Page 46 of Three Kisses Before Christmas

Chapter 12

Seven days later

Twelfth Night Ball

Willoughby Castle

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THOUGHTS BREED EXCUSES. Actions breed results.

Rebecca held onto Caroline’s words like a lifeline. She hated crowds.

“Everyone is staring.”

Langley laughed. “I daresay that is because you look ravishing tonight, and well, you have prettily retained your blushes to a rosy pink all the while dancing with me.”

“Have you always been so free with your words or have I just lived under a rock?” She stared at Langley, his eyes light with humor. Her heart did not so much as flutter. In fact, it was as steady as a rock.

He grinned at her. “Perhaps we shall see more of one another in the future. But I warn you, my lady, once you get to know my character better it will be impossible not to like me.”

Rebecca chuckled. She could not help it. Langley was a sport. And she was dancing with him. Something she had only ever dreamed of doing. It surely did her sketch justice. Sadly, the only man she really cared to dance with was not present.

According to their hostess, Lady Stapleton, he had left for London the same day he’d ruthlessly turned her out of her own carriage. Time had passed infinitely slowly since that day, and Rebecca had a notebook filled with sketches to prove it.

“He will be here.”

Her eyes fluttered to Langley’s. “He who?”

“You know of whom I speak.” His grin never faltered. “That is why you are here, is it not? The only reason, I’d wager.”

“I cannot believe I saved my first kiss for a rascal like you.”

His eyes widened. “You saved me your first kiss?”

Rebecca shrugged. “You must not remember my ninth birthday then.”