Page 35 of One Night of Temptation
“Do you?” She loved learning all the little details about Hugh and imagined she would think of them often in the future.
“Several children from St. Giles apprentice at his shop. He also frequents the Wicked Duke.”
“It seems many a friendship has been struck at the tavern.”
“I think that’s a fair assessment, and something Eastleigh and Colehaven strive to achieve. They want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.”
It sounded like another safe haven. Not one Penelope could visit, unfortunately. Her parents would have apoplectic fits.
Before she knew it, they were already on Bond Street. Penelope’s heart sped faster the closer they drew to her father’s house. As they neared Grosvenor Street, she clutched Hugh’s arm. “Pull over, please.”
He complied, guiding the gig to the edge of the road out of traffic. “Is there something amiss?” His hazel eyes were so familiar now, the gold band at the center glowing as he regarded her with warm concern.
“I just need a moment.” Before they arrived. Before she had to say goodbye. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”
“I’m not sure I did very much.”
“Let’s see, you protected me, which included knocking down a man who sought entry to my room.”
He cocked his head slightly. “True, but it also included me taking liberties to keep a Bow Street Runner from seeing you, and I’m not sure you should thank me for that.”
She heard the self-recrimination in his tone and wanted none of it. “On the contrary, I shall thank you for that most of all. I’d never kissed anyone before.” And she never wanted to kiss anyone else. In fact, she wanted to kiss him right now. She considered asking him but assumed he’d refuse her. He was far too honorable for his own good.
Penelope leaned over and pressed her lips to his. She’d meant it to be a quick kiss, but once their mouths connected, she was filled with heat and longing, and she couldn’t move away. She clasped his forearms and held on tight as she moved her lips over his. Thankfully, he didn’t withdraw. Just the opposite—he seemed to enjoy the connection as much as she.
He gently cupped her cheek. His hand was so big, so strong. The breadth of it against her made her feel delicate and cherished.
She opened her mouth, eager for one last taste of him, a sensation that would endure for a lifetime. It had to.
His tongue glided with hers, perfecting the moment and giving her the fortitude to face what must come next: leaving him.
The kiss ended far too soon, and she opened her eyes, hungry to memorize every detail of his face—from his dark auburn brows to the hard plane of his cheekbones to the soft curve of his lips.
“I’m not sure that was wise,” Hugh said.
Probably not, but it was very early, and she doubted there was anyone about that would recognize her.
“We should go.” He guided the gig back into the street.
When they turned onto Grosvenor Street, her heart pounded faster and her stomach twisted into a knot. As they passed Davies Street, her palms grew damp. Perhaps they should drive right past the house and keep going.
To where?
Anywhere, so long as they were together.
“Which house?” Hugh asked, pulling her from her tumultuous thoughts like a frog snatching a bug from the air.
She gestured to her father’s house on the left. “There, with the black door.”
A black door to signify dread.
Hugh pulled the gig to a stop in front and turned his head to look at her. She was absolutely rooted in the vehicle. Would he want to take her away? It wasn’t as if she could hide out with him in St. Giles permanently. What would a future mean? Was there any way he would consider—
“Lady Penelope!” One of the grooms called her name as he dashed toward the gig.
Hugh climbed out and helped her to descend.
It was too late for further thought. Too late for another madcap scheme.
