I could sneak away. I could meet him. But I shouldn’t. Every thought I had about Lincoln Riscoff pretty much included the word shouldn’t, but it hadn’t stopped me yet.

I lowered the squeegee into the bucket and turned to the woman. “Is there a restroom I can use?”

She looked up from her task. “Staff restrooms are next to the kitchen, the basement, or out in the garage. Don’t even think about using another one, or Mrs. Riscoff will toss you out of this house on your ear.”

If she knew what I was doing with her son, she’d do even more than that, I’m sure.

I couldn’t even believe she let Gables into the house to clean. Then again, when I brought that up, it sounded like Jackie’s friend didn’t mention our last name to the head housekeeper when she hired us.

“Got it. I’ll be back then.”

“Try not to get lost. I spent my whole first month here wandering around like an idiot, and nearly got fired.”

I nodded with a polite smile affixed to my face and left the room.

My heart pounded and my palms sweated as my sneakers squeaked on the marble floor. For some insane reason, the scene from Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth was walking through Pemberley on a tour came to mind. Was this how she felt? Like she knew she shouldn’t be there? Probably, but then again, Elizabeth was also thinking, Of all this, I might have been mistress. Her version of mistress and mine were totally different.

There was no way I would ever rule over this estate. I glanced out at the gorge through the wall of windows I passed.

Nope. This isn’t for me. The Riscoffs probably kept their mistresses hidden far away from the wives.

Oh my God. Why would I even think that? I wasn’t going to be anyone’s kept woman. Ever. And Lincoln and I couldn’t be together openly, so why was I even tiptoeing toward the grand staircase to meet him?

Because I’m dick-struck. That was all. It was good sex. Great sex. I was hooked on what he could do in bed. I nodded my head like I was agreeing with myself when I knew it was all bullshit. I was getting in too deep. I felt things I shouldn’t feel.

I crept up the staircase, checking over my shoulder every other step, waiting for someone to question my presence and throw me out of the house.

I’m sorry. I got lost. That was the best excuse I’d have. It worked for their real staff, right?

As soon as I reached the second floor, a voice echoed down the hall to the left.

Shit. I bolted up the next flight, and my heart was hammering by the time I hit the landing. I barely had a chance to catch my breath before someone grabbed my wrist.

I stifled my scream with my free hand.

“I didn’t think you would come.”

I stared at Lincoln’s perfect face and questioned every single decision I’d made for the last month.