Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield Page A

the grounds that it would make her late for her secret rendezvous with Lord Marley.
    While she followed Mr. Oldham, Sebastian approached Lady Grey, the only daughter of a wealthy lord. Her stomach hardened, and she couldn’t seem to draw enough air. A few moments later, he and Lady Grey joined their set for the Scotch Reel. Lady Grey was constructed as perfectly as a porcelain doll, with a delicate grace that was the ideal complement to Sebastian’s natural elegance. She was as wealthy and well-bred as Anna. Charlotte was none of those things. As they circled through the movements, each glimpse of her perfection served as a reminder that Lady Grey and Anna were the just the sort of women Sebastian should be courting.
    When the dance ended, Mr. Oldham led her back to Elizabeth, but Sir Wakefield claimed the next dance before Sebastian managed to maneuver his way toward her. Sebastian tracked her through the ballroom as she danced with Wakefield, reminding her of the way the hounds focused on the fox during a hunt.
    This time Sebastian was waiting for her when Sir Wakefield deposited her with Elizabeth.
    “I believe the next dance is mine.”
    Elizabeth stepped forward. “My lord, it is very kind of you to show your favor to Charlotte so she doesn’t have to stand alone and watch others dance.”
    Sebastian blinked several times, perhaps unable to devise a reply that could be voiced in so public a forum. “Shall we?” he asked, holding his arm out to Charlotte.
    Sebastian’s disagreeable mien left no room for argument, so she quickly devised an excuse to leave the ballroom. “My lord, if you will excuse me, I must first visit the retiring room.”
    “Please allow me to escort you.” He offered his arm again.
    Not at all sure his offer was appropriate, Charlotte looked to Elizabeth for direction, but she didn’t seem to think anything was amiss. Either that, or she didn’t care.
    As they neared the retiring room, Sebastian whispered, “Exit to your left and meet me in the corridor.” His warm breath caressed her cheek as he spoke, sending a shiver through her. She rushed inside and to the washroom, locking the door behind her. A study of her image in the looking glass revealed flushed cheeks and wide eyes. What was she thinking when she agreed to meet privately with Sebastian? If they were caught, she would be ruined, left forever captive to Elizabeth’s whims. She splashed cold water on her face and took several deep breaths to calm her fluttering stomach. After exiting and walking to her left as instructed, she nearly shrieked when she was seized from behind. The whiff of sandalwood and accompanying rush of excitement pulsing through her assured her it was Sebastian who pulled her into the dark chamber.
    Charlotte held her hand to her heart. “You startled me, my lord.”
    Sebastian lit a taper. “I didn’t know it was possible to startle you, Miss Lightwood.”
    She rolled her eyes at him and took in her surroundings, illuminated by candles. They were in Lord Paddon’s library. The musty scent of books was overlaid with lemon furniture polish and the fragrance of the newly lit candles.
    “I nearly expired of boredom while you were enjoying yourself on the dance floor. Why didn’t you tell those men you were unavailable?”
    She ran her fingers down the spine of a book, wishing she had access to a library of this size. “Surely you understand I can’t afford to alienate possible suitors.”
    “Rubbish,” he said with a huff. “Wakefield is far too old for you, and Oldham is far too simpleminded to keep up with you.” He leaned against the desk and crossed his arms.
    He clearly wasn’t accustomed to being kept waiting. She’d never seen him behave so irritably and rather liked the discovery that he had at least one fault.
    “Did you bring the calling cards?” he asked.
    She pulled them from her reticule and held them out to Sebastian. His fingers skimmed over hers and caressed her palm before he