Her Perfect Match Read Online Free PDF Page A

recount so many details, but he shook his head. If only she knew that he could recall even more. Like how her blonde hair had been styled in a different way that night. Like how she had smelled of lemons and rosewater. Like the exact cut and color of her blue gown.
    He kept those details to himself. She had already rejected the idea that he would notice them. Rejected him. There was no changing that.
    “I think you are correct,” she said. “How have you been since then?”
    “Very well,” he replied, keeping up the same charade that she was. That they were acquaintances. “My family is well.”
    “Good.” She remained smiling, but he could see the slight twitch in her cheek. Vivien had always known that his family did not approve of the relationship they’d shared.
    Benedict clenched his hands at his sides. She had used that fact in her parting with him. Hidden behind their disapproval in a cowardly display when he knew there was more to her rejection of his heart. She had told him to move on with his life. And since that was what she wanted…
    “I am being encouraged to marry,” he said, watching her carefully for her response. “And I believe it may well be time for me to make that commitment.”
    She blinked. That was her only response. Just a flutter of her eyelids that betrayed she felt any deeper emotion about his announcement than she showed. It took her a moment to respond.
    “I suppose it is time for you to pursue a new future.” She hesitated as if she was going to say more, but didn’t.
    “Yes. A new future,” he repeated, but there was no pleasure in the words he spoke. They felt like sand on his tongue.
    She tilted her head. “You do not wish for this?”
    He bit back surprise that she would be so direct. “You know what I wish for.”
    Now it was her turn to draw back. “Benedict—”
    He waved his hand to silence her. “Please do not go through all your reasons for rejecting me. I have heard them all.”
    She was silent for a moment, watching him with a hooded gaze he could not read. Then she moved closer. “Benedict, it is true I cannot accept any future you have offered me. We both know why.”
    Except he didn’t, but he said nothing and she continued.
    “But I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t still…think of you. Of us.”
    He stared. Was this happening? Was she truly saying these things after three years of polite distance and pretending to be friends?
    “You do,” he said, flat and emotionless for he feared revealing too much.
    She nodded. “It seems there is unfinished business between us. On both sides. And since everything is about to change, I wonder if we should resolve that business, if only so it won’t haunt us.”
    “What are you saying?” he asked softly.
    She swallowed and her voice trembled as she whispered, “Be with me again.”
    He stared at her for he didn’t know how long. This was like a dream. Or a nightmare he had lived out before.
    Vivien shifted with discomfort. “Benedict?”
    “I’m sorry,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m certain I didn’t understand you correctly. Will you repeat the question?”
    Blood rushed to her cheeks, making them pink. He had so rarely seen her bashful that he stared at the sight.
    “We have something still between us, Benedict. Before everything changes, I would like to resolve it. I want to be with you.”
    “Vivien,” he whispered. “Why now?”
    She was silent for so long that he thought she might not answer. Then she looked him in the eyes. “Why not?”
    But as he stared into the blue depths of her gaze, he saw something deep within that he thought she did not mean to share. A secret, a hesitation, something she was not saying.
    And fear was there too. Fear which wasn’t like her.
    She reached out and squeezed his arm. He felt her touch crash though him like lightning and he almost recoiled from its power.
    “Don’t decide this very moment,” she insisted. “I will wait for you tonight