as I realized he was about to kiss me.
Slowly, with prolonged moments, he studied my face. The candlelight teased shadows across his strong jaw and slightly crooked nose. My eyes followed his, and I couldn't hold back a small gasp when his eyes flashed up to mine. Gone was the indecision, a smoldering desire in its place.
Tentatively he reached up and slid a gloved finger across my cheek before cupping my face in his palm. Closing my eyes, I leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth and intimacy. When I opened my eyes again, I reached up with my own gloved hand and traced the shadow of his jaw line, feeling a shiver of desire course through me — desire that was echoed in his eyes.
His hand left my face and met with his other around my waist, drawing me closer into the circle of his arms. The close embrace led me to settle my hands behind his neck. His head descended further, and I closed my eyes in anticipation. Warm breath caressed my lips.
"Jocelyn?" Amelia's voice startled me from his warm embrace. My gaze found Lord Ashby's. He stepped back and grasped my hand, raising it to his lips. He kissed it — not the air above it, as was proper — his gaze never leaving mine. Shivering with delight, I smiled at the devilish grin that broke out on his face.
"Your hand will have to do for now." With a wink, he stepped back and offered his arm.
A few seconds later, Amelia came into view. Her scolding expression changed to one of excitement when she saw my blush. "The next act has begun." She stated the obvious, still watching my expression.
"Thank you," Lord Ashby replied, leading me into the box, a grinning Amelia following behind.
The rest of the performance passed in a blur as I only had attention for the man sitting next to me. Often I'd glance over at him and find him already watching me. With a smile, he'd return his attention to the stage. After the performance and the thunderous applause, he escorted me to my carriage.
"Tomorrow?" he asked as he helped me up.
"Morning," I replied, winking. My belly flipped at his rich laugh, which sent shivers up my back. His smile was genuine, but spiced with desire. I couldn't wait for tomorrow.
"Yes, Miss Westin, tomorrow morning." With a wave, he shut the carriage door, and I headed home.
Chapter Nine
"Miss? Wake up. We have to get you ready."
Libby's voice smashed my lovely dream into mirrored fragments as I tried to open my eyes.
"Miss, Lord Ashby will be here soon, and you're not even out of bed yet."
At the mention of his name I remembered our date, or whatever they called it during this era, for riding in the park. I hopped out of bed, then regretted my rash decision. The bedpost provided support till the world stopped spinning.
"My lady? Are you well?" Libby asked, concerned.
"Fine," I mumbled, my throat thick with sleep. As soon as I regained my balance I fixed my determined gaze on Libby. "What am I wearing?"
After I'd been dressed properly for a morning ride, I hurried through a quick breakfast and waited upstairs for my guest to arrive. I was so nervous. What should I say? All my old insecurities came flooding back, and I tried desperately to remember Nanna's voice.
"Love, you are special."There has never been and never will be anyone like you. You mustn't worry about being the same as others. Be who you were created to be. Be Jocelyn Westin, for there will never be another one. Laugh, dance, and don't be afraid. Never, never be afraid."
Her words comforted me as I remembered her voice in my head. She'd spoken those to me after my senior prom, when I hadn't been invited by a single boy. Not that I'd particularly liked anyone specific—small school and slim pickin's—but it would have been nice to be asked. And here I was about to go on a date with English perfection. I didn't want to blow my chances. Though as fear crept into my heart, I remembered something else she had said.
"If you're afraid that someone won't like you when you're simply being yourself, don't change who you are. If they love you, they are wise. If they don't, they weren't meant to be your friend to begin with. You should never have to change who you are to find love. Real love is unconditional.
And that was what I wanted, the