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“I did not know you had a brother.”
“Oh, yes. He looks exactly like me, though a little shorter and not nearly as handsome.”
She smiled up at him. “I take that to mean that your brother is likely very handsome.”
His eyes danced. “Do not tell him so. He does not need his chest puffed up further.”
“I wonder if the same can be said for you.”
“No,” he argued, releasing her hand and running his finger over her jawline. “You can puff my chest up as much as you’d like.”
Pippa reveled in the feel of his hand on her and the proximity of their bodies. He was so close, she only needed to lean forward and her lips could touch his. They tingled in anticipation, her heart thudding loudly in her ears. For all of her talk about adventure and excitement, she was nervous about kissing this man.
She needn’t have been, though.
William lowered his head and brushed his lips softly over hers. His hand snaked around her neck to tilt her head to the side and kiss her deeper, and Pippa’s heart slammed against her breastbone, affection erupting in her. She had never before felt the rush of heat sweep through her body in such a way. She never wanted it to end.
William raised his head and looked at her, his light blue eyes searching hers, serious and gentle.
She leaned up and kissed him one more time, closing her eyes to the world and enjoying the feel of being wholly and utterly his.
Reality beckoned, however, and Pippa broke her hold on him. “I really ought to be getting home. I didn’t tell Mabel I was leaving the house, and she’s likely to worry soon.”
His lips curved into a smile, and they arrested her attention. They’d been so soft. “Thank you for coming to warn me.”
“Thank you for not causing my friend to believe that you were falling in love with two women at the same time.”
“Love?”
Pippa’s cheeks burned. She hadn’t meant to say that, but now she couldn’t recant the words. It was too soon for love, but she hoped they would feel that way one day.
She pulled herself free and turned to go. “Until tomorrow, perhaps,” she said.
“Pippa?”
“Yes?” she asked, turning back to look at him over her shoulder.
William’s gaze had grown serious. “Please stay away from the cove at night. Please.”
She didn’t respond but instead held his gaze. It was clearly very important to him, and as much as it rankled, she could agree to this for him. She nodded softly and was surprised by the gravity of the relief that fell over his mien.
“Farewell, dear Pippa.”
She grinned. “Farewell, William.”
