Evie had been waiting for him nearly an hour now. She’d already investigated every inch of his drawing room, where his housekeeper had sent her to await his return. Ash had accompanied her on her exploration, happily sniffing and tumbling about and generally being unhelpful.

She’d apparently tired him out because he was currently asleep on a large red velvet cushion near the hearth. Given the smattering of white fur already on the cushion, it was clearly a favorite place.

“It’s an excellent spot,” Evie murmured from the chair next to him. Because of its proximity to Ash’s bed and due to the masculine scent of pine and mint, she deduced this was likely Gregory’s favorite seat. Sitting here felt almost as if he were embracing her.

Almost.

The longer she waited, the more she began to doubt her decision to come. But every time she considered leaving, her gaze drifted to Ash, and she couldn’t bring herself to leave.

At last, she heard a familiar male voice drift up from downstairs. Evie bolted from the chair, startling Ash. She reached the doorway just as Gregory appeared.

His gaze raked her hungrily, his lips spreading into his most dazzling smile. “Evie.”

Before she leapt on him, she made sure his housekeeper hadn’t accompanied him. He glanced behind himself. “Are you looking for someone else?”

“Just ensuring you’re alone.” She put her hand on his chest, flattening her bare palm against his lapel. “I keep wondering if I’ve made a mistake coming here.”

“Never. Not in my estimation, anyway. You are welcome here at any time, always.” His eyes sparked with heat. “Indeed, you brighten the place immeasurably.”

“You’re not angry with me?” She hadn’t known what to expect from him. “Actually, do you even get angry?”

“Not often. Indeed, I’m not sure I lost my temper fully until recently. You could ask Hargrove or my brother if you’d really like to know.”

Evie smiled as a giddy jolt passed through her. He’d only ever lost his temper for her. Or was that just what she wanted to believe? “Is that because your plans are ruined?”

He frowned. “The government appointment, you mean? No, I lost my temper because of what they threatened and ultimately did to you.”

“But you had to have been upset that I didn’t tell you.”

“I confess I was, but only because I want you to feel you can trust me. However, I do understand why you wouldn’t trust anyone.”

“Not even my best friend, Ada, knew the truth about my past,” Evie said softly. “Telling her or anyone else was too much of a risk.”