Lottie’s cheeks turned an impressive shade of crimson while they stared at each other, and after the longest moment of his life, she finally turned away. “Oh, goodness. I’m sorry!” She buried her face in her hands.

Alec took a step toward her before remembering he wore absolutely nothing besides a towel. “Hold on.” He let out an irritated huff and quickly retrieved a clean shirt from his bag. Alec moved back behind the screen, though it was doubtful even Lottie would be bold enough to turn around for another eyeful now, and dressed with a speed usually reserved for life or death situations. He had absolutely no idea what to say.

Your conduct must be as gentlemanly as possible. At all times.

He had assured Lottie it would not be a problem, but apparently it was not his own conduct he needed to worry about. His skin was still damp from the bath, but the very thought of those plump lips parting for him once again, of her velvety tongue boldly tangling with his own, made him hot everywhere. Alec pressed a hard hand against the front of his trousers. At the moment the only thing stopping him from throwing her over his shoulder and taking her to bed was that second condition. But one word of encouragement from her and he would tear that bloody dress off with his teeth.

Even if she is attracted to you, it won’t last.

He might as well have leapt back into the tub. Lottie might have been openly admiring his figure, but that didn’t change anything between them. Though he could concede that she might have had feelings for him that went beyond friendship before he left, she had made it abundantly clear over the previous day that she didn’t trust him and hadn’t denied that a man was involved in her flight from Florence. She might have even purchased that very dress with him in mind. Even as Alec acknowledged the fellow had excellent taste, his stomach twisted with a strange mixture of jealousy and sympathy. He was quite familiar with using pleasure as a distraction from heartache.

And how poorly it worked.

He didn’t want that for Lottie. No doubt her interest was merely due to the novelty of their situation, and it would fade with a little more time. So time was what he would give her. Alec took a deep breath and gave himself a shake before he emerged from behind the screen, now fully dressed. Lottie hadn’t moved an inch. Her face was still buried in her hands. Alec took the seat opposite her. Better not to talk about it. To act like it was nothing. Because it was nothing. And, in the meantime, dinner still needed to be eaten.

After a few moments, she looked up. “Wh-what are you doing?” Her complexion had begun to return to its normal color, as bewilderment replaced embarrassment.

Alec shrugged and took another bite, praying this strategy would work. “I’m starving. Are you going to eat that?” He pointed to her remaining piece of chicken with his knife.