Page 75 of Discovering Her Earl

For her.

Everything she’d thought was true burned away, and only Julian’s words remained.

“You are beautiful.”

She believed him.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Julian felt her lips pull up in a smile against his and he pulled her closer.

Kissing had always been a prelude to something more fulfilling. But kissing Lainey was different. He could feel something growing between them and it wasn’t just his erection.

It was trust.

And it was enough. No. It was everything.

She had forgiven him already, but now she believed him.

And he had no choice but to believe her. She’d told him he’d earned the right to come on this journey and he would have to accept that. No matter what doubts spun around in his head.

He pulled back only far enough to look at her. His hands still rested on her ribs, he could feel her sides move with her breathing which was quicker than normal.

He’d done that.

She took a deep breath and tilted her head back. He mirrored her and gasped.

“They look so close, don’t they?” she said in an awed voice.

“I’ve never seen so many stars.” As she’d said, they did look close enough to touch. The way they reflected off the water enhanced the effect. He’d never seen anything so beautiful, and sharing it with the woman next to him, made the moment even sweeter.

He could almost believe his life could always be like this. He knew better. He knew what kind of life waited for him, but he would always have this, and he would forever be grateful.

“Thank you, Lainey.”

“For what?” she asked turning to look at him.

“For giving me this. A moment I will cherish for as long as I live.”

She leaned up and kissed him, something no other woman had been able to do. Joy passed between them and soon they were smiling as if they couldn’t help themselves.

When she shivered, he suggested they retire to their rooms so he could get her out of the chilly, night air.

Instead, she snuggled closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist under his coat. Yes, this was better than returning to their rooms alone. They shared the stillness in silence for some time. But soon he was thinking of all the reasons he didn’t deserve to be there with her.

“I must confess something,” he said finally.

“All right.” She gazed up at him as if she trusted him completely. He didn’t want to give her any reason not to. But he needed to be honest with her.

“I told you I was drunk the night I laughed at Robert’s horrid jest.”

“Yes.”

“As I said, I was just laughing in general, not at you specifically.”

“Yes.”

He wanted to stop speaking right then rather than say something that could ruin this moment, but the truth bubbled free.