Page 16 of Second Duke's the Charm

The hint of uncertainty in his tone made her heart contract. How could he even doubt it?

“Oh, I was enjoying it very much.”

Almost too much.

“Then let me return the favor.” His fingers slid to her hips and squeezed lightly. “Please.”

Tess forced herself to shake her head. “I have to go.”

Home,she added silently.To bed. Alone. To marvel at everything we just did.

He took a step back. “I apologize. I seem to have misread the situation.” His tone was suddenly curt. “I didn’t realize you were a professional.”

There was a rustle as he reached into his jacket. “How much do I owe you?”

Heat flushed her cheeks as she realized what he meant. Most women looking for an illicit liaison would have been begging him to continue; it wasn’t unreasonable for him to assume she was a whore, eager to find her next mark.

“Nothing,” she said quickly, pushing his hand away. “Really. I don’t want any payment.”

He gave a soft, cynical grunt of disbelief. “As a businessman, being offered something for nothing always makes me suspicious. Nothing’s ever truly free.”

Blast.She should have demanded ten pounds and let him think the worst. She forced a teasing lightness into her tone.

“Perhaps I’ve stolen your pocket watch?”

He didn’t even bother to pat his pockets. “You haven’t.”

“Perhaps I’ve stolen your heart.”

His stiffness eased a little. “I don’t have one. Or so I’ve been told.” He traced the tip of his finger over the outer corner of her lip, smoothing the little freckle she had there. “But in case they’re wrong, then guard it well.”

His playful riposte made her smile. She’d never had such an enjoyable flirtation. The knowledge that they wouldn’t meet again left a hollow ache in her chest. Now that she’d found him, this man who made her senses come alive, she never wanted to let him go.

Impossible.

Tess debated whether to go up on tiptoe for a final kiss, then decided against it. She’d probably lose what remained of her wits if they started kissing again.

“Are you sure we’ve never met before?” he asked. “There’s something familiar about you.”

Tess’s heart gave a jolt of alarm. “Oh yes, very sure.”

She’d certainly have remembered him if she’d seen him in theton. His face was unforgettable.

“Good night then. And goodbye.” He took another step back, giving her space to leave. “Perhaps we’ll meet again?”

“I doubt it. And even if we did, you wouldn’t recognize me.”

“Ah, but you might recognize me. If you do, I hope you’ll introduce yourself, so we can have another adventure.”

“Perhaps I will.”

She’d never dare.

He gave her chin a playful pinch, as if chiding her for the lie. “Goodbye, Scarlet. You were exactly what I needed tonight.”

Tess pushed off the door and turned the handle. “Likewise.”

With one last glance over her shoulder, she slipped out into the corridor.