“It would be her decision.”
“Her decision was made long before I set foot onto this island or you would have married her already.” He gestured to the door. “Good day, Mr. Caulfield.”
Once he’d departed, Phillip went to the sideboard and poured himself a drink, downed it then poured himself another.
The insufferable ass. Until Fyre told him no in his own personal pursuit of her, he would allow no other a chance. He rubbed the heel of his palm over his aching cock. Day or night, all he had to do was think about her and he was hard.
Finishing his second drink, he glanced out the window once more at the storm raging and was glad that he had given his people the day off so they could be inside and dry.
Glass down, he strode to the door and went to find the woman who was making his party happen. His housekeeper.
This woman had been a godsend to him and was essential in keeping his house running at optimal efficiency. Even Keating didn’t challenge her.
She was in her small office and got up from her desk when he knocked on the doorframe.
“Mrs. Alison.”
“My lord. How may I be of service?”
Grinning as he walked in, he waved her back to her seat then took one for himself. “I am here to talk about the house party and see what else you need from me.” He stretched his legs out. “More staff? What?”
“Everything is fine, my lord.”
He leaned forward. “You sure? I am happy to get you more if you need it. I do not want you quitting on me in the middle of this, Mrs. Alison, or your husband to come after me because I am stressing you out.”
She flushed, her tanned skin unable to hide the red racing up her cheeks.
“You should not say such things, my lord.”
Phillip slumped back in his chair, hand over his chest. “Crushed. All the beautiful women are taken.”
She waggled a finger at him. “I see plenty of women who would love to be the mistress of this house for you, and not just for the party.”
With a wink, he sat forward. “None of them are you, Mrs. Alison.”
He was thrilled she was teasing him back. It had taken him a while to get his people to trust him. To understand he wasn’t like the man who had been here before, when Trace had been presumed dead. That wasn’t him and that would never be him.
But again, trust was a delicate being and he had to earn it. Phillip didn’t mind putting in the work. This was his place and these were his people.
“I have more things to work on once you approve the menu.”
He leaned back, shaking his head. “I trust you, Mrs. Alison. You make the menu and approve it. I will also want to do another party this Christmas, but for the staff. All of them. Not a house party, but a celebration for a good year of work.”
She paused and put down her pen as she looked at him.
“What is it?” he asked after a few moments.
“If our stations were not so different, my lord, I would kiss you for that.”
Eyebrows waggling, he bounded up from his chair and bent down to her, tapping his cheek. “I never turn down a kiss from a beautiful woman. Lay one on me.”
* * * *
The knocking startled her, but Fyre had become quite efficient at making sure the earl’s books remained out of sight when someone came to the door. Hiding them, she hurried to let whoever was there in. The rain still came down in sheets, blowing in all directions and making her so glad that the small cottage she rented was sound and kept her safe and dry.
The door opened before she could get there and in stumbled her brother, sister-in-law and her nephews and niece. Soaked to the bone.
Swarmed by the children, she didn’t mind how wet they were as she had missed them so much. Hugging them, she kissed each of the young ones while she handed out towels as they told her how much she had been missed.
Composing her features, she handed cloths to her brother and his wife. “What are you doing here?”
Elonne didn’t meet her gaze and she was hurt yet okay with it. She hadn’t forgiven him for his behavior. Not that she was good with Cara either, but she adored her nephews and niece.
“Can we not stop by and see their aunt?” Cara’s tone grated on her nerves.
“Of course,” she assured the children. “They are always welcome in my place.”
The adults picked up on her tone. Elonne glowered in her direction but still wouldn’t hold her stare. Cara just glared.
“You need to watch them.”
Eyebrows up, she waited for her sister-in-law to elaborate on the statement. No one said anything further.