She did not deign to respond but folded her arms across her chest and watched him squirm. She enjoyed his discomfiture, for it put them on equal footing.
“Right.” He nodded. “And do not dare try to leave or I’ll come after you,” he muttered. He raised his hands as if to hold her in place, slowly backing away as he searched the room. Seeming to locate what he was looking for, he hastened over to his bedside table where there sat a fresh vase of flowers. Scooping up the lot, he shook the water droplets free and returned to her side.
“Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“You want this done right, I should get dressed,” he suggested with amusement.
She bit down on her lower lip to stifle her own sudden spurt of hysterical laughter. She nodded. “Perhaps tuck in your shirt.” She closed her eyes. A grunt and some rustling movements came from him.
“You can open them now. I give you fair warning, if you say no, I will toss you over my shoulder and carry you off to Gretna Green.”
“I understand.” She tried to look solemn, but her lips twitched at the low grumble. He had neatened his hair, which she regretted, for she found she rather liked him disheveled. He had tucked in his shirt and neatly buttoned it, but the sight of his bare feet was strangely comforting.
His eyes met hers, warm and his expression appropriately serious, all humor gone. He dropped onto one knee and clutched the flowers. “Lady Julia Chandler, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She let her eyes rove over his handsome features, breathing in the moment. He looked nervous, a bit expectant, and so very dear. She had waited too long.
“So will you? Marry me, that is.” He had waited long enough.
“Yes, yes, I will.” Exhaling, she was surprised at the lightness in her chest, as if a constricting band had released and something exploded inside of her.
He stood and grinned. Realizing he still held the makeshift bouquet, he thrust the flowers at her.
She frowned. Well, what had she expected from a loveless proposal? An Ode to Julia? Annoyed at herself, she reached for the bouquet, but Daniel snatched it away and tossed it onto the chair.
She wanted those flowers. They weren’t a declaration of undying love, but they were a sweet touch. She leaned over to reclaim them, but cried out as she was abruptly whisked off her feet.
He hoisted her into his arms and twirled her around and around, his laughter ringing in her ears.
She did not need the port, for her head spun without it.
He set her on her feet and his mouth captured hers in a deep, plundering kiss.
Heart hammering, pulse racing, she gasped as desire pulsed through her. His kiss was as powerful as all the others, stealing her breath, all thoughts in her head, and leaving her gasping for breath.
She gulped for air as his head lifted. Moments later, her eyes fluttered closed as his lips traveled down her neck, his hands lifting to fist in her hair.
“Good lord, I want you.” He pressed his face into the column of her neck and inhaled deeply. “What are you wearing?”
“Excuse me?” she breathed.
“Beneath your robe?” he whispered.
She hesitated and then, flushing a bright pink, she murmured. “It’s something Emily bought.”
“Can I see it?” His hand shot up. “Do not answer that. Not yet.” His eyes met hers and slowly, almost as if he waited for her to protest, he lifted a strand of her hair and watched it curl around his finger.
“You have beautiful hair. All these enticing curls with a life of their own. I have been dying to take it down and see it thus, ever since that day in the library. I thought of locking your father, Emily, Brett, Burke, and Petie in a closet, and stealing you away.”
She snorted at the ridiculous notion, masking her nerves. She was not prepared for Daniel’s heat, or the warmth seeping through her limbs as he continued in that husky voice.
“You do not believe me? I am serious.”
“It might be crowded.”
“I believe they would fit, provided I secure the good Mr. Tanner in his own closet. With them locked away, I would pull out each pin, run my fingers through every curl.” He drew the strand straight, released it, and watched in fascination as it sprang back into a tight curl. His voice dropped to a growl that had gooseflesh rising across her body.
“Let me love you, Julia. I want to touch you as I have longed to do. We are engaged now, Julia, and as your betrothed, I would like to pleasure my fiancée.”
Dazed, she had to swallow as she tipped her cheek into his palm. His words enflamed, weaving a seductive spell around her.
He slid his arms around her waist and drew her to him. Her eyes widened at the press of his hard chest. “I want to touch you and have you touch me.”