“I, uh . . .” Eve swallowed. “My grandfather disowned him, and Dad swore he’d never come back to Scotland as long as the man lived.”
Darius paused. “What did your father do that made your grandfather so angry?”
“He refused to let his father run his life. Anytime he’s mentioned my grandfather, I’ve been worried my Dad would have a stroke.”
“That must be uncomfortable.” He started playing with the sash again.
“Very,” she said, hating that her breathlessness was giving her away.
“Eve.” The way he said her name made goosebumps appear on top of her goosebumps.
“What?” she whispered as his face came closer to her.
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”
Eve shook her head.
“No, I’m serious.” He’d dropped her sash and covered her hand with his.
“I’m sorry, but you can’t do this to me again.” She steeled herself against his hurt expression. “Remember, you’re the one who kissed me and then didn’t talk to me for twelve freaking years.”
“You’re right. I was a cowardly fool, and I’ve regretted not saying something.Anything.” Darius shifted in his seat so he could see her better. “I was afraid, Eve, scared that I’d ruined everything between us. I’d spend all night thinking about what to say, but then I’d see you, and I couldn’t make up my mind. Go for it or try to return to just being friends? I wanted to go for it, but I was afraid I’d lose you.”
“Which you did anyway,” she said, her voice soft.
“Which I did anyway. Like I said, I was a coward, young and stupid. I thought I’d have time. Once I’d heard you had a boyfriend, I knew I’d blown it for good. You’d moved on, and I didn’t know how to fix the friendship. I’ve regretted it ever since.”
Eve stared at his sincere and vulnerable face. From his cool expression at the meeting last month, she’d never have imagined he felt like this.
“Why are you telling me this now?” she asked.
“Because I feel like we’ve been given a second chance, and I’m determined not to let this one slip by. Don’t you feel it? Please don’t tell me it’s just me.”
Her cheeks went warm, but she forced herself to continue to meet his gaze. For years she’d wondered if the chemistry between them could possibly still be there. It was. In spades.
“Yes, but there’s more to relationships than attraction.”
“I agree. Don’t you still feel that between us too? I’ve never known anyone who I’ve connected with like I have you.”
“Oh, Darius.” Eve didn’t know what to say, to do. This was just what she’d been wanting but denying.
“Please give us a chance.”
Something shifted in the connection between them, a powerful surge of affirmation, a sense of rightness.
“All right.”
“I’d really like to kiss you right now,” he said, his voice husky.
A favorite phrase of her father’s leapt to her mind, and she said the words aloud.
“Whit's fur ye’ll no go past ye.”
Darius stared at her, a confused crease between his brows.
“It essentially means que será, será.”
“Whatever will be, will be.” Smiling now, Darius gently cupped her chin.
