Put the syrup on her finger like he had? No, no, no. She couldn’t possibly do that. Her attempt would appear ridiculous compared to Kit’s debauched version. “Oh, no. I would look foolish.”

“No, you won’t. Besides, it’s just me, and I am the perfect man with whom to practice.”

Because we have no future together.

Because we won’t see each other again after this house party ends.

Indeed, how could she have forgotten?

“Please, Alice,” he whispered, his voice as seductive as fine wine. “I want to see it.”

Before she could talk herself out of it, she dipped her finger into the syrup and put it to her lips. Then she remembered his advice on eye contact, so she locked gazes with him before sliding her index finger into her mouth, slowly. Carefully, as if she had all the time in the world. He fixated on her lips, and his mouth parted slightly on a small gust of air.

Emboldened by his tiny but immediate reaction, she slid her finger deeper, rubbing it against her tongue, then withdrew slightly before returning. In and out. Then again. She sawed her finger past her lips while groaning as if enjoying the taste. Kit’s pupils were wide, his skin flushed as he observed quietly, intently, his chest expanding and contracting.

After one final flick of her tongue she took her finger out of her mouth, and Kit swallowed loudly. They didn’t move or speak, the moment stretching in tense silence, and goose bumps raced along her arms, across the back of her neck. The air thickened and each lungful felt like a chore, a struggle, as if the room was filled with smoke. A craving was building deep inside her, growing and twisting, urging her closer to him. Even if her mind would never allow her to admit it, her body desired this man.

And based on the way he was looking at her—like a slice of Baked Alaska—he might desire her, as well.

Could it be true?

I want to kiss him again.

“Kit . . .” she whispered, her voice trailing as her body swayed in his direction. How did one ask such a gorgeous man to kiss her, to ravage her? To ease this terrible craving?

Without warning, he took a step back. His mouth curved into a bright smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Well done. Fair to say you’ve mastered that.” He hooked a thumb in the direction of the doorway. “I’m supposed to meet Harrison, so I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Their lesson was over? Her shoulders deflated ever so slightly. “Oh. Then I’ll bid you good night.”

He dipped his chin and quickly strode from the room.

Almost as if he was running away from her.

Once out of the kitchen, Kit hurried through the corridors as if the fires of Hell were nipping at his heels.