“Not one I wanted there a fraction as much as I wanted you.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “I still want you, you know.”
And instantly, just like that, the tension between them changed from contentious to something far more intimate and potent.
Kate froze. The light in Deverill’s eyes was a curious mixture of intensity, desire, and challenge—with a hint of tenderness.
Leaning toward her, he raised a finger to her cheek, lightly stroking. Something warm and heavy settled in the pit of her stomach. When his attentive gaze wandered over her face, Kate’s breath tangled in her throat. He was so disturbingly male. All her senses were alert to him, to the hypnotic intensity of his eyes.
Then he moved his thumb in a rotating caress that lingered at the corner of her lip, flooding her raw nerves in a warm bath of sensation.
“Does this trouble you…my touching you?”
“Yes…no.” “Trouble” was not at all the right word. Exhilarate, thrill, inflame—
“Then why is your heartbeat so wild?”
How did he know? Her heart had started racing as heat flared between them.
When Deverill cupped her chin in his hand, as if intending to kiss her, Kate could
only stare at his mouth and remember how wonderful it had felt on hers. Her tension increased, as did her longing.
He leaned even closer, his breath warming her lips, igniting sensual sparks in every nerve. Kate fought the urge to melt. It was deeply disconcerting, her instantaneous, wanton response to his touch. Profoundly unsettling, waiting for him to bring his mouth into contact with hers—
Before he could complete the action, she drew back abruptly, breaking the spell with a sharp inhalation. She desperately needed to maintain control, both over Deverill and herself.
“That is close enough, my lord. Now, if you don’t mind, I should like to review these possible candidates for your hand.”
When she took the list from him, Deverill relaxed against the back of the sofa. “I am all ears.”
Since he pressed her no further, Kate expected her tension to subside, yet she still felt unsettled and highly annoyed at herself. She was suffering a mental derangement, to be disappointed that Deverill hadn’t kissed her.
They spent the next several minutes discussing names, descriptions, and characteristics of each lady on her list. Kate began with the two who were on opposite ends of the scales, from the most forward—Miss Phoebe Armitage—to the shyest, Miss Kitty Smythe.
“Miss Armitage is likely to pursue you ruthlessly.”
“Then why did you include her?”
“Because she is related to the Duchess of Devonshire, and if you were to wed her, your acceptance in society would practically be assured. On the other hand, you will need to treat Miss Smythe with extreme gentleness. Lady Grace Middleton falls somewhere in between. Her father is an impoverished viscount, so she is looking to marry a fortune, but she has a kind heart.”
“And you will advise me on how to court them?” Deverill asked.
“Yes, but I told you, I would like time to consider the most effective ways. For now you need only become acquainted with each lady so you will be prepared for tonight.”
“I would rather hear your plan to turn me into an ideal suitor.”
Kate refused to be sidetracked. “Miss Emma Dodd is somewhat plain but has excellent breeding and a sharp wit that might appeal to you. Miss Eliza Rowe has impeccable manners and is welcomed everywhere, although I find her rather cold. Additionally, she is rumored to be on the verge of an engagement. Miss Ruth Osborne is soft-spoken and fits your requirements for ‘obedient’ and ‘biddable.’?”
“This list names six candidates. This morning you said you had identified seven.”
“Yes, but I am saving the best for last. She meets all my requirements, although not yours. If you tire of wooing the others, I will introduce you.”
“So tell me how you want to be wooed.”
Kate sent him a chastising look. “There is no reason to talk about me, Deverill. You know my goals for marriage are different from most young ladies. I want true love.”
“How do you define true love? I am curious.”
Her gaze narrowed on him. “You only want to roast me.”