A FEW WEEKS LATER

Lara smiled as she stepped out on the patio and closed her eyes in the sun. She was feeling better and rather enjoying Hilary looking after her. She smiled as he turned from the gardens he was looking at and smiled at her.

"Take a walk with me Hilly" Lara said softly

"As you wish" Hilary replied as he offered his arm

"Clive is working out rather well"

"Yes he is"

"Can I talk to you about what happened in Africa?"

"Only if your ready"

"I seduced Terry in China and then I shot him in Africa. I thought that for once I could make him see what he was doing was wrong. He hit me Hilary and I stood back up and shot him in cold blood"

"Lara, he would have released the greatest of evil's into the world. You did the right thing by not letting him leave with it"

"How could I have been so weak as to kiss him before though. I feel like a fool"

"Lady Croft you are anything but a fool. You were following your heart. It's only natural for two attractive people to do something"

"Your too kind Hilly. How did I get so lucky as to get you for a butler and a friend"

Hilary smiled as the sat down on a bench and gently held Lara's hand. She smiled at him as he reached over to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. Caught up in the moment both leaned in and kissed softly. Lara was the first to pull away before smiling and kissing Hilary again. When they parted again Hilary blushed softly and looked down at his shoes. They walked back to the manor in silence. Later that day Lara was sitting in her study when Hilary walked in and slipped a piece of paper in front of her. Lara looked up at him confused.

"Hilary? What are you doing?" Lara asked

"Resigning Lady Croft" Hilary replied

"I can see that. I want to know why"
"Because I can no longer work for you"

"Why not?"

"I have feelings for you. Lara if you feel the same as I do then I can not work for you and if you don't, I couldn't do my job effectively"

"I see. So will Clive fully take over for you?"

"Yes. Starting in two days"

"Where will you stay?"

"A friend has offered to let me stay with him"

"Stay here Hilly. As my friend. As my guest"

"Lara"

"Please. I still need you around and I want you around"

Hilary smiled and started to walk out of the room. He heard Lara stand up and turned around to face her. Lara leaned up and softly kissed Hilary. He returned the kiss with passion and let his hands rest carefully on her hips and pulled her closer to him.

"I love you Lara" Hilary whispered softly

"I love you too" Lara replied before she let him walk out of the room.