Hearts Through Time

SEVENTEEN

Nick flattened himself against the wall of the adjoining room and sighed with happiness. Abby was falling in love with him quicker than he'd thought. That was a good thing, especially because it would allow him to protect her.

A male voice rumbled through the quiet house. Nick peeked around the corner to see who it was. Harry Westland—the very man Nick loathed and didn't trust. He studied Harry as he spoke to Abby. Should Nick put her father's best friend on the suspects list? Then again, why would Harry want to kill Abby when he'd offered marriage to her? And why would he want to kill Abby if Harry was nothing but an overprotecting father-figure?

"Thank you for coming to check on me, Harry, but I assure you, I'm fine. I have dismissed the servants so we can all take the day off."

The older man's forehead creased. "What? You gave them all the day off? What were you thinking?"

Abby huffed. "I'm thinking how devastated my servants are because their employer died. I'm thinking that I would like some peace and quiet, as well, and I'm thinking that I need to mourn in my own way." She planted her hands on her hips. "So if you don't mind, I would like to be alone today."

Harry took a step into the house and grabbed her hand. "Please let me stay with you. I don't think you should be alone at a time like this."

"Did you not hear me?" she asked in a raised voice. "I would like to be alone today."

"Abigail, please do not become upset. I just want to help you...and comfort you. I will always worry about your welfare. Please understand."

"I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine. All the doors are locked, and I don't plan on leaving. I'm going to get some much needed rest, and perhaps catch up on my reading."

"What will you do about your meals?"

"I have survived just fine cooking my own breakfast. I'm quite certain I can handle the other meals on my own."

Harry shook his head and stepped closer. Nick was waiting for the man to make one more move before he pounced on him. Abby had repeatedly told the idiot to leave, yet the man either didn't hear, or didn't care.

"What's wrong with you, Abigail? You're acting differently. Is something amiss?" He looked around the room.

Nick quickly flattened himself against the wall again, making sure he was out of sight.

"Nothing is wrong, I assure you."

Quick footsteps shuffled on the hardwood floor in front of the door. Nick dared take another peek to see what was happening.

Abby wrung her hand free from Harry's grip and pushed him toward the door. "If it will make you feel better, you can camp outside my front door and protect me from intruders. Better yet, stay in your motorcar and keep watch over the house. I'm certain my father would be proud of you for trying to protect me."

Harry frowned. "Are you certain?"

"Yes. Now please leave before I become very upset."

Harry nodded then kissed Abby's forehead. "Lock the door when I leave."

"I had planned on it."

Once she closed the door, she rested against it and smiled. Nick grinned, too. If he didn't know better, he'd think Abby wanted his company over anyone else's.

She peeked out the side window until the roaring engine of a car slowly disappeared. She turned around, her eyes twinkling. "You can come out now, Nick."

He stepped back into the living room, and it took every ounce of control not to run to her, take her in his arms, and continue the kiss they'd started. Instead, he decided to let her lead the way. When she was ready, he'd be here. He chuckled as he walked toward her. "Harry is one difficult man. Has he always been this overbearing?"