Romantic Choices (Romantic Flights of Fancy) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paullett Golden
Published: 2023-07-15T23:00:00+00:00

Or it could have ended like this...

Studying Mr. Tindall’s expression, his open concern, his honest regard, Chloe chose to trust him, trust Miss Tindall, to trust her faith in friendship.

She nodded to her friend. “Lemonade, please. Nothing stronger.”

The parlor door closed behind Miss Tindall.

In five strides, Mr. Tindall crossed the room to Chloe, clasping her upper arms. His grasp, both strong and protective, had Chloe trembling in his embrace. Was this what she wanted? Perspiration pooled along her spine—fear or anticipation? A combination of both. A heady combination. Why had she never felt this with any of the encounters with Mr. Roberts? Her intuition had warned her, then, that Mr. Roberts was not the right choice, a rogue in sheep’s clothing.

Mr. Tindall had always been forthright, intentions never veiled.

“You’re safe, Miss Hudson,” he said, his hands hot and tight about her sleeves, his breath brandy-touched, intoxicating, warming her cheeks with each word. “We’ll ensure Mr. Roberts does not molest you. So much as a glance from him, and he’ll have me to answer to. You accept my protection?”

Chloe stuttered, uncertain how to respond. Was it only protection he offered, as a brother offers for a sister? A friend for another friend? She had thought he wanted more. She had worn rouge to the soirée in the hope he had wanted more. Her aunt’s tale of woe played in her ears. Her aunt could not have regretted her choices, making the same choice twice, as she did. Both husbands had lived fast lives that brought them to an untimely demise, but they were lives full of adventure and passion. Chloe wanted it all. Mr. Tindall’s friends had bored her. His card games had bored her. But he did not bore her. He dizzied her mind until she could think of nothing except him.

“I offer you my protection, Miss Hudson. Please accept.”

“I don’t know what that means,” Chloe managed, her voice hoarse, her words little more than a whisper.

“It means I care for you, perhaps more than you understand. I see in you a remarkable woman who ought to be by my side, not only for my protection but for my affection. With my guidance, with my love, I shall see you in full bloom, a woman of stunning maturity, the most admired of all society beauties. Allow me, Miss Hudson, Chloe, to love you as you ought to be loved. Allow me to help you reach your potential.”

He dipped his head, his gaze on her lips.

Chloe’s breath sharpened, smothered by his masculinity, his promises, his everything. Her hands to his chest, she closed her eyes, desperate for him to fulfill those promises before his sister returned.

The parlor door opened.

Rather than Miss Tindall with drinks, Mr. Roberts stood in the doorway, looking from Chloe to Mr. Tindall. “A remarkable semblance to last time, is it not, Mr. Tindall? Staged for my benefit, or am I truly to wish you both happy?”

Chloe stepped away from Mr. Tindall and parted her lips to reply, but then what could she say? He had not offered marriage.

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