Turning her head, she broke the kiss. “No, Vincent. This cannot happen.”
He kept her in his arms, and his breathing was as heavy as hers. After a few moments, his arms loosened, and she stepped back.
“Forgive me. I was caught up in the moment.”
“Yes, I know how you feel, but…I cannot let this go on.”
He nodded.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly. Once she composed herself, she straightened her shoulders and faced him. “I suppose the dancing is about over.”
“I’m sure it is.”
She cleared her throat. “My father and stepmother are probably wondering where I am, so I’d better go.”
“Indeed.”
“And of course you have a widow you’ll be meeting soon, so you should be on your way.”
His head snapped up, and he peered at her. “How do you know about that?”
“I overheard.”
His eyes widened. “How much did you hear?”
“Enough to know you’ll be meeting her after the ball. But not to worry, I don’t plan on stopping you.” She couldn’t halt the anger rising to her head, and especially the ache piercing her body. Her head throbbed with so many different emotions. “I just hope her offer is better than mine.”
Before he could stop her, she spun around and hurried toward the walkway. Just as she reached the edge of the trees, he grasped her arm.
“Ellie, no. I won’t allow our conversation to end this way.”
Her heart wrenched—an emotion she was tired of having around him. “Please release me, Vincent. There is no reason for us to end our conversation differently.”
“No, you’re wrong. I need to know that you don’t hate me.”
She threw him a glare. “Why? What do you care? You’d rather be with a woman like Lady Livingston.” She nodded toward the manor. “So please, begone. I don’t want to be the reason she falls asleep waiting for you.”
“Ellie, please.” Vincent’s voice wavered. “Don’t do this.”
Because they were closer to the light, she could see his eyes a little better. Perhaps it was better that they moved into the shadows again. Seeing the confused pain written on his face was not good for her self-control.
*
Vincent couldn’t understandhis own thoughts. All he knew was that he didn’t want Ellie to loathe him. Whether it was guilt over Adam’s death or not, there was something deep inside his mind that commanded him to make amends. Even the twisting of his gut influenced his actions.
“Ellie, I want us to be friends. Isn’t that what you want too?”
Her gaze bored into his. There was his answer. Yet he wouldn’t accept it.
“Why is it so important for us to be friends?” she asked in a tight voice.
“Because we were once childhood friends, and I’m still chums with your brother.” He wasn’t about to bring up the subject of Adam.
“No, Vincent.” She took a step toward the lit pathway. “It has to be more than just that.”
In silence, he searched his mind and his heart. Something urged him to tell her about Adam, even though he was reluctant. But perhaps by bringing up the man they had in common, her mind would be eased. Of course, what he truly desired was taking her back into his arms and kissing her to distraction.
He sighed. “It is not often I make enemies with women I have shared a passionate moment with.”
