Free Jane and Bingley (Countdown to Christmas Book 8) by Jenni James

nice it was to live in the moment. To enjoy the little things around you—like feeding peacocks and cooking in the kitchen, or even helping kids learn to love to read.
    As more and more people came in, he kept away from the table as it began to fill up. He wasn’t in the mood to exchange pleasantries or improve his business contacts. No. He really wanted to be anywhere else.
    After another hour or so, the dancing began. Couples drifted onto the dance floor, and they focused on the people they’d come with. Once the table was empty, Charles walked over to it and sat down. This really wasn’t the sort of place a man came to alone. Why was he here? He should write out his customary check, thank his hosts, and leave. He’d be much more comfortable without this blasted tux anyway.
    Just as he reached into his jacket pocket to pull out his checkbook, he got a glimpse of a beautiful girl in a mask, in a very familiar black dress. Did Jane come, or was he imagining things?
    Charles froze and waited until the crowd parted again, his heart beating rapidly. Yes, it was Jane. It had to be. There was only one woman who could attract such notice as she did. Several people turned and stared at her as she slowly made her way toward the tables. She was clearly looking for him through that incredibly tempting mask. Her neck craned this way and that, trying to spy him among the dancers. Did she really believe he’d be out there?
    Charles stood and made his way over to the buffet table again. He purposely hid behind a cluster of older men hashing out business of some sort. As Jane walked into the back section of the ballroom toward the tables, he saw her skimming each one. From his vantage point, he admired the way the dress swayed with her as she walked. Never noticing him, she passed right by the men—who’d stopped to stare—and then she made her way farther into the dining area.
    Charles fetched a drink from the table, stepped up behind her, and whispered, “Hello, fair lady. Fancy meeting you here tonight.”
    Jane shivered slightly and then turned toward him. Those incredible exotic eyes met his, and he was certain she’d never looked more striking than she did right then. “Thank you for coming,” he said.
    “How long did it take you to recognize me?”
    He chuckled and handed the drink to her. “Are you hiding? As soon as I saw you, I knew.”
    She glanced down and nodded, and then her eyes met his again. She was here. She was really here. And he knew they’d be okay. No matter what else the world threw at them, they’d make it. “Would you care to dance?”
    Her lips formed a delightful smile. “Of course. It’s why I came.”
    “I’ve missed you.”
    She glanced away and then met his gaze again. “I’ve missed you too.”
    Every single breath seemed to matter. “Let’s not talk yet. Let’s just enjoy ourselves. And when you’re ready, you can tell me everything. Does that work? Or would you rather go ahead and talk? We can find a quiet corner and—”
    Jane leaned over and stopped him with a long kiss on the cheek. His collar felt tighter and his breathing much more rapid as her faint perfume mingled with the warm breath on his jaw. Not one to miss an opportunity, Charles wrapped his arms around her, gently grasping her hand and then pulling her in so her sweet breath never stopped tickling his neck. Jane melted into him, her head resting perfectly on his shoulder—one feather from her mask tickling his brow—and ever so slowly, he began to rock with the music.
    This was heaven. This was where he was always meant to be. And now that she was here, there was no way he’d ever let her go.
     
    * * *
     
    Jane released a long, giddy breath as she said good-bye to Charles after the ball. It was perfect—even better than she could imagine—and he was the perfect gentleman. He gave her space, never once questioning her motives over the last couple of days, and kept things lighthearted and fun. It was as if he