Chapter 25

“She usually was,” he acknowledged ruefully.

A frown appeared between those blue eyes. “Was?”

Nicholas gave an affectionate smile. “Yeah. She died years ago. I was much younger then,”

Caroline drew her breath in sharply as she heard the pain underlying the practicality of Nicholas’ tone. “I’m sorry for your loss,” she murmured finally.

“Thank you,” he accepted gruffly. “And I’m sorry about my comment earlier. It was inappropriate,”

Caroline took in a deep breath. “I may have been a little…impolite to you at the party on Saturday evening.” she said.

“May have been?” he taunted softly.

“I was impolite,” she conceded.

“Any particular reason why…?”

“Does there have to be a reason?” Caroline stared at Nicholas, totally aware of how close he was now standing to her. Close enough for her to inhale the heady combination of the lemon soap and sandalwood aftershave. Close enough that their arms were almost touching. Close enough that Carol