Damon offered me his arm, which I readily took, and he tucked my hand into the crook of his elbow.
“Do you think anyone will still be awake at this hour?” I asked.
“I do not think so, else Father would have met me at the gate to read me a lecture. I’m sure Ollie told Mother you were with me, and since I was on father’s errand—I do not think we were missed.”
We entered the darkened manor through the front door. Only a few candles burned in the entryway. I breathed a sigh of relief and moved toward the stairs.
“Good night,” I whispered.
“Wait.” Damon caught my hand. “I want to show you something.”
I glanced around, worried that perhaps someone might see, but everything was still and quiet. He led me down the darkened corridor toward the east wing. And although we were adults now and entering this part of the manor was no longer forbidden, it stillfeltforbidden.
Damon pushed open a door to reveal a breathtaking ballroom. I’d seen it before but never like this at night.
The curtains were tied back with thick tassel ropes, and moonbeams flooded through the large arched windows, bathing the great hall in light. The hall was prettily papered, gilded frames hung on the walls, and overhead were several glittering chandeliers. “It is beautiful.” I glanced at Damon and found him watching me.
“Yes,” he agreed, his voice solemn. “May I be so bold as to ask you to dance?”
“You wish to dance with me? Now? Here?”
“This is a ballroom, is it not?”
“Yes. However, nothing about this situation is proper. Not the hour, not the setting, not even our clothing.”
“Is something wrong with my clothing, Miss Kent?” He quirked a teasing brow at me. “You must tell me what is amiss so I can remedy my appearance to your satisfaction.” He made a show of lifting his arms wide and turning in a slow circle.
“Hmm,” I said, and my gaze roamed over his too-tight shirt, where it strained across his broad shoulders and gaped at the neckline. The sleeves, too, were short and exposed his muscled forearms. But it was his tousled hair and the wild way it fell across his brow that had me captivated.
“Well?” he said. “What is your measure of me?”
“On second thought, your clothing is fine. But your hair is—um—rather rumpled.”
He looked up at his hairline. “Seeing as I have no mirror to remedy the defect, perhaps you might assist me.”
I stepped close, and Damon lowered his head obligingly. He smelled good, like polished leather and oranges. Rising onto my tiptoes, I ran my hands through his thick hair. I combed the strands with my fingers until they lay neatly in place, but I left a few strands free to fall across his forehead.
Damon leaned into my touch, bringing our faces close together. His breath tickled my cheek, and my fingers stilled. We were standing so close. Close enough to kiss.
Iwantedhim to kiss me.
The realization startled me, and I lowered from my tiptoes and moved to withdraw my hands. “It is better now.”
Damon caught my wrist and rubbed his thumb across the sensitive skin, and I was certain he could feel my hammering pulse.
“We should probably go,” I said. “If someone sees us . . .”
He shrugged. “As you’ve said, I have never cared one whit for my reputation, and I do believe your quadrille could use some practice.”
I gave him a teasing frown. “You’ll be pleased to know Nora acquired some papers with dancing steps for me to study. I am now quite proficient.”
“And what of your waltz?”
Heat crept up my neck and bloomed in my cheeks just thinking about the scandalous dance, and I was glad the chandeliers were not lit. “I know the forms,” I admitted. “Though, as you know, I am not the best dancer.”
“Nonsense.” He extended his hand to me. “Dance with me,” he said, and this time, his request was made in a serious tone. Moonlight cast shadows on his face, highlighting his cheekbones and straight nose. Even in dim light, and wearing clothes not befitting his station, he was extraordinarily handsome.
I could not resist him.
