It Happened One Christmas by Kaitlin O'Riley Page A

“It’s perfect for you.”
    â€œYes, that’s what I thought. What are you shopping for?”
    â€œI’m not shopping at all, I must confess. I have an appointment with Lord Eaton at his office across the street, but he has been delayed. I’m merely passing time. The shop looked interesting so I came in out of the cold to wait. I left word with his secretary that I’d be here.”
    Oh, he looked so incredibly fine. His handsomely sculpted face, aquiline nose, and strong jaw. A hint of a teasing smile around his mouth. His lips, so full and firm, had kissed her so passionately yesterday she thought she would faint. The air was strangely charged between them. It was true. They felt something for each other, just as her mother said. Lisette should flee from him before she did something she would regret again. Instead she made an attempt at conversation. Anything to keep from entertaining thoughts of kissing him! “Is this appointment regarding your business? Building houses?”
    â€œYes, I’m designing a new house for Lord Eaton here in Brighton. Perhaps someday I can design a house for you.”
    At first the idea pleased her, but then she realized it would be a house that she would be living in with Henry Brooks. Her husband. Somehow she did not wish to live with another man in a house that Quinton had designed for her. Lisette shook herself at the thought. The conversation had gone far enough. It was not wise to tarry any longer with him. Nothing at all good could come of it. Yesterday on the beach was proof enough of that.
    â€œYes, well, I must be on my way now. It was lovely seeing you again. Good day, Mr. Roxbury.” She moved to step past him.
    â€œWait.”
    She paused at his command and glanced up at him in expectation. He looked straight into her eyes and her mouth went dry. Heaven help her.
    â€œI was not expecting to meet you today,” he said, “but I cannot deny the pleasure I feel at seeing you again.”
    â€œPlease do not say such things to me.” She lowered her glance.
    â€œI know I haven’t the right, yet I cannot seem to help myself when I am in your presence.”
    â€œWhat do you expect me to say?” she whispered in a soft tone, afraid to meet his eyes again for fear of losing herself in their endless blue depths.
    â€œI don’t know. I don’t know what to say either.”
    â€œI must go.”
    Once again she moved to pass him but Quinton reached out and took her hand in his and she dropped the locket on the cluttered table. He pulled her close against his body. The male scent of him washed over her, causing her to tremble.
    â€œWe should say good-bye . . .” she began.
    Quinton whispered in her ear, “Lisette, after yesterday I . . . You are very special to me. I know you have no reason to trust me, but if you ever need anything, please know that I would do anything in my power to help you.”
    She looked up at him in confusion. His words made no sense. She was special to him? He would do anything to help her? Help her do what?
    With a deliberate slowness he leaned in closer and she had the wild sensation that he was about to kiss her.
    And, God help her, she was going to let him. She wanted one more kiss from this man. And then never again. She would return to London and Henry and never think of him again. But for right now, for just this moment, she would have one last kiss from this man who made her heart race so wildly with an unknown need.
    â€œLisette,” he murmured low, his lips so close to hers she could almost taste them.
    The sound of her name on his lips thrilled her, and she trembled in anticipation, waiting for him to kiss her. Resisting the urge to lean up on her tiptoes to further the kiss, she stood perfectly still and held her breath. She waited for his warm lips to cover hers, as she knew they would. Slowly she closed her eyes in dreamy expectation.
    â€œMr. Roxbury,