Excerpt from His Perfect Bride
“I want to thank you for helping me on the terrace,” she said softly. “I'm sorry for my improper behavior, but I am very grateful you assisted me in spite of it.”
As she spoke, her face came closer to his, and Richard’s body demanded he close the distance. Luckily, the nagging voice of reason continued. He cleared his throat and reluctantly took a small step back.
“Think nothing of it. You needed assistance, and I was happy to offer mine. Now, I believe I have detained you long enough. It would be wise to return to the ballroom before your absence is noticed by someone other than your mother.”
She didn't appear to be bothered by his rejection, but since his logic was infallible, he imagined she understood he was left with no option but to retreat. After a brief hesitation, she nodded in agreement, backing away from him and removing her hand from his arm. Expecting relief at her withdrawal, he was surprised to discover disappointment came instead.
“I do hope we can meet again,” she replied with a beautiful smile before she turned and made her way back to the ballroom.
Conflicted, he watched her walk away. He had no business thinking the things he was, but he'd lost control over himself. One thing was for certain: He would have to set up defenses to ensure he never saw Brianna again.
As she spoke, her face came closer to his, and Richard’s body demanded he close the distance. Luckily, the nagging voice of reason continued. He cleared his throat and reluctantly took a small step back.
“Think nothing of it. You needed assistance, and I was happy to offer mine. Now, I believe I have detained you long enough. It would be wise to return to the ballroom before your absence is noticed by someone other than your mother.”
She didn't appear to be bothered by his rejection, but since his logic was infallible, he imagined she understood he was left with no option but to retreat. After a brief hesitation, she nodded in agreement, backing away from him and removing her hand from his arm. Expecting relief at her withdrawal, he was surprised to discover disappointment came instead.
“I do hope we can meet again,” she replied with a beautiful smile before she turned and made her way back to the ballroom.
Conflicted, he watched her walk away. He had no business thinking the things he was, but he'd lost control over himself. One thing was for certain: He would have to set up defenses to ensure he never saw Brianna again.