The blood thundering in his ears made it hard to hear. “What?”
“Will you ever kiss me again?”
Oh, hell. She made a mockery of scruples. “It wouldn’t be wise.”
She shrugged. “I told you—I’m not going to be wise this Christmas. Will you come riding tomorrow morning?”
He arched his eyebrows. “And find a secluded glade? You’re playing with fire, Serena.”
Her sensual smile astonished him. She’d come a long way si
nce this afternoon, when she’d stood like a doll and let him lay siege to resolutely closed lips. “I hope so.”
“What about Paul?” he asked, as much to remind himself what she had at stake as to stir her conscience.
That delicate jaw firmed into a stubborn line. “Paul takes me too much for granted.”
Ah, now he understood. While she might want Giles, this invitation wasn’t about him, but about Paul. “So I’m a means to an end?”
“Do you mind?”
He damn well should. He was proud to a fault. As an orphan flung into a ruthless and alien environment, pride had helped him survive. Before answering, he examined his feelings. He should send her away with a flea in her ear and a strict warning about gambling with her reputation.
He should.
Giles spoke slowly. “You know, I’m not sure I do.”
Satisfaction glowed in her blue eyes. “So you’ll kiss me?”
“Not now.”
“Tomorrow?”
In the long run, he’d suffer for this agreement. But how the devil could he resist her? “I’ll meet you in the stables at dawn.”
“Good.” She didn’t retreat, although she’d got her way. “Now come back to the hall and dance with me.”
He couldn’t help smiling. Dear God, she’d been created to torment him. “You’re a demanding wench.”
“Is that a yes?”
“That’s a no.”
She raised her arms. “Then dance with me here.”
“There’s no music.”
“I’ll hum.”
“Serena…” he said helplessly, although he took her hand and slipped his arm around her supple waist.
“A waltz?”
Self-mockery edged his laugh. “What else?”
When Serena sang, he found the husky catch in each note ineffably moving. As his feet found the rhythm, they moved in perfect time.
He thought he’d been smart to evade another kiss, but this dance proved just as perilous. Especially now he knew how it felt to hold her even closer. He drew her near and tucked her head under his chin. Her flowery scent fed his senses.