His breathing deepened as her lithe figure disappeared into the night. She had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen on a woman. Her delicate curves captivated his attention, making him long for things he hadn’t realized he’d wanted so much. It had taken all his strength not to run his fingers up the soft skin of her pale arms.
And that voice.
The tune played in his mind like a whisper being carried on the wind. Jameson instantly knew what he needed to do as he leapt into action, picking his way through the garden and back into the crowded room.
***
Charlotte’s mind wandered as she listened to Isabella’s incessant chattering, yet all she could think of was the warmth of Jameson’s hand over hers.
He complimented my music.
Her heart fluttered at the thought of his kind words. His presence had been strong and commanding, leaving Charlotte with a curious fluttering in her abdomen.
An excited murmur flowed through the crowd as guests waited for the final waltz of the evening. Charlotte did her best to try and avoid making eye contact with the chatty Lord Dunham, who was making his way towards her through the crowd. Everyone knew that the final waltz of the evening was usually reserved for partners who had made an impression on one another during the evening.
Turning to Isabella, Charlotte hissed under her breath. “You have to help me with a distraction.”
“What are you on about?” Isabella hissed back, keeping her eyes on someone from across the room.
“I need to leave now,” she hurriedly explained to her distracted friend.
"I Hope you won’t be running away too soon, as I was about to ask you for a dance.” Jameson’s deep voice made her look up.
Onlookers held their breaths as others gasped behind their hands, waiting with bated breath to see if his offer would be accepted.
Charlotte noticed from across the room how the young woman from earlier was glaring at her along with her uncle. Instinct told her that she’d be in for a scolding if she refused any gentleman a dance. And the fact that the young lady was staring daggers at her didn’t bode well.
“Just one dance.” Jameson flashed her a disarming smile and held out his hand.
It wasn’t until Isabella nudged her in the side that Charlotte realized that everyone was waiting for her response. “It would be an honour, My Lord.” She accepted his proposal politely amidst the excited gasps.
A look of relief flooded his eyes before Jameson led her to the middle of the floor, placing his hand on her hip with the other on her shoulder.
The heat from his hand seeped through her dress, caressing the curve of her hip and sending a wave of tingling over her body.
“What was it that you were saying about my muscular form?” Jameson winked at her with a teasing smile just as the music began to play.
Blushing, Charlotte allowed herself to be swept away by his expert movements as his hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer while his other hand sought hers.
“I really did love the song you were humming. I’d love to discuss it with you sometime,” Jameson whispered in her ear as he drew her in closer.
The feeling of his hot breath on her skin sent a shiver down her spine as Charlotte looked up into his eyes. The sincerity she noted there was accompanied by another look she couldn’t quite place.
Attraction?
Her heart raced in her chest as he spun her away once again and drew her back in. Their eyes locked on one another as the music carried them both away, and the rest of the guests ceased to exist in the heat of his gaze that swept over her chest and bare shoulders.
Charlotte suddenly felt faint beneath his scrutiny, as if she would swoon in his arms.
Jameson’s grip tightened on the small of her back as he held her steady, holding her up as her lips parted from a gasp.
Will he kiss me?
Her heart raced as he leaned in closer with the final notes of the song.
A light applause erupted amongst the guests as Charlotte came to her senses, drawing back with a flustered look.
Jameson swallowed hard, composing himself before smiling at her and averting his gaze. “Thank you, Lady Charlotte.” His voice was deep and thick, heavy with the emotion brought on by their unexpected moment.
