“What has you so amused?”Tristan asked, one brow arched.
“I was contemplating how my aunt would react to my addressing you so informally.”
“She most certainly would not approve.But as you know, that is part of the fun.”His green eyes sparkled as they whirled across the floor.Their laughter commingled with the music, creating a bubble of shared amusement between them.
Emmeline felt a sense of freedom she had never experienced before, dancing with Lord Breckenridge under the watchful eyes of society’s strictest matron.It was exhilarating, like tasting forbidden fruit.
He kept up a steady stream of witty banter as they danced, putting Emmeline completely at ease.He asked thoughtful questions about her interests, making it clear her opinions mattered.The charm and charisma he was so renowned for was on full display, and she delighted in it.
As they progressed through the dance, Emmeline stole glances at Tristan’s handsome face—strong jawline, lips curved into a smile that hinted at mischief.His touch ignited a fire within her, awakening desires she had never dared to acknowledge.She could sense the heat of his body so close to hers, the subtle scent of his cologne teasing her senses.
When the dance ended, Tristan bowed gracefully.“I hope we may share another dance later, Emmeline,” he said softly.“Perhaps a waltz.”
The sound of her name on his lips sent a pleasurable shiver through her.“I would like that very much,” she said.
Tristan led Emmeline back to her aunt’s side.Lady Lockwood looked disapprovingly at them, but said nothing.
“Thank you for the dance, Miss Brooks,” Tristan said with a bow.“I look forward to our next one.”
Emmeline could not help but smile at his words as he made his way through the crowd.She turned to her aunt, expecting a stern reprimand, but instead found a twinkle in Lady Lockwood’s eye.
“Well, it seems Lord Breckenridge has taken quite a liking to you,” she said slyly.“He would not be my choice for you, but you certainly could do worse.”
Emmeline felt her cheeks grow warm again.“I do not think that is appropriate for you to say, Aunt.”
“Oh hush, my dear.I merely mean that he seems quite charmed by you.And I must admit, I am rather charmed by him as well.But do be carful, he is a rake and we would not want your prospects to be ruined.”
Emmeline was surprised by her aunt’s admission.The lady was usually so strict and proper.
“Do you think he will ask for your hand?I daresay your father would approve.Breckenridge is a second son, but when one’s sire is a duke, it hardly signifies.”Lady Lockwood tittered.
Emmeline’s heart skipped a beat at the thought.She had only just met Lord Breckenridge, and yet the idea of being with him forever seemed tantalizingly wonderful.Yet, she was not fool enough to believe a rogue would fall in love with her.Certainly not after one ball.
“I believe it is too early to tell,” Emmeline said cautiously.
Lady Lockwood nodded, but Emmeline could see the excitement glimmering in her eyes.Emmeline spent the rest of the evening mingling with other guests and dancing with various suitors, but she could not get Tristan out of her mind.
She let out a soft sigh as she drifted through the opulent ballroom, the sounds of the orchestra and murmuring guests enveloping her.Though the room was a crush of lords and ladies, they all faded into the background as her thoughts remained consumed by Tristan.
Hours later, she could still feel the imprint of his hand at her waist, the warmth of his breath tickling her ear as they danced.Their chemistry had been undeniable, an instant attraction that left her pulse racing and her skin tingling.She knew she should not entertain such scandalous thoughts about a gentleman she’d only just met, but she could not ignore the longing in her heart.
Tristan had looked at her in a way no other man ever had, as if he could see into the very heart of her soul.His charming smiles and flirtatious banter revealed a quick wit and easy confidence she found irresistible.But it was the flashes of vulnerability in his striking green eyes that truly captivated her.
Emmeline wondered what secrets lurked beneath that devil-may-care facade, what pains haunted the depths of his heart.She yearned to comfort and understand him.
But alas, a man of his reputation would never view a respectable debutante as anything more than a passing dalliance.Emmeline knew she must guard her heart against false hope, no matter how deeply her soul yearned to see him again.
She reached for a glass of lemonade, then turned, coming face to face with the very man who occupied her thoughts.
“I believe you owe me a waltz,” he said.
“Indeed, I do.”she smiled and sat the glass back on the table.
Emmeline felt flushed and breathless as Tristan led her into the lively waltz.His hand at her waist was both thrilling and scandalous, his touch sending waves of longing through her body.
As they moved together, effortlessly in sync, the attraction between them became undeniable.Each graceful turn brought their bodies closer, and Emmeline found herself leaning into him, craving more contact.His eyes smoldered as they gazed at her, speaking of barely restrained passion.
Emmeline knew she should pull away, but she could not bring herself to do so.For these few stolen moments, she wanted to pretend propriety did not exist, that she could indulge in the desires of her heart without consequence.
