“Sorry,” she said automatically.
“Sorry for what exactly?” he asked, coming closer.
Charging closer, more like. She feared he might run her over.
“Sorry for doing exactly what I told you not to do? Sorry for letting your sisters leave early? Or sorry for lying to me? Or maybe you’re sorry that you came outside alone? Which is it, Pen, because I’m very, very curious?”
He stopped a hairsbreadth away from her. She rocked backward on the soles of her feet as the gush of wind he brought with him pushed her.
She stuttered, mostly from nerves. “I-I didn’t want t-to lie to you, and I’m s-sorry. But I wanted something else even more.” The corners of her mouth pulled up as her eyes softened.
His own expression changed to match hers. Apparently she had him at a loss for words. He made a gruff, noncommittal noise in response.
They were so close all she had to do was lean forward and they touched—so she did. Chest to chest, his heat warmed her, made her wish she could snuggle completely against him. Maybe she could. Tonight. Because she had a plan.
“So, does that mean you’re going to lie every time you want something?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Not at all. This appears to be an unusual case, don’t you agree? You refused to let me out of my bedroom, after all. I was going stir crazy. I think you could be a touch more understanding, Ryon. No offense, but I think you’d do a rather poor job of staying in bed for a whole three days too.”
His eyebrow twitched. “I would listen to the doctor’s orders.”
She scoffed in laughter. “Perhaps you’d try, but would you succeed? You’re so active now, I can’t help but think you’d find yourself out here in my shoes too.”
Her eyes sparkled with victory in sight.
But then he added, “I wouldn’t lie about it.”
Her mouth opened to protest, but he cut her off.
“And I wouldn’t come outside where I know my defenses are weaker.”
“I’m sorry. You’re absolutely correct. I shouldn’t be out here alone. But…” Her mouth slammed shut, eyes dipped into a glare. “I want you.”
Ryon blinked. She’d taken him by surprise—again. “Excuse me…what?”
Chest to chest, she stood up on her toes until she could kiss his chin. His delectable, square chin with a speckling of crisp beard growing in. “I said, I want you.” Her voice was husky and warm. Their eyes locked, then roamed each other’s faces studying every nuance.
“You took your bandage off,” he remarked. The statement sent her off-kilter.
“Y-yes, I did. I wanted you to see for yourself that it’s nothing but a row of stitches. We can be careful and…make love.” It came out nearly as a whisper.
He cupped her cheek and his head lowered. Her eyes closed, chin tipped up to await his kiss. And when it came, his mouth pressing against hers, she sighed into him. He caught her, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.
Soon, it wasn’t enough. She wanted to taste him, to fuse their mouth together and feel his naked strength pressed against her body. But, then he ended the kiss, far too early for her liking.
“What is it?” she asked.
She could see it in his eyes—he was going to tell her no. Panicking, she pressed her hips into his and found his erection: strong and hard. Stifling a groan, he grabbed hold of her hips, whether to pull her closer or not she didn’t know. He bit his lip and fought for calm.
“The doctor said not to do anything remotely vigorous until after three days. That’s not until after tomorrow, Pen. I’m sorry. You don’t know how badly I want to make love to you, but we have to wait until your neck is healed.”
Penelope straightened, thoroughly flustered at his denial and a touch upset at his refusal. “You’re telling me no?”
Sensing he was entering dangerous territory, he paused to consider. “I suppose what I’m saying is…not yet.”
A wild noise bent out of frustration tore from her throat as she pushed away from him and marched inside, head poised high. She turned at the last minute to tell him in a calm, even voice. “You can sleep on the couch.”
“Pen, you don’t—”
She slammed the door before he could finish. At the sound of his vicious curse, she grinned from ear to ear.
“I’m still marrying you, Pen!” he shouted.
“And I’m still accepting,” she whispered back.
Chapter 17
Five Days Later
“…forever.”
As the last word rang from Penelope Ward’s joyous face, a feeling of deep contentedness filled her. True happiness was at last in her life, and his name was Ryon. The only man who could challenge her to be a better person. He held her cheek cupped in his palm as he gazed deep into her eyes before the crowd at their wedding.