Page 79 of Irresistible
“We’ll explain we wanted to view the garden,” he said smoothly as he guided her outside. “How many more pleasant nights will there be? Summer is nearly at an end.”
“I suppose that’s believable.” She still sounded reluctant. Or annoyed. Both, he realized.
“Youarestill angry with me. Don’t deny it again.”
She took her hand from his arm and turned to face him. “You really don’t understand why, do you?”
“Not entirely.” He clasped the underside of her elbow and ushered her to a bench beside a bed of late-blooming flowers. “Please explain it to me. I gather I said something wrong before we reached Lady Pickering’s.” He pulled her down to sit beside him.
She folded her arms over her chest. “You were very cavalier that day. You behaved as if you were the sole person responsible for what had transpired between us. You also made it seem as though you regretted it.”
He frowned. “I said I enjoyed it.”
She blew out a breath. “I despair for your future wife if you are this blockheaded. You said you shouldn’t have allowed it to happen, as if I had no say. Did you not once describe kissing as the meeting oftwodesires?”
“I did.” He inwardly flinched as he recalled saying that.
A righteous anger shone in her eyes. “You asked me if I wanted you to kiss me on the mouth. I did, along with everything that came after. I even told you I would be keen to do it again, which you promptly disdained.”
Now he understood. “Iama blockhead.”
She uncrossed her arms and angled herself toward him. “Yes!”
“Will you accept my apology? I have no experience in these matters.” Because he’d never felt this way about anyone, owing to the fact that he’d never allowed himself to. “I appreciate you telling me what I did wrong.”
“That’s…good. And surprising.”
“I misspoke that day. About many things.” Particularly the part where he’d declined to repeat their intimacy. Sitting here with her now, he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms, to lower his guard and bring her close.
She watched him warily. “Such as what?”
“Actually, it’s what I failed to say—that I would indeed be…amenable to another night like the one we shared.”
“Did you change your mind?”
“Not really. I was trying very hard to be a gentleman that day. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not terribly acceptable for a man to take a woman to his bed and not marry her.”
“But I didn’t expect that, nor do I want that.”
“I know. It’s just…I’ve never met anyone like you before. I’ve never met a woman who provoked such a visceral attraction in me. You are utterly irresistible, Jess.” He couldn’t stand another moment not touching her. Lifting his hand, he brushed at the soft brown curls cascading along her temple.
Her breath had grown rapid. “Shouldn’t we go up to the drawing room?”
“Soon.” He trailed his fingertip down her cheek to her jaw. “No one will care. It’s not as if your parents are here.”
“I’m not sure they would care. You’re an eligible bachelorandyou’re titled,” she said drily. “My mother would have probably shoved me out the door on your arm.”
Dougal laughed softly as he caressed the skin beneath her ear. “I am quite looking forward to meeting her.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he likely wouldn’t have cause to. He lowered his hand to his lap as disappointment curled through him. “I overheard your plan regarding Lord Gregory Blakemore. I know him, and he may not be as easily manipulated as you think. However, your acting abilities are such that I do believe you’ll be successful. I almost feel bad for him—he’s a good sort.”
The light from the lanterns on the patio danced across her features. “I’ve met him, and yes, he is. I’m confident he’ll find an eager and appreciative wife. I confess he was one of the least annoying gentlemen I’ve met over the years.”
“I shudder to think of how you might describe me.”
She cocked her head. “You’re rather changeable. At first, I would have said haughty. Then helpful and capable.” Her eyes narrowed briefly. “Then wrongheaded. I haven’t decided what you are tonight.”
“What can I do to ensure your charitable opinion?”
“You could kiss me again, but I daresay you won’t.” She was staring at his mouth with her lips parted, and he nearly surrendered.
