Evander was pacing as if he were a creature stuck in a cage. Caroline's throat felt dry as she watched him, trying not to think of the implications, she refused to believe that he had realized he didn't want her after the day they had. No. He loved her...

As if to accent his impatience he began to abruptly take off his clothes. First his necktie, a patch of skin was exposed. Then his coat was gone and then he was working at his buttons -

Then he entirely gave up and pulled Caroline to him as if he could not wait another moment. Nerves sparked in her stomach, pushing against her, but she ignored them. Because suddenly it was like they were in the carriage again. There were no eyes to watch them, no one to tell them this was not acceptable. No, it was acceptable, it was expected, and oh, how warm his hands were against her. Her heart pounded against the confines of her corset and her blood felt like it was rushing, her fingers tingled and she kissed him back - forgetting for a moment that she had ever been nervous. How could she be when he was kissing her like this? When her body was so warm? When all she wanted to do was press closer into his embrace. So she did.

Caroline wrapped her hands over his shoulders, feeling the broad expanse under the fabric of his vest and the thinner fabric of his shirt. She stepped closer to him, feeling his chest against her own. He was so warm, so comforting, so.... her's.