Page 35 of The Duke’s Duet

The older woman caught her look and inclined her head slightly, though her expression remained unreadable.

As the evening drew to a close, Melody found herself both exhausted and exhilarated.

Everything had changed tonight - she could feel it in the way that people spoke to her, looked at her, included her. Yet she wasn't sure if this change was for the better, or the worse.

"Allow me to escort you to your carriage."

Brightwood's voice behind her made her start.

She turned to find him standing closer than propriety strictly allowed, his eyes still holding that intensity from their performance.

He offered her his arm, and she placed her hand on the warm strength of it, feeling almost as if, that small touch was dangerous, as if something between them might burst into flames from just that.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

The walk to her carriage seemed both endless and far too short. Harper's arm was steady beneath her hand as he guided her, but that slight contact burned through the silk of her glove like a brand.

The night air had grown cool, but she felt feverish, every nerve ending alive with awareness of him.

At the carriage, he handed her up, his fingers closing briefly around hers. That simple touch sent sensation shooting up her arm, making her breath catch. Their eyes met, and in his she saw the same tumult of emotions that churned inside her - desire, confusion, fear of what they might be starting.

"Good night, Miss Piper."

"Good night, Your Grace."

But neither moved.

For a long moment they stood frozen, her hand in his, while the possibilities of what might be warred with the reality of what must be.

Then the main door of the house opened somewhere behind them, spilling light and voices into the night, and the moment shattered.

Brightwood stepped back, dropping her hand as if it burned him. Melody sank into her seat, her fingers still tingling where he'd touched them.

As the carriage pulled away, she caught one last glimpse of him standing in the lamplight, his face a study in controlled longing that probably was matched by her own.