Page 48 of Tempting Her Viscount

“What did Lord Fortingham do?” He sounded as if he was ready to grab up his pistols and call the man out.

“Nothing. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.”

“Wait,” he said as she turned to leave. “It is I who should apologize. I did say I would attend, but when the time came, I… couldn’t.”

She wanted to inquire as to why, but to ask meant he would undoubtably answer and she wasn’t certain she could bear to hear the answer.

“I understand you have no wish to marry. It doesn’t change the fact that I want a wife and a family. I’m not sure what course we are on.”

“I’ve been selfish.” She rubbed her forehead.

Kit laughed, causing her to look up.

“Selfish?” He shook his head. “No. Be assured, there is nothing we’ve done together that I’ve regretted. I’m the selfish one. I’m the one who wants more than what you are willing to give.”

She stepped closer and he opened his arms. It was the easiest thing to step into his embrace and wrap her arms around his waist. She rested her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

She wished she could give him what he wanted. She wished she could say yes and happily take his name. But just the thought of belonging to another man, stole her breath and made it difficult to breathe.

“Perhaps it is time we moved on with our original plans,” she said stepping back to look at him. “The one where we help each other find what we’re looking for. I believe we’ve become distracted by the pleasure we give each other and lost sight of our goals.”

He nodded. “I believe you’re correct.” Tilting his head to the side he ran a finger across her lips. “Does that mean we would no longer offer each other pleasure while we’re looking?”

Heat flickered to life in her stomach and melted throughout her body just like it did the other times he touched her.

“I don’t see a reason why we couldn’t continue as we’ve been so long as we don’t lose sight of our goals again.”

His grin turned wicked as he leaned down and kissed her. His tongue touched hers as his arms coiled around her, drawing her closer.

“I will do my best,” he agreed in a whisper by her ear. A shiver of excitement ran down her spine. “Since you’re already here…”

He didn’t need to say anything else. She spun out of his arms and rushed for the door, pulling him along with her.