Why are you here?" Emma bit out the words, frustrated beyond all bearing. "Because I forgot to thank you for looking after me when I was hurt, for one thing," Steven answered. Emma knew there was more. She folded her arms and snapped, "And for another?" He reached out and traced the outline of her lips with his fingertip. "For another, Miss Emma," he went on, his eyes laughing even though his mouth was serious, "I wanted to let you know you're going to be keeping company with me from now on, not the banker.
In a moment charged with tension, Emma confronts Steven about his unexpected visit, feeling an overwhelming frustration. She challenges him, wanting to know why he is truly there, suspecting there are deeper reasons behind his appearance. Steven begins to explain that he came to express gratitude for her care during his time of injury, but Emma senses there’s more to his presence.
As Steven traces her lips with his fingertip, he...
