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She smiled at him, curtsying. He bowed to her, offering his arm. They both walked out and into the middle of the floor, where they took their spot as the first couple. As they waited for the music to begin, he looked around at the crowd.
“Have you seen anything yet?” Lady Leah asked. The music started—a joyful tune.
“Not a thing,” he replied as they began to move.
“They’ll show up,” she said, confidently. “And then, you’ll catch them.”
“Thank you for your trust in my abilities, My Lady.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said, beaming. “I hope you know how much I support you.”
“I do, My Lady. It is much appreciated,” he said. When he looked at her, he felt guilty. He’d put it off for far too long. He’d led her on, allowing her to plan for and expect a marriage. And for what? To avoid an uncomfortable end to an alliance with Kirby Hall?
* * *
As the first dance ended, she curtsied to Lord Munro. He leaned in, to tell her in a low voice, “You go find him, now.” He winked at her, then disappeared into the crowd.
She looked for him, and their eyes met. Her skin tingled pleasantly, as a warm feeling welled up inside of her chest. Jasper looked so well, dressed in his good forest-green jacket, his hair combed neatly. He strode toward her, holding out his hand to her.
“My Lady,” he said. She placed her hand in his. As he placed his hand on her lower back, drawing her in close to him, desire curled in her belly, like a contented kitten. The music for the waltz began.
She looked up into his eyes as she placed her hand on his shoulder. They fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle. They moved in perfect unison. It was like everyone gathered had vanished, and it was just the two of them.
“Are you having a good time?” he asked.
“I’ve been keeping an eye out,” she said. “Although I’m enjoying this.”
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured softly.
“No one ever told me that it would be like this,” she said.
“What?”
“How wanting you makes me feel like I’m a candle flame, burning brightly, and how it feels as though it’s growing bigger, whenever you’re near.”
He smiled at her, and she couldn’t help but look at his lips. At the edges of her consciousness, she could feel that they were in a crowded room, but he was the only person who mattered.
He leaned in, to whisper in her ear and she could smell the scent of his skin, and his cologne—of spice and leather. “The dance is about to end. Go into the hallway. Wait for me there.”
She blinked at him. He raised an eyebrow, smiling at her wickedly. She nodded.
They parted as the music ended. She almost forgot to curtsy. She laughed, bending her knees. Their eyes met, for one last searing glance as they parted ways.
She glanced around as she tried to catch her breath. The red-coated soldiers from Colonel Fitz’s regiment were all busy. No one’s eyes met hers. No one was watchingher. She waved her fan, in a vain attempt to cool her flushed face.
Slipping out, into the hallway, it was much cooler. No one was out here. If Jasper hadn’t promised to find her, she would have been concerned for her safety.
He came out, into the hallway, only a moment later. Her pulse raced. He beamed at her, offering her his arm. “Come with me.” His voice was low. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow.
He led her down the hall. There was a little alcove in it. He glanced behind them as he maneuvered her into it. Her back was pressed up to it, the stone of the wall deliciously cool after the warmth of the Great Hall.
She looked up to him, smiling at her. He kissed her, and she felt her whole body blooming at his kiss. His hands gripped at the fabric of her dress. She moaned, as they kissed, open mouthed.
* * *
Jasper’s pulse was roaring in his ears. He was under the spell of Selina’s soft moans. He didn’t even hear Stephen coming until he was already behind them.
“Oh,” Stephen said.
