“Sure.” This was what she’d agreed to, to be Blackwell’s date. She followed him out and hoped tonight was as magical as she imagined because she planned to remember every detail. Tomorrow she’d call Beth and describe it, but she doubted her friend would ever be able tounderstand.
He led her into the grand ball room where some people danced and others gathered around tables set with linen and crystal. They walked past glass doors and were led to a table near the patio. “This all feels surreal. I don’t know what might ever beat thisday.”
He took her hand so she didn’t sit where directed and instead brought her out onto the patio. He stared into her eyes. “I’d like to kiss youDonna.”
“Now?” She lowered her lashes and remembered her list. Blackwell counted as a stranger and he certainly was more handsome than any man she’d ever created in herimagination.
His mouth was inches from hers. “Yes.”
“Okay.” She held onto him as he pressed his lips toher.
Wow.It was the only thought she could have as her body ached to kiss him over and over again. Her hands tugged on his velvet jacket to keep him close as she prayed the kiss neverended.
However, it did, it had to, leaving her momentarily at a loss. “You taste as sweet ascake.”
When he hugged her tight she realized that he was turned on and it made her want him more. She gave a light laugh. “I’m no onereally.”
“Absolutely not true. Your sweetness makes you rare.” He let her go and discreetly adjusted himself. “You’re the first woman I’ve met in a long time that didn’t feel like a rock being tied to the top of my shoulders, weighing medown.”
Soon, this would all be over and she’d continue on her vacation as if they’d never met. His kiss would be burned onto her lips as the standard no other man might ever meet. He offered his arm to walk back to their seats. “Well, tomorrow I’m heading to Venice and we’ll never see each other again—noties.”
He leaned closer. “Maybe that’s part of theattraction.”
The music changed and everyone left the dance floor. Then the bride and groom entered and all eyes were on the dance floor for the first official couple’s dance. They stayed near the glass door to watch from the back. “The royal couple seems sohappy.”
His hand brushed against hers and a zap of energy coursed through her. “I hope they are.” He leaned against the wall, keeping her close. “I hope we allare.”
She kept her voice low. No one needed to hear her besides Blackwell. “The last guy I kissed broke myheart.”
His gaze narrowed and he brought her close. “How?”
The only person she’d told about the relationship and break-up had been Beth. She hadn’t slept for days after, the question of what she’d done to Harry racing through her mind—had she been a horrible fiancée? But how? He hadn’t explained. She took a breath. “We were engaged and he cheated on me. A week later he had a newgirlfriend.”
“Then he was a fool and you should be thankful to be rid of him.” He spoke like it was afact.
She tilted her head and watched the dance. Love seemed so tangible at this wedding reception, with couples whispering and dancing close. Donna glanced at Blackwell. It was nice that he thought that. “It stillhurt.”
He brushed her arm and goosebumps followed in his trail. “Don’t let fools close to yourheart.”
If only it was that easy. She inched closer to him and wished this night would last. “Wise words. I guess I’m not a good judge ofcharacter.”
“We all make mistakes.” He put his arm around herback.
Harry had been a mistake, but being with Blackwell would not. One night? She was free to make her own choices. She tugged on his shoulder so that he would lean down and whispered, “Tonight is all we have and I’d like to do more than kiss you, if you’reinterested.”
Blackwell squeezed her waist, slightly more possessively. “I’m interested, beautiful. Let’s get out ofhere.”
He led her around the tables while everyone’s gaze was still on the first dance. She didn’t bother keeping her head down. She’d never see any of these people again. She memorized each detail of the British Royal family, knowing that was who Beth would askabout.
Blackwell’s hand on her back was private and intimate and something she would hold close to herheart.
They walked outside and a valet went for his limo driver. As they stood on the bottom step of the royal palace, she asked, “Why didn’t you have a date before you asked me? You’re handsome, rich, titled. I assume many women wantyou.”
“You’re the first in a while who I wanted in return.” His arms tightened around herwaist.
Everything he said added to her growing desire. She had a hum in her veins and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Kiss meagain.”
He leaned closer. “Until morning, you’remine.”
