His ethics were commendable. But she didn’t want ethics. Didn’t want nice. She wanted Malcolm’s lips on hers.
And naught would appease her.
“I promise ye ’tis no’ something I will regret.” She grasped his lapels and pulled him closer. “Now, afore Mary arrives, kiss me as I asked.”
His pupils blew wide at her words.
Mayhap she was being too forward. It was most unladylike, but when it came to Malcolm Kennedy, she could not help herself.
Losing his fight of self-control, Malcolm lowered his head and captured her lips in a searing kiss that had her toes curling in her walking slippers.
She clung to her shoulders for if she didn’t, she would surely lose her ability to stand. She savored the feel of him flush against her. Savored the taste of him. She wanted the kiss to last forever.
But much too quickly, Malcolm broke the kiss, straightening to full height, and yanked at his cravat as he cleared his throat.
“Lizzie.”
She loved when he called her by her name without the “Miss” in front of it.
“Ye are playing with fire, Lass.” He pulled her back onto the walking path just as Mary caught up to them. “The creeping ivyis lovely,” he stated, admirably trying to conceal the reason they were in the alcove in the first place.
Mary knotted her brows, but said naught.
They continued on their walk, keeping their voices low so as not to allow Mary to hear their conversation.
“I would verra much like to be greeted that way e’ery time we meet.”
He patted the hand she had resting in the crook of his elbow. “As much as I would like to fulfill your request, I dinna believe your father would be quite happy with that.” He winked at her and her knees nearly buckled.
“But, would ye like it?” she asked.
His gaze was serious as he looked at her. “I would, Lass. Verra much so.”
It was as if the good lord above had shined his very light upon her. Inside her chest, her heart swelled.
Gathering her courage once again, she pushed forward. “Ye could speak to Papa,” she suggested hopefully.
They came upon a bench set against a trellis wall of more creeping ivy and Malcolm pulled her over to sit upon it.
Mary stopped walking and held her distance, but still kept an eye on them. Lizzie was still amazed she hadn’t rushed forward when they’d disappeared into the alcove.
Malcolm’s brows furrowed, his lips pressed together as he appeared to mull over what he wanted to say.
She folded her hands on her lap and waited patiently. Is this when he called her a young lass with a head full of childhood dreams? Even though he said he wanted to kiss her every day didn’t mean that he would be willing to accept the commitment such a task would require. They hadn’t spoke of a courtship previously. Would they now?
“Tell me what your future looks like.”
The question was most unexpected. It was her turn to grow serious. Truth be told, she saw him in her future. Them building a home together. Raising a family together. Did she dare say as much? Her stomach clenched in a knot. Telling Malcolm that she wanted to be greeted by his kisses every day was one thing. But actually telling him that she wanted to build a life with him? That could be too much.
And the last thing she wanted to feel was his rejection.
But, she’d confessed so much already. Been so improperly forward already, why should she stop now?
A breeze swirled around them, blowing loose a tendril of hair that she swiped away and tucked behind her ear.
“If I am being honest, I see ye in my future. I think I have pictured it since the moment I first laid eyes upon ye. Afore ye found me in the viscountess’s chambers. I’m no’ sure if ye remember, but our eyes had met afore then.”
He nodded. “Aye, I remember. I remember seeing the most beautiful eyes I’d e’er had the pleasure to lay sight upon.”
Again, her stomach flip-flopped. She couldn’t stop the huge smile that spread across her face.
“I canna forget that moment.”
“Nor can I.” He smiled warmly. “With that being said, I believe the only thing that I can do from this point forward is to woo ye by courting ye. If ye’ll have me, of course.”
