The door swung open so quickly it slammed back against the wall.
And there she was.
Georgie was standing on the threshold, one gloved hand lifted as if she’d been about to enter, her eyes wide and startled.
Jason’s own breath caught.
“There you are,” he said, the words coming out lower and rougher than he’d intended.
Georgie’s lips parted, and she blinked up at him, looking caught and…guilty?
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said quickly, stepping into the foyer, her skirts brushing past his boots as she moved to stand beside him.
He let the door close behind her, still watching her, still feeling that restless tightness in his chest that had been there all afternoon.
He turned to the footman waiting by the door. “Send the coach back to the stables,” he ordered.
The footman bowed and hurried off.
Jason’s eyes stayed on her. “I was about to come looking for you,” he admitted, his voice quieter now, but no less intense.
She glanced up at him then, and there was something in her gaze, nervous, yes, but also…hopeful?
“I’m sorry to have worried you,” she murmured. Then, hesitating, she drew in a breath and added softly, “But I…wanted to talk to you too. Will you…come to my room?”
That stopped him cold.
He stared at her.
“Your room?”
Her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink, but she held his gaze and gave a small, decisive nod.
Jason’s heart thudded once, hard.
Well.
That was…unexpected.
But he managed to find his voice and incline his head.
“Of course.”
By the time she heard the quiet knock on her door, Georgie’s hands were already trembling.
She stood by the fire in a soft, pale-blue gown she’d chosen with deliberate care—nothing indecent, of course, but softer, lighter, with a neckline just a touch lower than usual and sheer lace sleeves that left her shoulders feeling bare and a little thrilling.
The candlelight caught the faint shimmer of the silk, and she pressed her hands to her middle, trying to calm her breathing.
She’d never invited a man into her private chambers before.
The idea alone was dizzying.
But she’d spent the last hour turning her friends’ advice over and over in her mind. Try it. Ask him. Tell him.
If there was any chance—any at all—of truly having something real with Jason, it had to start with honesty. And tonight, she was determined to try.
When the knock came again, she swallowed hard and called, “Come in.”
