Sophie pressed a kiss to Lily’s cheek and gave Fiona a quick, fierce hug. “I’m afraid that Charles will still be announcing our engagement tonight—but at least I’ll have a chance to explain myself to Reese … and to say one final goodbye.” She smoothed her hair behind her ears and took a fortifying breath. “Wish me luck.”

Sophie skulked down the dimly lit corridor, boldly peeking into various rooms as she searched for the library. The first door opened into a masculine-looking study that smelled faintly of tobacco and leather. The second was a small parlor that emanated the scents of rosewater and tea.

The realization that this grand townhouse would soon be her home made her throat thick with sadness. There was no denying that the house was elegantly appointed and impeccably maintained, but somehow, it still felt dry and inhospitable, like arid soil where nothing beautiful could grow or flourish.

She was carefully closing the door to the parlor when she heard voices behind her, whispering. Blast.

She hurried to the next door, opened it, and ducked inside the dark room, relieved to see the walls were lined with shelves of books. There was no sign of Reese, however, so she moved toward one of the tall mullioned windows where moonlight shimmered between the heavy drapes.

And felt a strong, warm hand on the small of her back. “Soph.”

She turned in to his chest, threw her arms around his neck, and touched her forehead to his. She wanted to tell him that she needed him like a wildflower needs rain. That she’d miss him more than sunshine in December. That she loved him with her whole heart.

But his eyes were dark and heavy lidded with desire, his hard body was pressed against hers, and his wicked mouth was tantalizingly close, making him quite difficult to resist. Impossible, really.

So she brushed her lips across his, savoring every touch, every taste. His racing heart beat against her chest, and he moaned softly into her mouth. It was a heady feeling, knowing she could affect him so. A lovely, sweet pulsing began in her core, and she melted into him. Deepened the kiss into something raw and sensual and hot.

He kissed a path down the column of her neck. Greedily caressed the curves of her breasts and bottom. Their tongues tangled, and their bodies melded.

When he grasped her hips and moved against her, she clung to his shoulders so that she wouldn’t dissolve into a puddle. “Reese,” she breathed. “I…”

“Wait,” he whispered close to her ear. “I hear something.”

They froze, their senses on high alert. Muffled voices came from behind the door, and the knob rattled.