Page 27 of Moonstone Angel
“How else is it done? I’ve never actually courted anyone before. Lady Yvonne is the closest I’ve come to it, and I was quite halfhearted about wooing her. She encouraged her suitors to inundate her with expensive gifts to win her favor.”
“Because she is wicked and evil and cares nothing for who you really are. Don’t give methingswhen all I want is you. Dukes really ought to be given lessons in proper courtship. It is for your own protection. Do you not see the difference between someone who asks only for your heart and someone who demands expensive gifts?”
“Of course, I do. But it is much easier to simply hand overthingsand not pieces of oneself.” He laughed, knowing he was goading her. “You’ve clenched your hands as though determined to punch me.”
Her expression softened. “I would never hurt you.”
“I know. Nor will I ever hurt you. You must trust me, Cara.” He did not take any of their conversation in jest. He loved her, but did he not need time to know it for certain? He was a duke, as she took pains to point out. She viewed his title as a wall between them and perhaps it was. The woman he chose to marry mattered not only to him but to all who worked his estates. His choice of wife would have far-reaching consequences, even on his standing in government.
But he did love her.
He had no doubt of it now that he’d kissed her and held her in his arms. Fire still flowed through him, and all he’d done was give her a kiss, a fairly chaste one at that.
He studied her as she was now studying him.
Marriage to Cara would never be dull or predictable. Not that he expected every day with her to be filled with chaos; he knew it would not be. It would be filled with love and happy moments. She would challenge him to be a better person, to make a difference in the lives of others just as his leadership had made a difference on the battlefield.
Since Cara did not hold back her feelings, he knew their coupling would be as passionate as her surrender to his first kiss. “Dry your eyes, Cara. We’ll talk more about this tomorrow.”
He took her hand and led her back to the steps where she’d left her shoes. “Are you certain you don’t want a diamond necklace?”
“Like the one I supposedly stole? I am going to kick you again.”
“Blast, I forgot about that completely. You know I did not mean it that way. I find it quite ironic that the one girl I would like to bathe in gemstones will have none of them. What good is my wealth if I cannot show it off to you?”
“Your arrogance is proof enough of the extent of your fortune.” She cast him an impudent smile, which eased his mind because he did not want her to be upset with him. They were both surprised and off stride over their feelings for each other, but that was something they could work out over time.
He gave a mock wince. “Ouch, you are kicking my arse again. Well, you let me know if you have a change of heart. My pockets are always open to you.”
She sank onto the bottom step and wiped the sand off her feet. “I won’t. Are you purposely trying to annoy me? I want your love, not your bank account.”
He wanted to kiss her again.
Was there ever a more perfect girl created for him?
Of course, his grandmother had known it probably from the first moment she met Cara.
He knelt beside her to assist her in donning her shoes. “How about apple tarts? Would a gift of those be more acceptable?”
She cast him another impudent smile, mirth shining in her eyes. “I can be bribed with those. But don’t you dare buy out the shop. Then everyone in town will be angry with both of us. One or two will be quite satisfactory.”
Lord, how was it possible he’d fallen so hard and fast for her?
But how could he not?
Cara truly was someone special.
And she had a gloriously kissable mouth; he’d thought so from the first. “Look at me, I am already on bended knee before you, Cara. Perhaps I ought to propose just to get it—”
“Don’t you dare!” She pushed him onto the sand and bounded up the steps.
Chapter Six
Rowan worried thathe would awake and realize yesterday had been a mistake, but he knew it wasn’t the moment he crept downstairs and caught a glimpse of Cara curled up in a little ball on the sofa.
He paused a moment to watch her sleep, but he did not wish to disturb her. He was on his way out for his early morning swim and would seek her out when he returned.
She was an angel.
