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he’d feared his spirits would not be lifted even by seeing her again. But just the sight of her sunny face and sparkling eyes did wonders for him. She gave him something other than his troubles to think about.
    â€œI’m glad,” he said, at the moment more interested in the lovely glow of her cheeks than her shopping victories. An intriguing thought shot unbidden through his mind. Just how far down her body did that glow extend? The length of her long, sweet throat was rosy with excitement, but her collar stood obstinately in the way. Would her breasts be flushed as well?
    He felt himself react to the image, then immediately warned himself to get a grip. He liked her; she excited him. That, after all, must be the end of it. When he was younger, he had effortlessly picked up girls and, if they were willing, made careless love.American coeds had been attracted to his English accent like moths to the proverbial flame. And when he let slip his title in casual conversation…instant melt-down. A quick hop into bed.
    But after Lisa came into the world, he took sex far more seriously. His liaisons became infrequent, cautiously and safely executed. He had learned he wasn’t the sort of man who could spread his progeny with abandon. He considered himself responsible for little Lisa.
    There was also a change in the way he allowed himself to feel about women. If they were so easily able to enjoy one man’s pleasures then go off with another for reasons of prestige or money or pure flightiness, he would never again let himself feel anything enduring for one of them. It was a matter of self-preservation.
    But Jennifer was incredibly desirable. She would tempt any man to throw off caution as quickly as a topcoat at the first bloom of spring. He must be careful…very careful, he reminded himself.
    Having completed the afternoon’s tours, the group had returned to the hotel for a hearty meal. Early-evening excursions had been arranged by those wanting to pack more into their day, while others discussed going to the theater or a quiet game of cards in the lounge.
    â€œLooks like you’ll have some time to fill before turning in,” Christopher said after Jennifer bade her crew a good evening.
    â€œYes,” she said. “But I need to check in with my mother and pack for London.”
    â€œI see.” So tomorrow she would indeed be gone. He sighed inwardly. In the little time he’d spent withher, she’d been good for him. When he was with her, his thoughts seemed lighter, the day somehow brighter, more tolerable. He dwelled less on his mistakes. Or maybe that was all romantic hogwash, and he just wanted to sleep with her. A good dose of lust definitely took a man’s mind off his troubles.
    â€œThank you for all you’ve done,” she murmured, laying her hand on his arm, making him even more aware of the sweet scent wafting up from her skin. She stood close to him. So close he could easily slip his arm around her waist and pull her against him. Right here in the lobby. Why not? “Everyone has said,” she continued breezily, “what a wonderful treat it has been, your taking us around today.”
    He forced out the correct, civil words and even gave her a polite smile. “No trouble at all. I enjoyed myself.”
    She beamed up at him in appreciation, and he thought he had never liked green eyes as much as he did now. “Yesterday…I was serious about my invitation. If you ever do come to America, and you’re near Baltimore—”
    â€œIt’s unlikely,” he said, interrupting. “You can do me another favor, though.” He hadn’t thought through his words. They simply arrived on his lips, and he had no power to stop them.
    â€œAnything,” she said. “What is it?”
    â€œYou wouldn’t have dinner with me last night. What about tonight?”
    She blinked thoughtfully. “I’m not sure I