The Playboy's Touch (Book 2)

Chapter 8

Enrique

The entire carriage ride home I took amusement in seeing Rachel so deep in thought.

She looked out the carriage window pretending to observe everyone and everything but I knew her mind was on Vicente. My dear friend Vicente was not exactly a high class nobleman, but he was the son of a wealthy merchant. They were both known for their quick wit, hard working and playful personality. And of course, Vicente was easy on the eyes with his wavy brown locks, hazel eyes and killer smile. He could strike up interesting conversations and make anyone laugh and all this made him all the more desirable to ladies everywhere and the envy of many men-noble or not.

I wanted to poke fun at Rachel but her brother and mother were with us so I decided it was best not to. I didn’t want her brother getting protective over her when she was barley stepping out of her self-built shell and I also didn’t want her mother getting her hopes up regarding a man’s interest in her daughter. Rachel was attractive and interesting to talk to but there was a reason she was unmarried-a reason I didn’t know but I was sure it was a big one.

Later that night after dinner I excused myself to my old office. I was going through my mail when my father walked in. He was already in his deep red robe and slippers. He carried a glass of wine in one hand and an orange pastry in the other.

“Oh father, of Celeste saw you eating this late she’d send you off to bed after scolding you-and taking your little meal too.” I teased at he sat down.

He smiled but changed the subject. “What are you still doing in this office? The other office is yours now.” My office was smaller than father’s-the main Viscount office. I knew it was mine now and I had used it a couple times but it still didn’t feel right moving in there.

I shrugged and continued to sort my mail. I changed the subject too. “I bumped into Vicente Hernández at the park today when I went to pick up the Thompsons.”

“Really?! It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen that boy. He’s been traveling for such a long time. Where was he again?”

“Scotland-he left a year ago. He got back about a month ago. I believe he brought us a gift but he won’t say what it is. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough though.” I laughed and father raised an eyebrow. “When I arrived at the park I saw him chatting with Rachel. He seemed quite smitten with her.”

“Well she is a lovely girl. Great mind she has and she’s very pretty.. it’s never made sense to me why she is unmarried.”

“Father-shes Celeste’s best friend. I think that says enough.”

We both laughed remembering my dear sister. Arthur had written to us that while he adored Celeste with his entire soul there were definitely times where her sarcasm and temper caused there to be arguments. He had made it a routine to take daily rides in the afternoon just to clear his head and she wrote to us that she had taken up fencing to destress herself. It was unheard of for ladies to fence but then again…my sister was no regular lady. And Arthur encouraged it, which is how I knew he was devoted to her completely. My sister and her husband chose to love eachother everyday despite their differences. And not were there were many.

“I plan on inviting Vicente over for dinner at the end of the week, I think it’d be nice for us all to catch up.” I said beginning to blow out candles.

“Mhm.. and to torment Ms. Thompson right?” Father said narrowing his eyes at me.

“To an extent,” I admitted. “But I also think it’d be nice for them to get to know eachother.”

And it was true. Vicente was a good man. He was honest and communicated better than anyone I knew. He was selfless and respectful and I trusted that Rachel would enjoy his company.

And maybe.. it could lead to more. Rachel had made it clear multiple times since I had met her that she didn’t want to marry-but our previous conversation led me to believe that she wanted.. something.

I was on my way to my room when I saw Rachel walking down the hall that led to her room. She was wrapped in her long nightgown and a thick robe. She was walking slowly and limping a bit- she gasped when she saw me.

“What are you doing here?!?” She demanded.

“I’m going to my room…in my house..” I responded confused. “Question is what are you doing up at these hours. It’s past midnight.”

She was standing near a window that let in the moonlight and she stepped back into the shadows. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Would you like me to accompany you somewhere?” I offered. “The kitchen, library or gardens? I’m happy to walk with you.”

She paled a bit and shook her head. “No thank you I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? It’s no problem. It looked like you hurt your leg when you were walking. Do you need any-“

“I said I’m fine.” She snapped angrily at me.

We both stood quietly.

I wasn’t offended by her tone-my sister had accustomed me to worse. And I didn’t pry either-Celeste had taught me that too.

Finally I nodded and changed the subject. “Vicente is a nice man isn’t he? Very easy to talk to?”

Rachel’s defensive demeanor changed. She blushed a bit and looked away. “Yes. I suppose he is.”

And then it made sense.

Rachel wanted to be courted, appreciated, desired.. seen. Even if didn’t lead to a marriage proposal she wanted it. Not out of desperation, but out of human desire. She was still a woman, with simple desires for simple but meaningful gestures.

And who better to provide that than my good friend Vicente?