Loving Lord Egleton: A Regency Romance (Regency Matchmakers Book 3), Laura Beers [ap literature book list .TXT] 📗

Martin took a small step closer, closing the distance between them. “You are being quite stubborn on the matter.”

“You will find that is the case when I am trying to help someone whom I care deeply about.”

His brown eyes roamed over her face as if he were looking at her for the first time. “I don’t know what I did to deserve your kindness.”

“You have always taken care of me, and it is time that I returned the favor.”

“There is no need.”

“Allow me to be the judge of that.”

Martin’s gaze grew intense, and she could feel her heart pounding on the inside of her chest. Could he hear it? She certainly hoped not, but the noise was deafening to her own ears.

Leaning closer, his lips brushed against hers when he spoke. “You are so beautiful.”

Hannah remained rooted in her spot, fearing that she might break the spell if she dared to move. She had waited so long for this and had fantasized about it constantly.

Martin pressed his lips against hers, and she felt her heart soaring. It was finally happening. He was kissing her, but she was doing nothing about it.

She went on her tiptoes and kissed him back. To her horror, Martin leaned back and stared at her with a stunned look on his face.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he rushed to say. “I’m sorry.”

“I took no issue with it,” she boldly stated.

Martin took a step back and ran a hand through his hair. “It was wrong of me to take advantage of you.”

Hannah pressed her lips together, then admitted, “You did no such thing.”

“I don’t want to lose your friendship over my thoughtless act.”

“It was thoughtless?” she breathed.

“Clearly,” he replied.

Her cheeks warmed with more than embarrassment. “If you will excuse me, I need to be alone for a moment,” she murmured as she turned away.

“Hannah,” he said, reaching for her arm, “you must know that nothing can happen between us.”

She furrowed her brows. “And why is that?”

Surprise flickered in his eyes at her question. “Because we are friends, and I can’t risk losing you.”

“I understand,” she said, jerking her arm out of his grip.

“Hannah…”

Not waiting for him to finish, she spun on her heel and walked away. As she neared the back door, she heard Martin shout, “I’m sorry!”

Hannah didn’t acknowledge his apology as she opened the door and stepped inside. Once the door was closed behind her, she rushed to her bedchamber, hoping no one would witness the tears streaming down her cheeks.

She was mortified. Martin thought kissing her had been a mistake, but it had been the greatest moment of her life. Her traitorous heart would never learn.

When she arrived at her bedchamber, she quickly stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She leaned her back against it and sobbed.

What a fool she was. A complete and utter fool.

Martin watched as Hannah fled from him, and he debated running after her to beg her forgiveness, but he knew it would be in vain. He had made a horrible mistake. He’d gone and kissed his dear friend. What had he been thinking?

That was the problem. He hadn’t been thinking. He was touched by her kindness and found himself drawn to her. She had looked so blasted beautiful, and her perfectly-formed lips practically begged to be kissed. Why had he succumbed to his desire and kissed the one person whom he had always vowed to protect?

He was despicable, taking advantage of Hannah in that way. Although, she didn’t seem to mind, he mused. She had kissed him back with an equal fervor, and had even grown upset when he had called the kiss a mistake.

But it had been, no matter how much Hannah protested.

Martin had started towards the townhouse when he saw Edward and Kate walking up the path to the stables.

Edward put his hand up in greeting when he saw him. “Not that I am complaining, but may I ask why you are loitering in my gardens?”

Martin tipped his head politely at Kate before replying, “Hannah and I took a tour of them.”

“I can’t help but notice that you have misplaced Hannah,” Edward teased.

Martin gave him a sheepish look. “Unfortunately, Hannah had enough of my company for one day.”

The smile was wiped from Edward’s face and his tone turned accusatory. “What did you do?”

“Nothing,” Martin lied.

Edward exchanged a look with his wife, then said, “Perhaps we should discuss this in my study.”

“I would prefer that,” he replied.

Kate spoke up. “I do hope you will stay and join us for breakfast,” she offered graciously. “Our cook has prepared a delicious spread this morning.”

“I will have to decline. I’m afraid I can’t tarry for too long,” Martin said.

“That is a shame,” Kate acknowledged. “If you will excuse me, I would like to go change before we have breakfast.”

After Kate walked away, Edward turned towards Martin expectantly. “Follow me,” he ordered.

Martin did as commanded as Edward headed towards the study. Once inside, he closed the door behind him. He wanted to ensure this conversation stayed private.

“Now, do you want to explain why Hannah left you in the gardens?” Edward asked.

Martin shrugged. “She didn’t find me engaging enough.”

Edward gave him a look of disbelief.

Walking over to the settee, Martin dropped down onto it with a resigned sigh. “I kissed her.”

“Pardon?” Edward asked, his voice rising in indignation. “Did you just say that you kissed Hannah?”

“I did.”

“What in the blazes were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t,” Martin asserted. “That is precisely the problem.”

Edward walked over to an upholstered armchair and sat across from him. “What are your intentions towards Hannah?”

“I don’t have any.”

“Then why did you kiss her?”

Martin brought a hand up to his forehead. “I don’t rightly know,” he replied.

“That isn’t good enough,” Edward grumbled. “I should challenge you to a duel.”

“We both know that is an empty threat.”

Edward shook his head. “I am responsible for Hannah and her reputation now,” he declared. “At the least, I should kick you out of our townhouse until you come to your