For One Last Kiss by Calista Taylor Page B

good match. Though he had not a name, he was handsome and had fortunes, even if they were self-made. She would not join the fray and had to believe what they had between them would bring them together once more.
    Lilly held his gaze a moment longer, and then slipped outside onto the patio, her heart still thundering away to have him so near. Her face flushed with heat and her stays felt too tight, her nerves getting the better of her. A cool evening breeze swept over her skin when she heard a footfall on the stone slates. If she looked, she knew he would be standing there. She took but a moment to compose herself, and then slowly turned to find him at her side.
    “ You managed to escape.” A playful smile tugged at Lilly’s lips, for she remembered how he dreaded the flock of mother hens.
    He barked out a laugh. “Aye, just barely—and mind ye, I’m sure my peace will be short lived. Corwin MacKenzie.”
    He took her hand in his, and bowed over it, his touch going straight to her heart. So close, she could now see the green of his eyes once more, the hint of red in his thick locks, the kindness in his gaze.
    The slight Scottish brogue that laced his words flooded her head with memories of their time together. By the gods, she still loved him and didn’t think she’d ever stop.
    Recalling herself, she introduced herself. “Ellie Hancock.”
    “ It’s a true pleasure.” He glanced over his shoulder back towards the house, the light spilling through the glass doors. “I cannot say I’m in a hurry to go back in there. I dinna suppose ye’d like to keep me company? The gardens are lovely.”
    Indeed they were. Lanterns had been hung throughout, bathing the grounds in golden light and shadow, lending them a magical quality. “I would very much like that.”
    He linked her arm around his and led them down the steps, reminding her of how they’d walked together when in the highlands, not unlike the evening he’d proposed marriage. They let conversation stray to idle banter, and though he knew not who she truly was, he seemed happy enough to remain in her company.
    They dined together when the time came, and returned to the gardens once more. She knew others had taken note of them keeping company, the whispers and stares hard to ignore. When she’d finally had enough, she cast a glamour all around, so she and Corwin no longer drew anyone’s attention.
    Music now poured out of the open doors and windows. “Would ye do me the honor of a dance?”
    Corwin held out his hand in question, his eyes hopeful. She placed her hand in his with a smile, the warmth of his touch going straight to her heart.
    “ The honor is mine.”
    He led her back indoors and onto the dance floor, his arm wrapped around her waist holding her close as they slowly waltzed around the room.
    “ I’d debated not coming, but I can sincerely say, I’m glad I did. Ye’re a pleasant surprise, my dear. ‘Tis been a few years since… I enjoyed myself like this, though I suppose it doesna help that I seldom get off the ship for long these days.”
    A few years… Since her death, perhaps? Their betrothal had been based on a reciprocated love rather than convenience, and though she wanted him to be happy, she guiltily admitted to herself that she was relieved he hadn’t immediately run out and found another.
    “ I can honestly say, I’m glad you are here, for this evening would pale if it were not for your presence.”
    He held her gaze with a sweet smile that made her pulse skip a staccato rhythm. “I’m glad ye think so, Miss Hancock.”
    They spun around the room as the dance continued, the distance between them disappearing as he held her close. She wished she could lean her head on his chest and have him hold her tight in a lover’s embrace, wished she could tell him who she truly was, wished she could tell him of their daughter. Yet how could she when he thought he’d only just met her that very evening.
    And then she saw him, another