Page 50 of The Moonstone Pirate
Imogen appeared decidedly uncomfortable. “I will know when the time is right.”
Deandra stared at Draco and raised her eyebrows in silent urging.
This was laughable.
He knew what would happen if he kissed Imogen. Those moonstones would burst through the water and shine as bright as blazes. For all his talk of being careful and needing time toknow who was the perfect woman for him, there was not a doubt in his mind that he was looking straight at her.
Imogen.
His heart wanted Imogen.
It did not matter that he was sensible, cautious, and a deep thinker.
It did not matter that until setting eyes on a beautiful butterfly on the night of the masquerade ball, he had not given a thought to marriage. Indeed, his thoughts until that moment were concentrated on avoiding that obligation.
Then Imogen flitted into his life, her heart exposed and so easy to crush because she was such a trusting innocent.
It wasn’t even a full moon yet. He had no idea whether the tide was high or low.
None of it mattered.
Those moonstones would shine for him and Imogen if he kissed her now.
He whistled for Parrot to come to him, then bade farewell to Burness and his wife, asked his uncle if he needed anything—which he did not, since Burness had an endless supply of books available in his library—then frowned at Imogen and Deandra, and strode off.
Parrot barked at him as they stood on the front steps waiting for his horse to be brought around.
“What?” But he knew why his dog was annoyed with him.
He strode back through the house and onto the terrace, stopping beside Imogen, who now happened to be standing alone by the balustrade still staring at the moon glowing over the water. “Deandra was particularly irritating tonight,” he said.
She smiled at him. “I know.”
“But you were wonderful, and I should not have been so abrupt with you.”
“I did not take offense.”
“Still, it was not right. I’m sorry, Imogen. I am on edge these days.”
“I understand.”
He sighed. “I wish you would not be so understanding.”
She laughed lightly. “What should I be?”
“I don’t know. Irritated? Condescending? Wanting to berate me. Huff. Pout. But that is not you, I suppose. You are too sweet, and now I feel worse for being rude to you.”
“You can make it up to me by treating us all to supper at the Kestrel Inn tomorrow.”
“That is a given. I know you invited my family, but I was not going to let you pay for any of it. In fact, I have already advised Thaddius that all is to be charged to my account. Same for Mrs. Halsey’s tea shop.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, that is so. If you are with my family, I pay.”
“Ah, then I think Deandra and I must stop by the local jeweler’s shop,” she teased. “I saw some lovely Florentine glass earrings I have been meaning to purchase for myself. But as I shall be with Deandra, I will have the owner charge them to your account. What do you say to that?”
“It would be my pleasure.” He regarded her with all sincerity. “You deserve this token of my appreciation and far more.”
