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“For a man like you? Yes.”
“A man like me,” he repeated. “What does that mean?”
“It means you’re handsome, well bred, and devastatingly charming. Add to that the fact that it’s the height of the London season and countless parties are in progress. So why aren’t you there, surrounded by eager, adoring women rather than walking along the Thames by yourself?”
One dark brow arched. “I’m flattered. And dumbfounded. Are you always so honest?”
Nicole considered his question. “I think so, yes.”
“Very well then, I’ll be equally honest. I was invited to all those parties to which you refer, where I would mingle with all those women you just alluded to. And the very thought of spending another evening like that left me cold—cold and empty. So, instead I’m here, taking a solitary walk along the Thames. Now, have I shocked you?”
She studied his face, then shook her head. “As a matter of fact, no.”
He leaned forward, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “What nearly caused you to faint?”
“Exhaustion, I suppose. I haven’t slept in several nights. I have a great deal on my mind.”
“Obviously.” His gaze intensified. “Would you like to talk about it? Perhaps I can ease your distress.”
Nicole sighed. “Not unless you can undo events that have already occurred, or right life’s wrongs and balance its inequities.”
“Only that?”
He was teasing again, in that disarming way of his, and Nicole found herself responding by speaking the emotional truth that had gnawed at her all week. “Sometimes it all seems like too much. Sometimes I don’t think I’m strong enough to overcome life’s ob
stacles.”
Dustin’s smile vanished. “But you are. And it’s not,” he replied, somehow not needing to ask for clarification of her veiled declaration. “I have it on the finest authority that when a problem becomes unbearable, a solution appears. Therefore, the very fact that you’re reaching your limit means your answer is near.”
She started, taken aback by his profound assertion. “Is that a promise?”
“So I’ve been told.” His forefinger traced the fine line of her jaw. “Let me help you.”
“I can’t.” She eased away, knowing she must.
“At least let me see you home.”
“No. It’s … far.”
“My carriage is parked just beyond these trees. My driver will take you anywhere you want to go.”
“No.”
“Very well, forget the carriage. I’ll walk you home.” He pressed a silencing forefinger to her lips. “I don’t care if it’s ten miles away.”
“Dustin—please. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept it.”
His fingers captured her chin, those midnight eyes delving deep inside her. “I have one final request, then. A goodnight kiss.”
“What?”
His glance fell to her mouth, but he made no move to draw her near. “You don’t have much experience with men, do you?”
“If you mean romantically, no. None.”
“I thought not. You’re too honest, too damned refreshing for it to be otherwise.” His hand slid around to cup her nape. “If I promise to let you go immediately thereafter—no questions asked—may I kiss you, Nicole?”
She searched his face bewilderedly.
