Shrugging, she rolled her eyes. At this point in the evening, she’d say anything to get her friends to leave. As she passed one of the empty rooms, the door was ajar and she could tell someone was inside. Curiosity had her stopping to take a peek.
Before she had time to think, the door widened and out from the darkness shot a man’s hand, grabbing her and yanking her into the room. Her feet moved obediently—it was either that or fall on her face—and soon she was pressed up against a muscular body. Immediately, she knew his scent, and the way her body cuddled so well with his.
Diana glanced up into his shadowed face. “Tristan, what are you doing?” she whispered.
“How did you know it was I?”
She chuckled. “I assure you, there is no other man who wants to grab me and pull me into a room for some privacy.”
He cupped her face with one hand. “Then indeed, I am the most fortunate man. I do not want any other man paying attention to you.”
“You are too kind. But I think the other men will stay far away because they believe me to be a murderess.”
“Good.” He grinned.
“Good?” she gasped in shock.
“Yes. If they think that way about you, then I won’t be competing with any other suitor this time.”
She shook her head. “You were not in competition with anyone last time, either. If you recall, I was being forced to marry Ludlow.”
“I do recall very well now, and I’m vastly relieved there is no other man in your life.”
“You are the only one I want. Now and always.”
She didn’t allow him to make the first move. Lifting on her toes, she reached up to capture his mouth with hers. Thankfully his mouth had begun to descend and so she didn’t have to reach very high.
His arms wrapped around her and held her tight as she slid her palms up his chest and hooked her hands around his neck. His lips moved perfectly with hers, so soft and gentle at first then a little more urgent. Her heart burst with love and acceptance, and she loved this feeling that hadn’t been part of her life before.
She wanted more—much more. Never did she want to be separated from him again. If only fate would lend a helping hand this time. If only the real killer out there would get caught.
“Oh, Tristan,” she sighed and broke the kiss. “We should not be doing this here. My guests are waiting for me to return.”
He blew out a frustrated breath and leaned his forehead against hers. “I know, my love, but I couldn’t keep away from you. I knew you had visitors this evening, and when I arrived, I begged Tabitha to let me see you—if even just a glimpse.”
“Really?” Surprise jolted through her. “I thought I’d heard a man at my door, but then I realized it was only my imagination.”
“No, it was I. When I saw you sitting in with your guests, I knew I had to steal a private moment to take you in my arms and share a passionate kiss.”
“Three days,” she whispered. “I will leave for the cottage tomorrow and then you will follow in three days, just as we had planned.”
“I cannot wait that long.”
Smiling, she stroked his cheek. “Neither can I, but we must.”
“You are correct, my dear. I will try to have more patience.”
She pulled away and squeezed his hands. “Let me leave the room first.”
“I will.”
Diana turned and stepped to the door, but the floor creaked as he stepped behind her and took her in his arms once again. Closing her eyes, she grinned as his chest pressed against her back. She rubbed his arms circled around her waist.
“Tristan…”
“Yes, I know. I had a moment of weakness. But can you blame me? I just enjoy holding and kissing you so much.” He dropped a kiss to her neck.
“No, I won’t blame you.” She pulled away from him once again and peeked at him over her shoulder. “I’ll see you in three days.”
