SERENDIPITY

~2~ The Secret Hideout And Unexpected Kiss ✔️

Recap: As we entered our modest quarters, Mia's excited gasps filled the air. "Did you see him?" she exclaimed with a beaming smile.

I flopped onto my bed and kicked off my shoes, feigning ignorance. "Who?"

"Lance, Sir Daniel's cousin," she gushed, her eyes sparkling.

I rolled my eyes, knowing what was coming next. "Yes, I saw him," I admitted, watching as Mia twirled a strand of hair around her finger.

"He's so handsome," she sighed dreamily.

I raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on my lips. "I agree but be careful not to let your admiration turn into something more," I warned, wagging my finger.

"It's just a crush," she pouted.

"Just," I repeated with a hint of scepticism. "I hope so."

...•...•...•...

As I stood in the bathroom, the sound of a knock echoed through the house. "Mia, can you get it?" I shouted, hoping she would answer my call. Moments later, she emerged from the shadows and made her way to the door.

To my surprise, it was Sir Daniel who stood on the other side. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered why he had come to the servant quarters. Could it be that he was looking for me? The thought alone was enough to make my heart race with excitement.

"Is Raquel around?" he asked, causing my nerves to flare up.

Without hesitation, Mia invited him in, eyeing me suspiciously before departing. As she left, I pleaded with her to stay, but her mind was made up.

Left alone with Sir Daniel, I could feel my pulse quicken as I awaited his next move. What could he possibly want with me?

I stood in the centre of my humble abode, caught off guard by the unexpected guest. His name escaped my lips to mask my confusion.

"Daniel," he interjected, correcting my formality.

I nodded in agreement, still taken aback by his presence.

"Excuse me, how may I be of service to you?" I inquired, trying to keep my cool.

"I heard you had no work today, and I was hoping we could, um, go horse riding?" His words were followed by an anxious scratch of his head.

I blinked a few times, incredulous. Did Sir Daniel just ask me to go horse riding with him?

My cheeks flushed with warmth as his piercing gaze locked onto my emerald eyes. "Horse riding? With you?" I whispered.

He gave me an odd look. "Is that alright with you?" he asked.

I felt my cheeks flush as I stuttered out a response. "Ye-yeah, but why would you want to go horse riding with me? Your mother won't be happy if she finds out, and I don't want to get into trouble with her."

He let out a deep sigh. "I know my mother can be difficult, Raquel, but I'm old enough to decide who I want to spend my time with." he murmured, his intense gaze sending shivers down my spine. "So...?" he trailed off, leaving me breathless with anticipation.

I couldn't help but wonder if spending time with him would really be worth it. Would it be worth the potential wrath of Miss Anna? Would it be worth proving Joanna wrong?

I managed a smile and nodded. "Alright."

He gave a slight nod and continued to look at me. I shifted my gaze to the door, suddenly finding it very interesting. As he realized I was only half-dressed, his gaze shifted to my body and lingered on my exposed cleavage. Mortified, I looked down at my morning coat, which I hadn't fastened well and exposed more than I intended.