Page 31 of When a Duke Desires a Lass

“I suppose it’s not too soon to put our plan into play,” Emily said. Pray to God it worked. “I’ll schedule a modiste appointment for tomorrow.”

She rose and shook out her skirts.

Sudden awkwardness engulfed her. She covered her discomfiture by donning her bonnet and gloves, then collecting her reticule.

She’d kissed this man like a wanton and then blurted her dirty little secret. A secret only Justina knew.

Tobias said he didn’t condemn her, and Emily believed him.

Nonetheless, it would take time to forget the habits she’d forged over the years.

He unfolded and stood with that effortless masculine grace he possessed.

She liked that he was a big man: broad-shouldered, wide chest, biceps that strained the fabric of his coat, and thighs that flexed and rippled with muscles.

In contrast, Clement had been lean and sinewy.

“Until tonight.” Tobias bowed over Emily’s hand. “I shall count the hours.”

Instead of sarcasm tinging his voice as it had the other day in Hyde Park, his tone rang with earnestness.

Her heart unfurled a smidgeon more.

“And Emily. Ye needn’t worry that I’ll reveal your past. Your secret is safe with me.”

He wouldn’t intentionally. Emily knew it to be true deep in her soul.

She searched his eyes, tender with sincerity.

“I know you shan’t, Tobias.”

On impulse, she stood on her toes and brushed his lips with hers. “Until tonight.”

Then she fled.

What have I done?

Emily knew precisely what she’d done. Exactly what she’d vowed never to do.

Fallen in love.