A Little Bit Scandalous Page 0,58
himself another drink.
“I am fairly certain I know what you’re thinking,” she said. “You are no doubt concerned about me getting hurt, but I can assure you that won’t happen. I am not interested in a marriage proposal.” Especially after the one she’d received earlier that day. She knew she should look at him to see how he was taking her argument, but she was afraid to see his expression so she kept talking. “I desire to have a passionate affair. With you.”
He said nothing so she continued. “I believe that it is the very least you could do considering the fact I will never marry. It would be an act of kindness on your part. Generosity, if you will.” That was a terrible argument, even she knew that. She was surprised he hadn’t started laughing.
She ventured a glance at him. He leaned against the wall, glass in hand. His eyes watched her quizzically, but still he said nothing. “Could you say something? Anything? Your silence is causing me great distress at the moment, and I would greatly appreciate you alleviating my suspense.”
“You’re quite serious.”
“Of course I am.” She frowned. “I would not jest about such a thing.”
He downed his drink then set the glass aside. “Caroline,” he said, shaking his head. He walked the length of the room a few times.
“Are you considering my offer?” she asked hopefully.
He eyed her for a moment and she expected him to say yes and then he uttered, “No.” He motioned between them. “We cannot have an affair.”
He didn’t sound completely certain. Perhaps she could still persuade him. Still, she walked over to him and put her palm on his bare chest. “Roe, give me one good reason why we shouldn’t.” He could say it now and she’d have to accept it because she’d asked.
His eyes followed her hand as it moved up his torso. “You are an innocent.”
“That could be a moot point tomorrow.” She tilted her head to look up at his face.
He stepped away from her touch. “We are not married, nor do we intend to marry.”
“Are you trying to suggest that you’ve never participated in such an activity since you haven’t been married before? Or that only married people do such things? Roe, I might be an innocent, but I’m not a fool.”
“No, you know that is not what I’m saying.” His eyes narrowed slightly.
“I’d wager that some married people don’t like each other enough to enjoy one another in the marriage bed.” She could have sworn she saw him grin a bit—she was getting closer. “I’ve known plenty of married couples who don’t like each other at all, but we like each other. Don’t you enjoy my company, Roe?”
He met her gaze and didn’t look away. “You know that is not the point.”
“Then you don’t want me? You don’t desire me in that way?” It was a risk asking him that because if he didn’t and told her so, it would hurt. But then she’d know, one way or another, she’d know and perhaps that alone would make her forget about wanting Roe.
“That is not the point either.”
That was most assuredly not a denial, which meant he did desire her. He wanted her! Roe Grisham wanted her. “It would seem it is quite the point. If you cannot say you do not desire me, then there is no argument you can make for my proposition.”
“Is that what you think?”
She took a step closer to him. “It most certainly is. Admit it, Roe.” She ran a finger down the trail of hair at the center of his chest, all the way to the top of his trousers. Tonight he would be her lover. The thought sent lust surging through her body. She had worn the trousers in here thinking they would tantalize him, yet now she regretted not donning a dress since her breasts were bound beneath a strip of linen and they strained to be free, to be touched.
“Admit that you want me,” she said.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he clutched her to him and slanted his mouth across hers in a passionate kiss. His tongue swept through her mouth. She buried her hands in his hair and pressed her breasts against his chest.
He released a low moan—almost a growl—and his hands gripped her buttocks as he pulled her to him. He did like the trousers. She would have smiled, but she was kissing him back for all that she was worth.
“You have no idea how much I want