She doesn't have time to answer before he's kissing her again. It's just as well; it's easier to speak this way, even given the still lingering tension in her kiss, the reservedness that wasn't there the night before.

Her hands travel back up his forearms, seeking the friction to distract herself from his touch at her silk blouse. There's a short row of hooks at the back of her bustle skirt he'll be sure to find, carrying on along this path.

Kate pulls back suddenly. The walls and floorboards are creaking, accompanying the sound of footsteps down the hall. She angles her face slightly toward his door until the sounds pass.