“I don’t want another. I’m not sure I want one at all.”
“Maeve, if there’s somethin’ you want to say, ’tis best you just spit it out,” Sean advised sternly, straightening in his chair and releasing her hands.
Immediately, she noticed a small spark in his eyes that had been missing a moment ago. The responding tightening in her tummy surprised her, but she continued.
“I don’t know if I can marry you, O’Malley.”
Chapter Nine
“What game are you playin’ at now?” he scowled, leaning forward.
“’Tis no game, Sean,” she insisted.
“I think ’tis definitely that. One you’ve been playin’ with me for months now. Do you think I’m so easily fooled, lass?” he laughed. “I’ve been wonderin’ how long t’would last.”
Maeve paled.
“Aye, I’ve known what you were up to from the moment I stepped off the plane and you met me wearin’ that hideous outfit and offered me your cheek. A leopard doesn’t change it’s spots, my girl,” he pointed out, cutting a piece of his steak and putting it in his mouth.
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talkin’ about,” Maeve sniffed, tilting up her chin.
“Ah, see that’s what I mean,” he said, pointing at her with his fork. “I wish you could see yourself with your eyes flashin’, cheeks blushin’ and that arrogant toss of your head.”
“You are full of crap!”
“I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed watchin’ you. At times you were so demure and sweet, I began to doubt my own mind.”
“I’m ready to leave,” she croaked out, standing.
“I’m not. Sit down and eat your supper,” he ordered calmly but firmly as he narrowed his eyes.
Maeve remained standing.
“If you think I won’t pull you over my knees and spank you till you’re howlin’ like the proverbial banshee right here, right now, you better think again, love.”
Maeve glanced around the crowded restaurant and sank back onto her seat.
“What do you want from me, O’Malley?” she asked, holding her head in her hands. “Why do you insist on goin’ through with this when we’re so obviously unsuited?”
“Because I know we’re right for each other?”
“How? How do you know? You’ve had nothin’ but criticism for me since I was fifteen,” she snapped, raising her head and glaring at him.
“That wasn’t so much criticism as advice,” Sean defended himself. “I just didn’t want to see you get into trouble or end up hurt. I was lookin’ out for you, tryin’ to prevent you from makin’ mistakes that couldn’t be undone.”
“Makin’ mistakes is part of growin’ up,” she insisted. “It builds character.”
“Let’s hope you’re right,” Sean said with a grin, “because you’ve made a big one thinkin’ you could get away with these shenanigans of yours. I love you, Maeve,” he said turning serious. “And that means I love all the parts of you. I love your spirt and sass, your insightful and curious mind, and your sweet little body whether you’re movin’ with grace or stumbling away from me after smackin’ me with your shoes. Don’t you understand that?
“Seein’ this other side of you where you were accommodatin’, gentle and soft didn’t kill my feelin’s for you, it only made them stronger. I’m sorry if you’re disappointed. I’ll never release youfrom your commitment to me, darlin’, not while there’s still breath in my body.”
Maeve’s shoulders slumped and a tear slid down her cheek.
“So what are you goin’ to do to me?” she whispered, brushing it away.
For a moment Sean almost weakened. It near broke his heart to see her so downhearted, but he knew what he must do.
“Two things,” he replied. “First I’m goin’ to prove to you I’m not a man who’ll tolerate lyin’ and deception,” he began, pausing for a moment when she gasped and tightened her hands on the edge of the table. “Then I’m goin’ to show you exactly why you’ll love bein’ my bride,” he promised, staring into her eyes.
