“Yes.” She didn’t precisely yet, but once she reached her new employers, she would.

“May I call on you?”

“No.” She wasn’t about to tell him she was reduced to the status of governess, her small inheritance dissipated.

“Surely you don’t dislike me so.”

She took a deep breath and the sudden blush on her cheeks wasn’t from the heat of the fire. “I don’t dislike you, Simon. We just have never suited, that’s all.”

“I disagree. We suited very well, as I recall.” His voice was velvety and low.

“Sex isn’t enough.”

A dozen gazes swiveled around at the provocative word and she turned beet red.

Simon Blair immediately cast his cool, ducal glance on the curious bystanders. “This is a private conversation,” he said, his voice like the low thunder of distant artillery, and within moments everyone had backed away. Returning his attention to her, his mouth curved into a faint smile. “You were saying?”

“I don’t frighten so easily.”

“You don’t frighten at all if I remember. And sex may not be enough, but it’s a damned good start, Caro, and you know it. You shouldn’t have run away.”

“I’m not a patient person.”

“Did I ask you to wait?”

“Somehow I got that impression. And after finding you in bed with my maid,” she pointedly added, “my interest waned.”

“You never let me explain.”

“I imagine you would have had a very good story.”

A tick appeared high over one cheekbone. “You were damned busy with suitors, too.”

“But not actually in bed with any of them. I believe there’s a difference.”

“It wasn’t what you think.”

She shrugged. “What’s the point, Simon. It all happened five years ago. I wish you good fortune in your life.” Taking a side step, she began moving around him.

His hand closed on her wrist, his grip gentle but confining. “Have dinner with me.” He glanced at the frosted windows, the icy tattoo of pelting snow a stark reminder of the storm outside. “Neither of us are going anywhere tonight. Tell me what you’ve been doing, where you’ve been these last five years. Pass the evening with me.” His voice dropped to a murmur, a conciliatory warmth shone in his eyes. “Like friends. You can’t say we weren’t friends…”