Ch 41: No she didn’t

He was so close to her, she was at a loss for words. To top it all off he said the words 'bed together' like it was something more. It was undeniable the ache that started in her for him. That same ache that began when he lay next to her the night before.

"It was always this long." She almost whispered. "When you were younger," he added bringing his eyes back to hers, "But I wasn't sure if you had cut it.

You should wear it down around me. I like it." He released it and settled back against the sofa with a sigh closing his eyes, "Long day."

He muttered. Again when she felt like she was making some headway with him he switched subjects. "Hectic?" "No. Just long. I'm overdue for a vacation."

He opened his eyes and looked at her, "When we get married, we'll take a few weeks and see Europe. Just you and I.

Would you like that?" "Would I ever!" She said unable to keep the excitement out of her voice causing him to chuckle. "That's what I like about you Abigail, you're just plain honest." Like. How come that word seemed so dreadful coming from him.

"Come here." He put his hand on her shoulder and drew her against him, "That's better." He closed his eyes again. "Did you tell my sister that you had me wrapped around your finger?" "That's untrue."

Again he chuckled, "Is it? You know that she and Miss Bennett had been trying to get me to agree to meet this young man for over a month." "No she didn't," she said incredulously. "Then you come along, make one suggestion and have me bending to your will." He snapped his fingers. "Like that."

"I hardly think that is how you would put it." She laughed. He cracked an eye, "No? cheetah you have a lot to learn, because the way Hudson was fawning all over you today, made me want to fire him.

You don't know your potency." Her mouth fell open, but before she could answer he quickly changed the subject.

"By the way, I told my secretary that on no uncertain terms were you to be kept waiting like that again." "Your secretary?" She was still trying to recover from his earlier comment. "the hawk lady." Now she did laugh. "Lord it's good to hear that from you again." He finished his wine in several gulps.

"I've got to get to bed. He stood up, "I'll see you in the morning. Don't stay up too late; I like it when you sit with me at breakfast."

With that, he left the room grabbing his jacket on the way out. If she didn't know better he seemed uncomfortable about what he was saying to her, but this was Owen, the man would be comfortable at a guillotine.

She found herself feeling disappointed that he didn't' even kiss her goodnight. Although sitting there with him holding her was very very pleasant. Unknown to her Owen paused at the top of the stairs and turned to look at her.

She was fingering a lock of her hair like he was only moments ago. Touching her was beginning to be a problem with him and he had to leave before the evidence of how much of a problem was going to show.