He was impressed.
“Besides,” she said, “if I went home empty-handed, that would be suspicious indeed.”
“You are a clever lady,” he praised.
And they reached the last of the public area at the back of the shop.
“I suppose this will have to do. Perhaps next time, we can meet upstairs.”
“Next time?” she murmured softly.
He sighed. “I know this is hardly ideal, but unless your aunt accompanies you to another ball —”
“She will not. My mother won’t allow her to be my chaperone again.”
“I see.” Geoffrey couldn’t imagine how they would begin any kind of meaningful association if they could only meet for a few minutes in a dusty bookstore.
“There is always Gretna Green,” he said.
Lady Caroline visibly startled.
“Merely a jest,” he assured her, although if he did fall in love and there was no other way, he was not entirely opposed to a Scottish border wedding.
They remained silent a moment. He didn’t find it the least bit awkward, happy simply to be in her presence.
“My friend, Lord Trent, doesn’t mind carrying messages between us,” he said.
“That’s kind of him. And he is a good dancer.” Suddenly, she sighed. “This is ridiculous.”
He flinched.Was she ready to give up?
“What can my parents do if you simply come claim me for a dance at the next ball?”
Relieved to learn not only wasn’t she giving up, Lady Caroline was ready to stand up to her parents, he drew her into his arms. Instantly, a sizzling heat raced through him. His attraction to her was like nothing he’d ever experienced.
Without asking or waiting, he lowered his head and kissed her. At once, she melted against him. Having never swived with a woman he was in love with, he could easily imagine how good it would be with a beloved wife. One could take years to explore the other’s needs and desires. That might be life’s best adventure of all.
With her hands grasping his arms, he tilted his head and kissed her as thoroughly as he could against shelves of books that threatened to tumble down upon them. Their tongues danced briefly, and she sighed into his mouth, making his loins take distinct notice.
Wanting to plunge his hands into her hair and disturb the pins and her adorable yellow bonnet, instead Geoffrey took care not to leave her in the slightest disarray.
“My lady,” came her maid’s voice, and they broke apart.
Dammit all!he swore silently. “We hardly had a minute, it seems. Can you be at Vauxhall tomorrow night?”
Her eyes were a little glazed, and he was pleased to have caused her distracted expression.
“I believe so,” she said. “I’ve been once before, and Mother said we could return. If the weather is fine, she will allow it.”
“If you come, Lord Trent will find you between the Turkish Tent and where the orchestra plays. He shall tell you where I am.”
“It’s pointless,” she began. “Wherever I go, my mother will, too.”
“Don’t you have a friend you can meet by chance and walk with? Maybe if Trent escorts you to the Rotunda, I can run into you.”
“Maybe,” she said, sounding forlorn but tugging on her spencer to make sure she was in good order.
“Tell me why you taste of orange and lavender,” he asked.
