His eyes swept over her. Her appearance entranced him. She was dressed for dinner, wearing another highly fashionable gown, this one a soft, very pale green with a hint of silver thread in the weave. It was low-cut, tightly fitted across the bustline and skimming her figure to her ankles. She wore chandelier earclips of small emeralds and pearls, but no other jewelry.

“My God, you are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever known. And you are mine. You are, aren’t you?”

“I am indeed. You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted, since the first time I saw you at my parents’ house last year.”

He smiled, nodded and stepped away, saying over his shoulder, “I shall pour us both a drop of bubbly, darling.”

Last year, he thought. A crush on me for a year. Is that possible? Why hadn’t he known?

She watched him as he went to the drinks table near the door, and lifted the bottle out of the silver bucket, poured the champagne into two flutes.

Before he could walk back to the fireplace, she hurried to his side, and said in a very low voice, “Is this the house where I’m going to live with you? Where we will make love and be together? Have a life of happiness?”

Turning swiftly, he nodded and immediately put the bottle back into the bucket. He couldn’t help himself, and without a second thought he reached for her, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She kissed him back, as passionate as he was. He held her closer, leaned against the door, his hands sliding down her back onto her buttocks.

They clung together for a few seconds; then he looked at her, his eyes filled with yearning, and bent forward and kissed her neck, her cheeks and her mouth. Their tongues touched, then entwined, and Robert thought he would explode with desire. He knew he must control this sudden urge to make love on both their parts. Otherwise, he would be undone. And she also.

He drew away, his back resting against the door, and said, softly, “We must stop at this moment, you know. Adrian will soon be here.”

“I know. I just love being held like this by you, so close, so intimate in a way. Why are we leaning against the door?”

“To prevent anyone from bursting in on us. Unexpectedly.” He sighed and said, “Can I kiss you just here.” He touched the top of her breast, and added, “One last kiss.”

“Last kiss for the moment, Your Lordship,” and she smiled at him. “You can kiss me anywhere you want.”

A small, knowing smile flicked around his sensual mouth and then he bent his head and kissed her swiftly. Releasing her from his arms, he reached for the two flutes of champagne and handed one to her. They clinked glasses, and he said, “To you, my darling Vanessa.”

“And to you, Robert.”