He stood slowly, walking toward her again. This time, she didn't retreat. She could feel the warmth of his bare chest, the pull of his scent.
"Grantham," he whispered. "If I kiss you again... it won't stop."
Her heart thundered.
"I know."
They stared for a moment longer, then Julian pressed a kiss to her knuckles, and stepped back.
"I need to leave for Rosebury. When I return…" he smirked, "I expect you to have finished that book."
"Only if you don't distract me again," she said, trying to hide her smile.
He walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the handle.
"Don't dream of anyone else, flower. I'm quite possessive."
The door shut behind him.
And her heart didn't stop racing.
***
