”
“Why?” she whispered. “Given the strict constraints that would define our visits, why do you want to see me?”
“Many reasons. Some of which I supplied on the river walk, when I explained why I was out walking alone rather than immersing myself in the season’s balls. One of which I supplied a moment ago when I admitted how seldom I’ve employed honesty in my dealings with women. And others of which I can’t supply at all, for they’re beyond my comprehension.” He frowned. “Do you know I can’t recall the last time I shared a meaningful conversation? Offered something more profound than a practiced compliment or a senseless nicety? Not just with women but with anyone , save Trent and Ariana. Yet with you—” He shook his head in amazement. “You remind me there’s more. Even after three fleeting chats. I can’t explain it any better than that, for I’m not sure I fully understand it myself.”
“Who is Ariana?”
Dustin started. He’d become so absorbed in his explanation, he’d nearly lost track of what he’d said. “What?”
“Ariana,” Nicole repeated cautiously. “Is she a … friend?”
There was no mistaking it. Nicole was bothered by the possibility.
Abruptly, Dustin wanted to whoop with joy. “Yes, Derby, she’s a friend. But not in the way you mean. She’s my sister-in-law, married to my brother Trenton.”
“Oh.” Relief, vivid as the dismay that had preceded it, flashed across her
“Thank you.” She nearly sagged with relief. “I seem to be perpetually thanking you.”
“Then stop. If you want to thank me, win the Derby. I’ll consider that to be a splendid token of your appreciation.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. Not to you.” Dustin hesitated, determined to explain that final statement and, by doing so, to explore his unprecedented pull toward her. “Candor is an unusual trait for me, at least where women are concerned.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, in my experience, women prefer to hear anything other than the truth.”
“Perhaps you’re associating with the wrong women.”
“Perhaps. Which brings me to my request—a request that involves those hours when you’re off duty. I’d like to call on you, to enjoy the pleasure of your company. On those occasions, I don’t care if you dress in breeches or gowns, nor do I care if our topics are as complex as the philosophy of life or as fundamental as the breeding of horses. You decide. Moreover, I’ll visit on your terms—at the cottage, with your father present if you wish. That should ease your mind, not only about my intentions, but about the risk of discovery, which will be nil. Anyone who sees me come and go will think I’m simply visiting my jockey to plan our strategy. May I have your permission?” He hesitated. “Nicole’s permission?”
Silence.
At last, she replied, “You promised to let me set the rules. Yet earlier, you insisted that our … embrace will happen again. I don’t understand how such conflicting assurances are feasible.”
“Don’t you?”
He saw her breath catch.
“Derby—” Staunchly, Dustin struggled to retain his final shred of control, the one that kept him from damning his vows and dragging her into his arms. “You will set the rules.” Who was he convincing, her or himself? “That was my vow, and I intend to keep it.” God help him. “As for our kisses, their future is in your hands. Yours, and fate’s.”
Nicole’s expression was an exquisite kaleidoscope of emotions. “And if I refuse your visits? Will Alden Stoddard be scratched from the Derby?”
“I’ll repeat what I said yesterday. Whatever Nicole decides will have no bearing on Stoddard’s position. My alliance with each of them is entirely separate, neither being contingent upon the other.”
“Why?” she whispered. “Given the strict constraints that would define our visits, why do you want to see me?”
“Many reasons. Some of which I supplied on the river walk, when I explained why I was out walking alone rather than immersing myself in the season’s balls. One of which I supplied a moment ago when I admitted how seldom I’ve employed honesty in my dealings with women. And others of which I can’t supply at all, for they’re beyond my comprehension.” He frowned. “Do you know I can’t recall the last time I shared a meaningful conversation? Offered something more profound than a practiced compliment or a senseless nicety? Not just with women but with anyone , save Trent and Ariana. Yet with you—” He shook his head in amazement. “You remind me there’s more. Even after three fleeting chats. I can’t explain it any better than that, for I’m not sure I fully understand it myself.”
“Who is Ariana?”
Dustin started. He’d become so absorbed in his explanation, he’d nearly lost track of what he’d said. “What?”
“Ariana,” Nicole repeated cautiously. “Is she a … friend?”
There was no mistaking it. Nicole was bothered by the possibility.
Abruptly, Dustin wanted to whoop with joy. “Yes, Derby, she’s a friend. But not in the way you mean. She’s my sister-in-law, married to my brother Trenton.”
“Oh.” Relief, vivid as the dismay that had preceded it, flashed across her
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