Her Perfect Match by Jess Michaels Page A

of habit. She had often felt that the books one read were a peek into the soul of the reader. That was why her personal library was kept in a locked room very separate from the places where her visitors went for her wild parties. Sharing these selections with Benedict felt so very intimate.
    “Of course, you are not obligated,” he said softly and began to withdraw his waiting hand.
    She thrust the small stack toward him. “Certainly, you may look. As long as you promise not to take what I’ve chosen for your own.”
    He laughed, but his face was unreadable as he looked at her titles. “Ah, a collection from Sir Walter Scott. Very nice, I’ve always liked his poetry. Sense and Sensibility , but surely you have read this one.”
    She nodded after a moment. “Y-Yes. It is one of my favorites. I only rather liked this binding.”
    He held his gaze on her for a moment and then nodded. “And finally, Gulliver’s Travels .” He blinked in disbelief. “Truly?”
    She laughed. In truth, she had chosen the last book because it involved such a grand adventure that she felt, in some small way, it mimicked her own future.
    “It was something different,” she lied.
    He shrugged as he handed the books back to her. “And where will you go after this?”
    “I think the British Museum,” she said, thinking of no reason to lie.
    “Oh excellent, they have a newer exhibit there of some of the Roman sculptures. I have been aching to find time to see it,” he said with a clap of his hands. “I’m sure you’ll like it.”
    She remained silent. Once again, she felt her ignorance and lack of experience in a way she was not accustomed to. When she didn’t respond, he stepped closer.
    “You have been there, haven’t you?”
    She swallowed. “No.”
    “Great God, no? With your sensibilities?”
    A shrug was all she could manage to maintain the illusion of distance. “As I said before, these weren’t exactly places I belonged.”
    “Poppycock!” he burst out. “The Museum is a place for anyone of intelligence and that is most definitely you. But perhaps—”
    He broke off and she stared at him. “Perhaps?”
    He cleared his throat. “Perhaps you will allow me to be your escort, since you have never had the pleasure of the place and I am a frequent visitor.”
    Vivien worried her lip. Enjoying London was one item on her list…Benedict was another. Spending a day with him could allow her to cross off two things at once. But merging him with the rest of her list…putting him too near the truth…it seemed rather dangerous .
    And thrilling. And irresistible, despite the negatives.
    “I would like a more experienced guide, but only if it will not disturb your own plans,” she said softly.
    “Not at all,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Anything else on my agenda can be altered with ease. Why don’t you make your purchases and I will send your driver on his way. We will take my carriage.”
    She looked toward the exit of the bookshop. “What about your purchases?”
    “I’m certain Paddington has already put them on my account and handed them over to my servant.” He shrugged. “So all that is left to worry over is you. I will see you outside?”
    She nodded blankly and watched him curve around the end of the bookshelves. She heard him call a quick farewell to Mr. Paddington, then the bell on the door jingled as he went outside to make arrangements and wait for her.
    Slowly, she made her way to the counter to pay for her books, but each step felt as though it were out of a dream. How in the world had she been so utterly swept away in the middle of a bookstore?
    And why didn’t she care, even though she knew the consequences could be devastating?
     
    Benedict had lied about a great many things in his life. His latest lie was that he had nothing better to do on this day than take Vivien for a tour of London. In truth, he had several meetings scheduled, both with family and business associates. Ones he feared he