An Unlikely Debutante. Laura Martin

she said, her voice tight. Alex scrutinised her face, wondering if he’d done something wrong.

      ‘I know it’s not much.’

      She shook her head. ‘I think it’s the most beautiful thing anyone has ever given me.’

      Despite the words of reassurance Alex could tell something wasn’t quite right.

      ‘If you would prefer something else we can always return it,’ he added. He didn’t have much experience of buying women gifts, not recently.

      ‘It is perfect. Thank you.’

      ‘Allow me.’ He took the comb from her, placed his hands on the thin material that covered her shoulders and spun her round so her back was to him. Against his better judgement he allowed his fingers to trail across the soft skin at the nape of her neck, wishing it was his lips instead. He felt her stiffen beneath his touch and quickly, before he could do anything he might regret, he pulled his hands away. Gently he slid the comb into the back of her hair, adjusting it so it was straight.

      ‘Thank you,’ Lina said, raising her hand to her hair and gingerly touching the comb. She turned and for a moment they were standing far too close, their bodies only inches apart. It would be so easy to lean forward, take her in his arms and kiss her until she begged him for more. Alex felt his body sway slightly, closing the gap between them, but at the last second he gained control of himself and stepped away.

      ‘Shall we return to the others?’ he asked stiffly.

      He saw her hesitate. ‘I’ll follow you in a minute or two.’

      Normally Alex would not let a young woman remain outside by herself, even somewhere as safe as his own home, but right now he had to put some distance between them and if that meant being ungentlemanly, then so be it. He knew if he stayed out here with Lina any longer, he would do something he would regret.