The Sweetest Kiss (Brothers of Worthington Series) by Marie Higgins Page A

swept her up into his arms. Up this close, his nearness stirred quivers inside her belly. Hesitantly, she hooked her arms around his neck and looked at his lips.
    Trey tightened his arms around her as he stepped into the hole. The rhythm of her heartbeat shook her chest, increased her breathing, causing her mouth to turn dry. Heat from his body blended into hers and threatened to melt her this very second. She must stay strong.
    After he had stepped out of the hole, he stopped and let her legs drop. Slowly, she slid down the front of his body until her feet touched the gravelly bottom. His arms still held her against him while his fingers drew circles along her back. He studied her mouth just as she’d looked at his a few moments ago. Being up so close against his chest, she felt the beat of his heart hammered quickly with hers. She swallowed to moisten her throat, wishing he’d release her, and at the same time, hoping he didn’t.
    Suddenly, he dropped his arms and stepped back. His eyes widened as his mouth pulled into a line. He turned and walked out of the water toward his shoes.
    “Trey?” Her voice whispered the plea. “Is something amiss?”
    “I just remembered a meeting I had this afternoon. Please forgive me, but I must go.”
    She hurried out of the water and collected her stockings and shoes. “Of course. I understand.”
    After he was fully dressed, he looked at her. “Judith, I had a pleasant time with you just now. We shall have to wade through the water again.”
    “I agree.”
    Without another word, he walked away. Her tight chest finally relaxed, letting her breathe normally again. Why had she acted in such a way? And why did her body have to burn the way it did?
    Yet, she realized he had established a bond between them. He actually gave her reason to trust him, which is something she never thought would ever happen.
    ~*~*~*~
    Judith pushed her mare faster, clutching the reins and tightening her knee around the horn of the sidesaddle. The sun began its descent in the sky, but there was still enough light to ride. This afternoon had been a challenge, mentally and physically. She’d never felt so much frustration than she had in Trey’s presence, but being in his arms was purely sensual. Every last second of it.
    Obviously, there was an attraction between them. Strange, since they didn’t like each other as children. Now, however, they were both matured. Never did she think Trey would be as handsome, or charming. Every time she looked upon him, she couldn’t help but admire the man he’d turned into.
    Earlier this evening, she had tried to visit with the dowager, but Trey was always lurking—watching her with heated eyes. She even tried hiding in the library, but she’d bumped into him there, as well. Now she needed to think without anyone around, so she saddled a mare and rode farther onto the estate. Perhaps she would be free of Trey for at least a few hours.
    Another stream caught her eye, and she slowed her horse to a trot as she neared the water. Was this an extension from the same one she and Trey had waded through earlier today? If it was, the water appeared deeper here. Wading was definitely out of the question this evening.
    She stopped her horse, dismounted then tied the animal to a tree. As she lifted off her bonnet, she breathed deeply. The heavenly aroma floating through the air from a nearby lilac bush made her smile. Her father had loved this smell, and even had perfumes and soaps made to match the scent for his wife and daughter.
    Yearning for a time long gone crept upon her as tears gathered in her eyes. If her parents had lived, what would they be doing now? Certainly, she wouldn’t be standing here in the glade wondering about her future with Alex.
    Or was he really meant to be in her life?
    Situations happening lately spoke of a different turn of events. With her sudden attraction to Trey, she wondered if he was the man for her instead.
    A laugh sprang from her throat. What