He didn’t expect the blood to drain out of her face like it did. Nor did he expect a frown. “I never wanted to be a wife… I’ve seen how my sisters live. And I can’t… I need—”
“The theater?” he guessed. “Don’t think of me as Ashwood’s son. Remember who I really am.”
She tilted her head. “Mr. Dodd.” There it was—that smile he’d grown to love. “Carter.”
And then she dipped her chin, a movement so small that he barely caught it.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Yes. But… If not for all those reasons you mentioned, then why?”
“Because…” Carter felt a burning in his nose, a stinging in his eyes. Why? “Because I’ve never felt this way for anyone but you.”
“Felt what way?” she persisted.
Blast and damn, he loved this woman.
He loved the way she seemed to read his mind sometimes, her laughter, her keen mind… not to mention the little sounds she made when he kissed her, or the way she ran her fingers through his hair.
“I’ve only known you a few weeks, but… I think…” Carter rubbed his chin. “I think I love you.”
And this woman—this vexing and beautiful woman—laughed.
“It cannot be this easy!”
Averse to waiting a second longer, Carter reclaimed his seat and pulled her into his arms. “Is it?”
A cauldron of bewildering emotion rained down on him.
He was holding her. She wasn’t going anywhere. And yet… Her father was the Duke of Marbury. Carter buried his face between her neck and shoulder. “Is it what you want?”
Her arms wrapped around him. “I want you,” she said. “And I want the theater. Do we really get both?”
Carter lifted his head. “I think so.”
And then she looked fierce. “I almost don’t want to tell them.”
“They’re going to gloat,” he agreed.
“They’ll never let us hear the end of it.” She rolled her lips together. “And we cannot abide by that.”
Carter chuckled at the look in her eyes and then suggested… “It wouldn’t hurt them to wait…” Even if it hurt him.
“You could tell them I’ve agreed to allow you to court me.”
Carter cradled her face in his hands. “In case you change your mind.” But the words came out sounding like a growl.
“I won’t.”
“How do you know that?” He’d never considered himself good husband material. Given a few months to really get to know him, he could hardly blame her for wanting someone who was more dignified, more gracious and noble.
“Because I didn’t want to fall in love.” Her eyes turned serious. “But I did anyway.”
Carter inhaled and a giant weight lifted off him.
“It’s why I left the note,” she added. “I couldn’t watch you lose everything you’ve worked for.”
“Just so long as I never lose you.” His voice broke.
