“Indeed you are, and that is precisely what got us into trouble in the first place.” She glared at him. “Hardly a reason to beg off when I knew you to be a scoundrel beforehand.”
“Say I wooed you with promises of love and then betrayed you with another. Everyone would believe it and sympathize with you.”
“Absolutely not.” Phoebe’s cheeks flamed scarlet as she glared at him. “You might as well get used to the arrangement, for I will not be begging off. I cannot.”
Graham’s face flushed and his fists clenched at his sides as anger surged through him. He could not believe she was being so unreasonable. He tried to change her mind, his words coming out in a jumble of frustration as he gestured wildly with his hands.
Her eyes blazed back at him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she refused to listen.
Graham stood there, his own heated stare meeting hers, feeling the tension rise between them. He would not be changing her mind this day. Defeated for the moment, he said, “Very well, madam. But mark my words, you will come to regret your decision.”
Thirteen
When Phoebe arrived at the ball, she had stormed into the ballroom, her fists clenched at her sides. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for Graham. But when she finally saw him, she froze. The man standing before her was not the same cold and distant Graham from yesterday. He wore a genuine smile, his hand outstretched to lead her onto the dance floor.
Throughout the evening, he was nothing but attentive and kind, constantly checking on her and making sure she had everything she needed.
As they twirled around the dance floor, Phoebe could not help but smile up at him, her heart fluttering with hope. Was this really happening? Had Graham finally come to accept their arrangement?
“Are you enjoying yourself, darling?” Graham asked.
“Indeed,” Phoebe replied. And it was true. She could scarcely recall the last time she’d had such a good time. Mother had planned the perfect evening. Everyone who was anyone attended, the ballroom was glistening beneath the light of a thousand candles, and potted ferns and floral arrangements mingled with the guest’s perfumes. The quartet played all of her favorite songs, and dinner had included her favorite dishes.
Most important of all, Graham treated her with tender regard. He seemed happy, and that gave her hope for their future, for she, too, was delighted.
He twirled her out, then brought her back into his arms, holding her scandalously close. “Have I told you that you are beautiful tonight?”
Phoebe’s cheeks warmed as she met his gaze. “You have not.”
“You are.” His eyes smoldered as he brought his mouth close to her ear. “Absolutely stunning.”
A pleasant shiver went through her, warming her blood as his breath fanned her ear.
“You sparkle like a diamond.” His hand rested against the small of her back, pressing her closer still.
Phoebe’s blood warmed to the point she feared the heat would incinerate her. She swallowed and closed her eyes, allowing the sensation of being in his embrace to flood her. Dare she let herself believe he’d changed his mind about wedding her? Or was he merely putting on a show for the party?
The music ended, and Graham stepped back. But he did not altogether release her. He tucked her hand around his elbow and then rested his hand on hers. “You look rather warm. Allow me to escort you onto the veranda?”
It had not truly been a question, for if it were, he would have allowed her to answer before sweeping her away. He did not. Nor did she protest as he led her across the crowded room and out into the cool night.
Phoebe drew in a breath of crisp night air, then looked up at the indigo sky. Millions of stars twinkled against the darkness. “It is a beautiful night,” she said.
“It pales compared to you.” Graham gave her a rakish smile as he led her down the stone steps. “I’d like to see the garden.”
“Oh.” Phoebe arched a brow. “Do you intend to ravish me?” Her cheeks burned with the question. She could scarcely imagine why she’d asked such a bold thing.
“Would you like me to?”
Her pulse sped at the realization that she very much wanted him to. In fact, she craved his touch. His kisses. When had she become such a perfect wanton? Unable to answer him, she laughed instead.
“I’ll take that as a no.” Graham led her down a cobbled path, past lit torches and various garden plants. He glanced at her, catching her gaze. “I thought we might steal a few moments for ourselves. Talk in private.”
Her heart squeezed, a trickle of panic setting her on edge. “Oh,” she said as they approached a marble garden bench.
She had the sickening notion he’d been acting all evening, and now he intended to broach the subject of breaking the engagement again.
Perhaps she could steer the conversation. “I have always found the night sky captivating.”
