Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(20)

“I am sure he trusts your judgement implicitly, Merry. You have never been one to follow foolish pursuits.”

She made a face. “There will be many who say the translation is a waste of time.”

“Why would that be?”

“Because it has already been done. Several times.”

“But none by a woman.”

“Precisely. And each translation is slightly different. Every person puts their own touch upon the story. I hope to put mine on it.”

“Well, I am certain you will do a wonderful job. I’m quite looking forward to reading it.”

Merry lifted a brow. “You? Read?”

He leaned back in the chair and shook his head with a grin. “You really do have me pegged for a dullard, do you not?”

“I know you read...”

“But I have never read Greek myths. Yes, that is true. But I should very much like to read what you’ve written, Merry. Get a glimpse inside that clever mind of yours.”

She could feel a blush rising in her cheeks. She was no simpleton, but it was different hearing such a compliment from a man like Harry.

“Why are you blushing, Merry?”

Holding a breath, she willed the heat to reside, then she took several more gulps of lemonade.

His lips quirked. “Anyone would think I had called you the most beautiful woman in the world. I only state the obvious—you are a clever woman. That is not something you are unaware of.”

She fought for a response that would end this line of conversation. She had nothing. “I’m not blushing.”

“I must need glasses then.”

“Perhaps you do.”

“You always did blush easily.” He put a finger to his lip. “I wonder if you would blush if I told you that not only are you clever, you are incredibly attractive.”

“Do not be ridiculous!”

“Ah, see the blush has increased.”

She slapped her hands over her cheeks. “Why do you always insist on riling me, Harry?”

“Because it is about time we stopped skirting around this.”

A lump formed in her throat.

“Around what?”

He cocked his head. “Do not play the fool, Merry.”

“I thought you came here to help me, not insult me.”

Standing, he strode over and sat next to her on the chaise. His nearness made her skin prickle. “The very last thing I intend to do is insult you.” His gaze searched hers and for the life of her she could not look away. “I know you feel this.” He lifted a hand and swept the back of his fingers across her cheek.

“I—” Blast him, his proximity was making thinking straight impossible. Her heart thrust against her chest, reminding her of how dangerous this was.

“Will you deny that you liked kissing me?”

That kiss. She almost hoped he’d forgotten it. She had certainly tried. But now he’d said the words, she was flooded with memories of heat and touch. Of being so wrapped up and lost in him that she never wanted him to release her.

“Harry...”

“Merry, you must realize I want to repeat that kiss.” He glanced down and took her hand in his, lifting her hand to his lips and brushing his mouth over her knuckles.

The gentle brush made her boneless, and entirely unable to tug away from him. She searched his gaze and peered at his lips. She looked for every inflection in his expression for some sign that he was teasing her but for once, his expression was entirely sincere.

“Do you deny that you wish to repeat it too?”

“It-it was just a kiss. A very pleasant one, yes, but...”

“No. No but. Kisses like that do not come around often, believe me.”

The reminder that Harry had probably kissed hundreds of women and she was merely another in a long line of them had her tugging her hand away. “I do not know what you want from me, Harry, but—”

“I want you.”

“Well, you cannot have me,” she blurted out, a slightly hysterical laugh threatening to burst through the words.

His lips curved. “You forget just how determined I am.”

“Harry, I am not a conquest! In fact, I thought we were friends.”

His smile widened. “Yes, that is true. You are not a conquest. And you are probably one of my very few female friends. Which is one of the many reasons we should be together.”

“Together?”

“Damn it, Merry, I am not trying to proposition you into some sordid affair. I want to be with you.”

“But-but you’re a rake. Why would you want me?”

“Because I love you.”

Time seemed to still. She fought for a response, but the words kept echoing through her mind, drowning out any logical thought.

“You cannot possibly. You are a rake. It is well known. You never remain with one woman for long.” A slightly hysterical laugh escaped her. “You must be fooling yourself.”

“Merry—” He took her hand again.

Merry whipped her head toward the sound of fast footsteps, shifting quickly to create a space between her and Harry. Bella appeared in the doorway, her face flushed. “Merry, quick, you must come now.”

Merry glanced between Harry and Bella. She shouldn’t have wanted to hear whatever he was going to say, but she did. More fool her. How many other women had been swayed by Harry’s honeyed words and teasing?