“When will you be back in London?”
“I won’t. It doesn’t make sense for me to return here just to turn around and head back south for Cherish and Gawain’s summer party.”
“So you’ll join me at Shoreham Manor a week before their party begins? I am serious about my proposal, Rob. It is the only sensible solution for us.”
“It is hardly sensible,” he muttered, but cast her a rakish grin. “Nor am I likely to forget that invitation to join you in your bed. I never took you for a wanton, Fiona.”
She gasped. “I am no such thing!”
He arched an eyebrow. “Admit it, you are eager for my body.”
“It is a selfless act of sacrifice and nothing more,” she said, frowning at him.
“If you say so, Joan of Arc.” He leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead.
She smothered her disappointment, wishing he might have kissed her on the lips now that they had struck this scandalous bargain.
But Rob was too noble ever to take advantage. Since their week of tawdry lusting had not yet started, he would remain a gentleman.
Though perhaps her disappointment had not been all that smothered, since he now regarded her with bone-melting heat. “Gad, Fiona.”
“What?”
He cast her a smug grin. “You want me.”
She punched his shoulder. “Go away, Durham. You are irritating me.”
He cast her that I’m-a-hungry-panther-about-to-devour-you look. “Good night, Fiona.”
He turned around and walked out the door. She closed it and then leaned her entire body against it, her knees too weak to hold her up.
Dear heaven.
Even her breaths were ragged.
How could this happen?
Her head was still resting against the door when she suddenly heard a sharp rap that had her leaping to attention. “Fiona, lock that door.”
Was Rob still here?
“I am not leaving until I know that latch has fallen into place.”
“Doing it right now,” she assured him, and hastily complied. “Did you hear that? All done. I’m safe. See you in a few weeks.”
But there was a heavy silence on the other side of the door.
She knew he was still there because she felt him. This was what happened whenever he was close—her skin prickled and she felt alive.
“I will see you then, won’t I?”
Still silence.
He wasn’t having a change of heart, was he?
Chapter Three
Shoreham Manor
