Page 116 of A Duchess a Day
Helena let out a little yelp and laughed. “He was entirely serious. I think...” she dipped her head and kissed him, “...I think taking the job would be a favor to him—and a peace offering. After all we’ve been through. He’s so very in love with Knightly, God help him. He can see now that our five-year betrothal was wretched. He wishes to make amends.”
“And could you tolerate me?” Declan asked, kissing her, working his hands up the backs of her legs. “Here in Somerset all the time? Home every night?”
“It is my most fervent wish,” Helena whispered, breathless. She’d gone slack against him. He cupped her bottom in his hands.
“Mine too,” he breathed. “I cannot leave you again. I cannot.” He devoured her with a kiss.
Helena cried out, a grateful, breathy sound of delight, and he drank it in.
“Never leave me again, Declan,” she breathed against his cheek. “Never leave me again.”
And then they stopped talking and reveled in the soft forest floor, and mild spring sunshine, and each other.
