She studied him carefully. He was always hard to read, and on this occasion, when she really needed to understand his purpose, he was looking distinctly impenetrable.
“It’s always a pleasure.” She paused but he didn’t speak so she went on. “Especially in these particular circumstances.”
“Circumstances that you brought upon yourself despite my best efforts to protect you.”
She raised her chin. Ah, it was to be a fight, then? So be it. “Yes, it was entirely my fault. If you came here for another apology, I am more than willing to offer you one.”
“As you well know, the only person who needs to apologize is me. I lost my temper.”
She nodded. “Quite understandably considering the circumstances.”
A slight frown appeared between his brows. “Will you stop being so damned agreeable?”
“I am merely agreeing that you are right, sir. I thought all men liked that.”
“I’m not bloody Hector.”
“I am well aware of that.” Carenza smiled sweetly as he set his jaw. “Is something amiss? You look as if you wish to lose your temper again.”
He let out a slow breath. “You are the most infuriating woman I have ever met.”
“I think I am offended. Surely Lady Brenton is far worse than me?”
“But I’m not in love with her.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She curtsied as a strange giddy relief coursed through her. “Have we finished apologizing to each other? If so, I have some embroidery to complete.”
She half turned to the door, but he caught her elbow and spun her around until she was plastered against his chest. She raised her head to look at him and went still.
“Finally,” he said. “I have been waiting for you to stop talking.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you, and I want you, and I can’t imagine my life without you.”
“Oh.”
“Is that all you have to say to me?”
“You just told me to stop talking,” she reminded him. “And to be truthful, I’d much rather be kissing you.”
“They’ll be none of that unless you agree to marry me.”
Was there a tremor in his voice? She looked at him closely and saw herself reflected in his cool-blue gaze.
“You haven’t actually asked me.”
“I asked you weeks ago!” He was back to scowling again, which delighted her enormously.
“We both know that was a joke.”
The arm around her waist tightened. “It damn well was not. I meant every word.”
She cupped his chin so that he had to look at her. “But now I am truly ruined.”
“So what?”
“Julian …”
