The cold look in Jemina’s eyes let him know he stood on the verge of failure. “I think we should return to dinner, Lord Ashbrook.”
“Dinner has no appeal. I’m hungry for nothing but you. Tell me you don’t feel the same.”
She didn’t agree, but she hadn’t stormed away either. She was a breath away, smoothing her bodice.
Maybe there was a chance to fix whatever he’d gotten wrong.
“Perhaps you need reassurance of my intentions. I’ve thought about this, about you. If thetonhas convicted us as lovers, we should be guilty.”
“Ashbrook—”
“Let me say this better. I think I adore you, but you’re wild. You’re not ready to be shackled down. You’re still learning who you are.”
Her eyes widened, and he decided it was better to keep her moving as he explained his plans. He took her hand and waltzed her around the patio.
“I’ve been looking at property. I found a town house at the start of Finchely Road. It’s halfway between your residence at Sandlin and mine.”
“You bought another house? Something closer to aid in surveillance?”
“Such a sense of humor, you have.” Daniel dipped his head and kissed her brow. “We could be discreet, if that is your concern. We’d meet in the afternoons. A beautiful, convenient solution that is amenable for two consenting adults who are set against marriage.”
He nuzzled her neck. “Goodness, you smell nice.”
“Jasmine is in my lotion, I think.”
“Wonderful.” He brushed his lips to her cheek. “I love this fragrance.”
“You thought of this plan, to find a love nest, a temporary love nest?”
The squeak in her voice didn’t sound like passion.
“We need a place that’s discreet. Somewhere we can become better acquainted. We can be everything to each other—better friends, lovers, everything.”
“You’ve actually contemplated this and came up with this argument to sway me, all by yourself?”
Of course, but it was Bridgetower’s idea of buying a town house nearby, but he’d keep that to himself. He twirled Jemina around. “Tell me what I should say. Tell me how to win you.”
Her silence didn’t indicate she was in agreement. Her irises seemed small, but the blush on her cheeks looked of rapture.
He kissed each hand. “A man in my position, a man of the world, secures the comfort for those in his care. Then when all is done, he thinks of his own needs. I’m tired of mourning. I’ve wanted a mistress, but no one has captured my interest. You have. I want you.”
“I can’t recall ever receiving such an offer.” She patted away his fingers. “Lord Ashbrook, I must decline.”
Panic filled his chest. Daniel wiped at his mouth. “I must be doing this all wrong. Let me change your mind. I’ll send you flowers every day. I’ll ply you shameless with paints and canvases, even pomegranates, everything I know you like. Please reconsider or at least think on it.”
She shook her head. “You truly shouldn’t listen to rumors.”
“The one of us filled with rapture rolling around on the floor. That one?”
“Rapture and moments pass, my lord. I’ve had too many things pass me.”
“We can have our moment, over and over again. Then when this affair cools, Jemina, we’ll return to our lives with wonderful memories. Is that your concern, committing to me too soon?”
“I don’t want to be the next Lady Lavinia. She has such wonderful memories of your moments she’s threatening perceived rivals.”
“What? She threatened you? I’m disappointed in her. I’ll make sure she never harms or bothers you. You’d never be like that.”
“Are you so certain? Just as certain that our passions won’t last?”
