More Than a Stranger: A Sealed With a Kiss Novel by Erin Knightley

him a conciliatory smile. “It’s late, I’m tired, and I think it is past my bedtime.” She stood and stretched. “Are you coming up?”
    He shook his head. “I’m still on city hours. Sleep well, Bit, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
    She gave him a quick hug before heading for the stairs. She was halfway up when she realized someone else was coming down. She glanced up and stilled.
    Benedict.
    He slowed, offering a tentative smile. He somehow looked more elegant in his simple white shirt and buff breeches than he had in his evening wear earlier. She forced herself to focus on his dark eyes and not the triangle of skin exposed by his open collar.
    “Good evening, Evie.” In the quiet of the darkened stairway, his low voice slid over her like rough silk.
    He descended the last few steps separating them until he was one step below her, bringing him nearly to eye level. Several tendrils of his damp hair had fallen across his forehead, and she had the sudden, ridiculous urge to brush them away with the tips of her fingers. Would his hair feel as silky as it looked?
    “Hello, Mr. . . . Hello, Benedict.” She spoke softly, not wanting to break the stillness of the moment. The spicy scent of sandalwood teased her senses, and she drew a long, slow breath through her nose. Swallowing, she asked, “Are you looking for something?”
    He nodded, not breaking eye contact. “I thought Richard might still be awake. Neither one of us is accustomed to country hours yet. I’m surprised you are still up.” It was the first time he had truly held her gaze, and she relished the dark, almost secretive quality of his eyes.
    Though he said nothing improper, she tugged her wrapper more securely in place. There was something wicked about standing alone with a man without the benefit of unmentionables. Heat stole up her neck at the thought. Thank goodness for the dim lighting—it would not do for him to have any idea where her thoughts had meandered.
    “I’m on my way up now. It’s been quite an exciting day, after all.”
    “Yes, quite. I won’t keep you then, my lady. It was . . . an experience meeting you.” Though he didn’t quite smile, his dimple belied his amusement.
    He didn’t move right away, but when she didn’t say anything, he started to turn. Almost without thought, she touched a hand to his sleeve. He froze, his gaze flying up to meet hers. Heavens, what was it about him that made her heart race? Swallowing, she removed her hand. “Please, let me just say again how sorry I am for calling you a nitwit. I still can’t believe I did that.”
    A slow smile lit his face, and he leaned forward conspiratorially. “A lady is entitled to her opinion.”
    Evie blinked. Their conversation in the garden came rushing back to her, and she bit back a smile. “I guess I rather made your point, didn’t I?” A wisp of delight intertwined with the embarrassment ticking her belly. He remembered her words. It was rather nice to know their conversation had resonated with him.
    “The thought occurred to me. Still, no harm done. Please, don’t think of it again.”
    “Are you certain?”
    “A man can stand to be put in his place from time to time. I don’t think I have nearly enough people in my life who feel comfortable insulting me.”
    “Just imagine the kind of insults I could give you after we’ve known each other more than a day.”
    Instead of offering the smile she expected, Benedict’s expression seemed to tighten, and he took a step back. “Indeed. Well, please don’t let me keep you any longer. I bid you good night, my lady.”
    Just like that, he turned and headed down the stairs, leaving nothing but the faint scent of his cologne and the unmistakable impression of a man escaping.
    Was it something she had said? She straightened her spine and started up the stairs. Tomorrow, she was going to learn more about the enigmatic Mr. Benedict. She was going to get some answers if it killed her.
    * * *
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