Huffing a breath, Charlotte reminded herself that he was only playing a role.
Making the best of a difficult situation.
“Thank you, my lord, but I will not marry you looking like this. I was simply gathering my bouquet before beginning preparations. Enjoying the quiet of the garden.”
“I see,” Perry said, clasping his hands behind him and backing away. “I will leave you in peace then.”
Her eyes darted to the movement, immediately missing the warmth of his touch.
“Please stay. I am glad to see you before the ceremony. It helps me be less…nervous,” she admitted. “I am reminded that it is you, not some frightening stranger, I must marry. Though it has been a long time since we were together, your friendship was something I treasured. Of course, marriage will cause certain things to change.”
“Tell me what makes you most nervous. I will help ease your mind.”
Charlotte worried her bottom lip, not feeling particularly daring. She cleared her throat, focusing on the blooms before her. There was no way she could make eye contact and speak of her concerns.
“We must have certain…displays of intimacy.”
“You mean, we must kiss?” Perry gave a soft laugh. “We have kissed before. Many times, if I recall.”
“Yes, well, it was a very long time ago, and those were done…in secret.” Charlotte swallowed, turning up her eyes to search for a trace of judgment in his. There was none. Only a playful smile tugged at his mouth. “You think I am ridiculous.”
“No, absolutely not. Perhaps there is a way I can help alleviate your concerns?”
A flutter of butterflies came to life in her stomach as she found the courage to say what she was thinking. Was she truly imagining that she wanted to kiss him? “How?”
“Would you like to practice?”
Pressing her fingers to her lips, Charlotte gave a slight nod. Perry needed very little persuading. Grasping her hand in his, he pulled it away from her mouth and wrapped her arm around him. Tugging on her waist, he closed the distance between them, a brought his mouth to hover over hers. His fingers trailed slowly along the curve of her cheek and her neck, sending shivers up her spine.
“Ready?” he whispered, the words a caress on her lips.
She nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she waited for their mouths to meet.
His lips pressed upon hers, warm and lush.
Charlotte grew dizzy with the intensity of the sensation. Kissing Perry again was a reminder. A blissful memory to be relived only in her fantasies, now come to life. The feel of his mouth against hers was a homecoming, a return to a place once believed lost forever.
He pulled away, his blue eyes darkened as they searched hers.
Charlotte cursed the brevity of their kiss. While her body beckoned his to continue, she pulled away and attempted to clear the fog of desire clouding her mind.
“There, that should do it,” he whispered, his voice thick and rough.
Her lips tingled, and Charlotte nodded as she brought her fingers to her mouth. “Yes, indeed. Thank you.”
Thank you? Was she truly thanking Perry for the kiss? Her cheeks heated with embarrassment. After this much time, Charlotte was apparently unfamiliar with basic conversational skills. With a huff, she arranged her flowers, which hung carelessly from her hand, momentarily forgotten.
“Do you require any more assistance collecting flowers?” he asked, eyeing the small bundle in her hand.
“No,” she spoke breathily. “I believe this will suffice.”
“Then I shall escort you to the house. The next time we meet will be at the altar.”
Her heart raced at his words. Was she truly ready for this change in her life?
“Yes,” was the only word she could muster. Charlotte frowned, mystified that though she was a thirty-year-old woman who had birthed a child, she reacted like a young girl in the first blush of her youth. Longing for Perry in this foolish way was certain to break her heart in the end. If one mere kiss could make her this flustered, she must make a greater effort to contain the feelings his renewed presence in her life was creating.
This wasn’t a marriage for love.
