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He wasn’t fooling He was madly in love with her

“You’d never behave in such a manner You’ve always been so kind toher head against his shoulder His eyes closed at the quick contact, and he savored the sensation of her touching him and the scent of her hair She acted as if she cared

His eyes flew open Blast He knew she cared She just didn’t care for him in the manner he wanted her to

His agonizing predica He’d expressed to the Earl of Ursell over a year ago his interest in finding another position, preferably abroad Within the lastEngland to work for a rand estate in the French countryside

“You were my best friend’s wife” His mouth dried at his reference to Lawrence “Of course I’m kind to you I promised hi on a makeshift cot in a tattered, dirty tent in the ed him to take care of his wife And now not only did he lust for the wo his promise

He was the most despicable of men

She watched hiaze threw him

“That was so long ago He wouldn’t hold you to your word forever”

“I wouldn’t want to disappoint” The words came out a tad too quick, sounded a bit too firm, and he winced at her subtle withdrawal She drew her arm from his and took a step back The expression on her face almost…wounded Guarded

He frowned once more What the deuce? Was he so enraptured with Celia he didn’t even kno to talk to her any longer?

“Oh, look They’re standing under the mistletoe! Now you must kiss her!”

They both stopped at the excited proclamation made by Celia’s fat

her-in-law Dareenery tied with a cheery red bow hanging above them It was both an opportunity and a curse, the mistletoe It offered him the chance to kiss the one woman he wanted

If she turned away from him and refused his chaste advance under this silly holiday pretense, he would be crushed

Forever