His kiss still sent shivers tingling down her spine, regardless of how it was much too short. But it was sweet, almost promise. She leaned into him, enjoying his smell and warmth. Her heart leaping at each reminder of his touch, however, brief or lingering it was.

It had been a long time she had considered her family in such matters and as such his words caught her off guard. Yes, the proper thing to do would be to have him speak to her family. Years ago they would not have approved of such a match, now she hardly thought they’d care. Any man was better than leaving her a disgraced spinster in their eyes. Or at least she rather hoped that was the case. If it wasn’t… well she had not lived up to their expectations of her life nor would she begin to. Regardless of what they said she already knew what her path would be. “Yes.” She told him with a softer smile. Her face grew more serious as she added, “Although I doubt I shall care for their permission.”