Page 36 of Pursuing Lord Pascal
Sally made a sweeping gesture. “No. Just inexperienced in the ways of the world. Pascal is eating his heart out for you.”
“I’m not sure his heart is involved.”
Sally’s smile was arch. “Other parts of him certainly are. The man’s turning into a complete wreck. I started out enjoying the sight of him topsy-turvy over a woman. After all, he’s had enough ladies sighing over him. Now I can’t help feeling sorryfor him. If you want him, take him. If you don’t, set the poor fellow loose.”
It might reflect badly on her character, but Amy couldn’t help relishing the thought of gorgeous Gervaise Dacre sick with desire for her humble self. She sucked in a breath and stiffened her backbone as she summoned all her courage. Perhaps it was time to dare.
Her voice emerged with unexpected steadiness. “I want him, all right.”
Sally’s smile was broad and approving. “In that case, do something about it.”
Chapter Ten
Pascal mounted the shallow steps to Sally Norwood’s door two at a time and brought down the knocker with a resounding crash. The butler opened the door and regarded him impassively. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Lady Mowbray has asked to see me.”
“Her ladyship is in the garden. Allow me to show you the way.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll find her.”
Ignoring the butler’s disapproval, he strode past the man and through Sally’s elegant house, until he reached the morning room with its doors open on the garden. April was the usual mixture of showers and sunshine—today was like the start of summer.
Or perhaps that was just how he felt this morning.
“I believe she’s sitting beside the fountain, my lord.” The butler had moved at a fair clip to keep pace.
“Thank you.” He flashed the man a smile and ran outside and down the path. He’d been to parties here and headed unerringly for the secluded corner where a mossy stone cupid held a dolphin amid the play of waters.
“Pascal.” Amy’s joyous expression as she stood echoed the happiness exploding like fireworks in his heart. He strode up to her, boots crunching on the gravel, and caught her by the shoulders.
“Is it yes?”
Her eyes sparkled with indomitable spirit. “It’s yes.”
“My darling,” he breathed, dragging her into his body for a kiss so hot it threatened to blast him to ash.
Too soon, she pulled free with a shaky laugh. “You gathered a lot from three words.”
He kissed her again, quickly this time. He wanted to kiss her over and over again, until she was panting and trembling. Then he wanted to tumble her onto the grass, and toss her skirts up, and join her on a voyage to paradise.
But he maintained a shred of sense. And thank every angel in heaven, he’d have a chance to answer every fantasy. Soon.
The second sweetest word in the English language after “yes.”
He cradled her head between his hands and studied her piquant face. At last the distance was gone. She looked flushed and delightfully ruffled. “When the three words are ‘come to me,’ I had an inkling what you meant. I’ve passed the test?”
The misty softness in her smile was new. His Amy was inclined to regard him with a skeptical eye. He applauded the change. It made him feel like a king.
“You have. I realized that I no longer doubted you. I was just frightened. That’s no acceptable reason to avoid something.”
He leaned forward and kissed her again. It was a mere three weeks since he’d kissed her, but it felt like three years. “So you’re going to take me like a tonic for the good of your health?”
“Perhaps that’s what you are.”
His laugh was fond. That poignant tenderness was more powerful than ever. During the interminable delay, it had proven an awkward companion. “I promise by the time I’m finished with you, you’ll feel much better.”
“Wicked fellow.” She linked her hands behind his neck.
