Page 27 of A Dilemma for the Duke

Lora tilted her head, watching him closely. Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. “You don’t like him.”

“It’s not about that.”

But it was, and she knew it. He was too controlled, too measured, and too careful with his words.

“I just want to make sure you and the clinic are safe,” he added.

Lora exhaled softly, her fingers smoothing over the list. “You’ve done so much already.” She hesitated, then looked up at him. “I didn’t realize you cared this much.”

Rockford looked momentarily taken aback. “Of course, I care. Your dedication is admirable, and the clinic does vital work. Dr. Manning’s and Lady Harriet’s work has been stellar.You may not be a medic, but you have been a fundamental part of the clinic since its inception.”

A faint blush warmed her cheeks. “Thank you. I appreciate your concern.” She let out a breath. “There is still so much to do.”

He cleared his throat and returned to studying the documents. “Yes, there is. I can oversee the finances. It might alleviate some of the burden.”

She considered his offer. She was well equipped to handle the finances as well as the art auction and gala, but his assistance would be a great relief. “That would be most helpful. Managing the details has been… time consuming.”

“I’ll handle the banking issues. If there’s anything unusual, I’ll inform you immediately,” Rockford assured her as he took the folio with the financial records and reviewed them.

Lora nodded, her worry easing a bit. “I feel relieved already.”

He offered a reassuring smile. “Then it’s settled. We’ll tackle this together.”

Their eyes met and the atmosphere seemed to shift. A lingering connection passed between them, charged with an unspoken understanding.

“Do you have any thoughts about the entertainment?” His voice lost some of its formality as he reached for a pen and a blank paper.

Her face brightened. “I was considering a string quartet for the gala. It would add an elegant touch to the evening. There are musicians who played at my family’s gala, and I’m certain Harriet may have some thoughts as well.”

“An excellent idea.” He nodded as he made a note. “And for the décor, I was thinking ivory and gold. Timeless and refined.”

She smiled, a genuine warmth reaching her eyes. “You have quite the eye for these things. I’m impressed.”

He chuckled softly. “I’ve attended my fair share of events. One picks up a thing or two.”

She leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. “Is that so? Perhaps you have hidden talents yet to be discovered.”

“Perhaps,” he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

A comfortable silence surrounded them as they resumed their planning. Yet, beneath the surface, a subtle tension lingered, an awareness of each other that hadn’t been there before.

As Rockford spoke, Lora found herself drawn to the cadence of his voice.

Then there was the movement of his lips. They were firm yet inviting, with a natural curve that hinted at both strength and tenderness. A sensuous quality drew her eye, making her wonder what it would be like to kiss him, feel their warmth, taste their sweetness, the very idea sent a shiver down her spine.

She stood abruptly and walked to the sideboard across the room. She needed a moment away from him to collect herself, her mind swirling with the thought of their unspoken connection. “Would you care for some tea or something stronger?”

Rockford followed her. “Tea, if you please.”

Lora turned to face him, her heart still pounded. She stared at his lips. Dear God, he had wet his lips, and they glistened. Swallowing hard, she moved her focus to his eyes. What had started as a chill turned into a slow-burning fire. Their proximity, warmth in his eyes, and soft, inviting lips were all too much. Without thinking, she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to his in a kiss.

For a moment, Rockford was taken aback, but then he responded, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “Lora.” He drew her close. His kiss was tender, filled with unspoken emotions and promises.

When they finally parted, Lora’s cheeks were flushed, her breath coming in soft gasps. “I… I don’t know what cameover me,” she whispered, her eyes wide with surprise and vulnerability.

Rockford shook his head, still smiling softly. His thumb brushed her cheek, a tender gesture that sent a thrill through her. “You don’t need to explain. It was… unexpected but not unwelcome. And this time, I didn’t come away with a bruised eye.”

She tucked her head into the space beneath his chin. “You called me Lora like you did so long ago.”

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