Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(66)

“You can put them on the table by the fire, Mr. Brooks. Thank you.” Brooks did as he was told and stood there, waiting for me to speak, or to stand guard until Cranfield left. I felt as though he was doing both.

“That will be all,” I said, gesturing to the door. He did as he was told and left the room.

“Already affecting the male species with you being back home?” he asked me, laying the palms of his hands on the desk. His body stood over all my paperwork, demanding to be noticed.

“It’s from my neighbor,” I scoffed. Garrett pushed off the desk, walking toward the daisies that seemed to laugh at me for thinking my brushoff with Ashton would work. Snatching the small card out of the bouquet, he read it out loud.

“’My dearest Lady Barlow, I apologize for my swift and surprising declaration of marriage to you last night.’” His hand tightened around the note. “’Please accept my humble apology of these flowers, as a simple token that I was hasty with my request. I understand the pressing matters you’ve had to deal with over the last couple weeks of being home, and my timing was completely wrong. I’ll come to call in a day or two to speak further of the subject and express my remorse in person.’” Garrett lifted a brow at me, tossing the note away haphazardly, and strode toward me. “You’ve been busy.”

“And you’re still nosy,” I countered. Garrett appeared on my side of the desk, the room suddenly feeling smaller. Standing from my chair, I attempted to regain my space.

“Have to be when one has to keep his interests safe and sound,” he professed, an arm’s length from me. “Don’t you already have an agreement with my brother to be married?”

His body was relaxed, calm; his blank expression the perfect interrogation tactic in any situation.

Placing my hand on the back of Papa’s leather chair, I said, “I already told you, we spoke about it. I didn’t sign my life away.”

He shrugged. “You may as well have.”

“Are we done, Cranfield?” I exhaled, looking at the desk piled with paperwork. “I really have—” Garrett reached for my elbow, pulling me closer to him. Our bodies didn’t touch but I could feel the tension between us. It was heavy and hot, making the back of my neck bead with sweat.

“Don’t call me that,” he growled, his grasp on my body still firm. “Accept my apology so we can move on to better things to talk about.”

I raised my chin in a false confidence, attempting to show he wasn’t affecting my entire body. But she was traitorous and forgetful as she tugged toward him, aching to be wrapped in his arms right now. This man wanted to lose his temper with me and not listen; I didn’t know what to make of him.

I did know one thing—I couldn’t lose my heart and soul to him.

“I already did,” I reminded him, pulling back on my arm. He held onto it, his addictive proximity making me dangerously close to losing control of myself. “How else can I show it?” My voice was weak; I could hear it breaking. The more time I spent near him, the more my walls crumpled to the ground.

He smirked, his eyes smiling. “Don’t ask such a loaded question, Avie.”

I yanked my arm out of his grasp, needing my territory back, but immediately missing the warmth of his touch. “Don’t be crude.”

He took a step closer as I retracted back.

“You don’t need to try and intimidate me with your height,” I sputtered. The corner of his mouth quirked, his gaze boring into me.

“Oh, I’m not trying to intimidate you,” he countered, still moving forward. “You already do that to me with your presence.” Our steps were battling each other; with every one he took, I retreated in response.

“Avie,” he said in a low, husky voice, “look at me.” I shook my head, my gaze remaining locked on the other side of the room. The sun radiated through the windows, announcing the spring weather outside. The prisms off the crystal chandelier soaked in the light, making a beautiful rainbow along the walls and carpet. His fingers brushed my cheek; instantly, my eyes shut tight.

I can’t. I can’t look at him.

His touch was a slight graze, reminding me of how soft and warm I felt in his arms. I focused on keeping my breathing even.

The business reports.

The inventory I needed to order.

The muffled chirping of the birds outside.

“Why won’t you look at me?” His words were taunting, yet they sounded pleading. “I’ve traveled all this way to see those beautiful green eyes looking up at me.”

My back hit the wall and the feeling of being trapped, with this man in front of me, sent chills down my spine.

“Please leave.” I didn’t know if the words left my mouth, they were so low.

“Why?” he muttered, his body inches from mine, and I could feel him, even though my eyes were still closed. “Because Mr. Brooks might come back to see you pushed up against this wall with me?”

I stood mute, his fingers dividing my emotions, as I forced my eyes open. His blue eyes studied my face.

“No,” I replied. “Lord Ashton may come calling, and I don’t want—”

Garrett chuckled, twirling a piece of my hair with his fingers. “Think so? Is he a large man, Avie? Because that is going to be the only way I stay away from you.”