“Then tell Lord Kentwood I will be there momentarily.”
The man looked back at Cassandra, who stood stiff as she wrung her hands against her middle.
“Stuart,” she said in a small voice, “please do not tell anyone you saw me out here, unchaperoned.”
The man nodded. “As you wish, Miss Featherstone.”
Once the driver left the area, Collin breathed a little easier. However, Cassandra still appeared very stiff. He rubbed her shoulders, trying to get her to relax.
“It will be all right,” he told her.
She shrugged. “Servants like to gossip.”
“How do you know my driver?”
“He once worked for my father.” Her voice shook.
Collin wrapped his arms around her, urging her closer, but she pushed away from him. “Collin, we were almost caught.”
“Yes, I know, and I apologize for taking advantage of the situation.”
“It was not your fault entirely. I did agree to come with you, and I agreed to kiss…” Her gaze dropped to his mouth and her throat jumped. “I didn’t stop you because I enjoyed it so much.”
“And I enjoyed it as well.”
Inwardly, he groaned. He wanted her back in his arms, kissing him with the wild abandonment that made him yearn for more. He hadn’t felt that satisfied by a woman’s kiss for so long, and he didn’t want to stop it.
“I’m sorry you have to leave,” she whispered.
“As am I.”
He continued to stare at her and was happy that she didn’t act like she wanted to leave, either. If only he could stay longer. Then again, if he stayed, he would be tempted to keep her outside, holding her, and kissing her to his greatest delight. However, eventually, he would want to do more, and he couldn’t possibly do that to her. She was too innocent, and unmarried.
“We should leave, but not together,” she said.
He caressed her cheek. “My sweet Cass, please don’t worry. I’ll make sure your name is not ruined.”
As she stared at him, her shoulders slowly relaxed, and a smile touched her face. “Do you promise?”
“Of course.” He rubbed his thumb on her cheek. “I feel the same as you do, and getting caught in a passionate embrace is definitely not something I want to happen, either. But I’ll warn Stuart to keep his mouth shut. I might have to pay him off, as well.”
Her smile disappeared. “Oh, I see.” She moved toward the manor. “I should go now.”
“Yes, and I shall keep watch to make sure you return to your aunt’s house unscathed.”
“I thank you.”
She took a step past him, and he grasped her arm, stopping her. When her teary eyes looked up at him, his heart wrenched. He understood her fear, but he was sure she felt as he did—that their kiss had only accomplished one thing. Indeed, he needed to see her again. And soon.
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
She blinked as if dazed. “I don’t really know.”
“I want to see you again. Perhaps I’ll call on you, or…”
“Or?”
“Or maybe we should meet someplace private.”
