Page 116 of A Whisper at Midnight

It was over almost as quickly as it had happened. Their eyes met as Hadrian retreated. A few fine lines marred his forehead. Was he worried that he should not have kissed her?

Good. Because he shouldnothave, no matter how lovely it had been.

And it had beenquitelovely.

“Pardon me,” he said softly.

Tilda settled herself back against the squab and turned her head toward the front of the coach. Her heart was beating madly, and she fought to control her breath. “That should not be repeated.”

He didn’t immediately respond, and when he finally did, she heard confusion in his voice. “I thought you said you wouldn’t mind if I kissed you. We spoke of it the other day. I was talking about you. Did you not realize?”

She had realized, of course, and she’d responded saying she wouldn’t mind, which had been most foolish of her. What good could come of them kissing one another?

“I should not have said that,” she said firmly. “I do apologize. We must maintain our professional association.”

“But we are also friends.”

She glanced at him, which was a mistake because he looked like more than a friend to her eyes. That was probably due to what had happened. She was naturally upset after he’d been shot. And he had to be too. That was likely why he’d kissed her. They were both shaken.

Which meant she could put the kiss from her mind. It had been the result of an overwhelming event, nothing more. Tilda was relieved, especially since she had no intention of indulging in any kind of romantic entanglement. That would lead to marriage, and she had absolutelynointerest in that. Especially to an earl.

Thankfully, the coach stopped, and she saw they had arrived at Hadrian’s house. “Today has been remarkably intense. I understand why you … overstepped. We needn’t discuss it,” she said just before Leach opened the door.

She climbed out and watched as Leach helped Hadrian from the coach. Leach waited for her whilst she walked Hadrian to the door.

“My apologies,” Hadrian said. “I did not mean to offend.” His tone had gone cool.

“I am not offended,” Tilda rushed to say. “Kissing is just not something we can allow. That leads to … a different kind of attachment.”

He turned his head toward her as they made their way to the door. His eyes were bright. “I wouldneverexpect you to behave inappropriately.” He frowned slightly. “But I did whenI kissed you, particularly without seeking your permission. I do apologize. It won’t happen again.”

His butler opened the door. His gaze fell on Hadrian’s arm and the awkward drape of his coat. “What on earth has happened, my lord?”

“I shall explain, Collier.” Hadrian looked to Tilda. “Thank you for your assistance.” He moved into the house, and Tilda accepted that she had been dismissed.

“Please let me know how you’re doing,” she called after him.

He nodded in reply. Tilda smiled at the butler, then she returned to the coach where Leach opened the door for her.

“Thank you, Leach,” she murmured, her mind a tumult of thoughts and agitation.

How she wished he hadn’t kissed her. Except …

She put her fingertips to her lips as she recalled the wonderful sensation of his mouth against hers. His lips had moved over hers briefly but with a sensuous purpose that she’d felt deep inside herself. It wasn’t like anything she’d experienced before.

In truth, it had been terrifying.

Though perhaps not as terrifying as the idea of being married to someone like him. She could not imagine the responsibilities and expectations that would come with such a role. Actually, she could, and that was why she wasn’t interested. She liked her life. It was compact and manageable, and she was on the verge of embarking on a new path of conducting her own investigations, something she’d only ever dared dream.

But one of the reasons it seemed possible and even probable was Hadrian’s involvement. With an earl’s recommendation and support, she actually had a chance for success.

Would he still provide that? Or had she completely ruined things?

No, it wouldn’t be her fault. He’d kissed her.

Because she’d led him to believe she didn’t mind.

Argh!