Chapter Thirty-Four
Mac awoke to the sensation of silky tresses tickling his nose. Coiling a lock of Rose’s long, copper-tinged waves around one finger, he smiled to himself as she sighed in her sleep and nestled against him. Her warm, supple curves molded to his body. How had he gotten so blasted lucky?
She stirred, and her lids fluttered open. A hint of a smile curved her lips.
He drew her closer. “Good morning, love.”
“Good morning.” Her voice was soft and drowsy and bloody enchanting.
“I trust you slept well.”
“The best dreams I’ve had in a very long time,” she whispered.
Drinking in the soft scent of lemons in her hair, he kissed her again. “If I had my way, you’d awaken in my arms every morning.”
Her eyes widened, and he felt her limbs tense. “Such a lovely dream that would be.”
“It doesn’t have to be a dream, lass.”
“Very well,” she said. “A fantasy.”
“This is not a fantasy, Rose.”
“In a sense, it is. Rather like a delightful tale of old.” She veiled her eyes with her thick, smoky lashes. “Long-lost lovers, reunited. Pity there’s no happily-ever-after in sight.”
“Darling, we will build our own future. Together.”
She sighed, a soft, rueful sound. “We each have our own path. It’s too late to change course now.”
“And why might that be?” His gut clenched. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”
Her eyes widened as she met his gaze. “You’re asking me if there is someone else?”
“Well—is there? A man sitting in some drab building in New York, awaiting your return?”
Her delicate brows quirked. “I’ll have you know The Painted Lily is far from drab. Why, the glass alone cost me a veritable fortune.”
“It could be the blasted Taj Mahal of Manhattan—it’s the man impatiently waiting for you to come home who concerns me.”
“Why would you assume he’d be impatient?”
“If you were mine, I’d be bloody impatient for you to return to me.”
“MacAllister, I belong to no man.”
“You haven’t married?”
Rolling onto her elbow, she shot him a glare. “Do you think I would be here—in your bed—if I were a married woman?”
“There are certain arrangements, marriages of convenience, if you will.” The way she looked at him made him feel like an utter arse. “I had to eliminate the possibility.”
“I am a bit taken aback by your question.” She folded her arms over her chest, her chin jutting out as she appeared to mull her next words. “I will tell you this—there is no other man in my life.”
“In that case, there is no barrier to our future.”
She pushed herself up, leaning against the brass headboard. “Other than an ocean and two very different lives.” She sighed again. “Besides, I’ve no intention of being any man’s mistress—not even yours.”
“Mistress?” Slipping out from under the covers, he wrapped a length of plaid around his body and went to the chair where his waistcoat hung haphazardly over the back.
He retrieved a small pouch from his vest pocket and removed the gold and diamond band.
“What are you doing?” Her voice grew hushed as she seemed to read his intention.
“Isn’t it obvious?” He sat on the edge of the bed. “I’d intended to ask this question in a more romantic circumstance. But I can think of no better time than now to tell you what is in my heart. I love you, my sweet Rose. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Oh dear.” Her lips thinned to a seam.
He studied her face. “That is not the reaction I was hoping for.”
Her slender legs slipped over the side of the bed, and she tucked a blanket around her body.
“Please, MacAllister—I need time. This is so very sudden.”
“I’ll give you all the time you need, Rose. But tell me you will consider my proposal.”
“Of course.” She nodded softly. “But you must understand—I cannot make any promises.”
The expression in her eyes was like a punch to the gut he hadn’t seen coming. Like a fool, he’d assumed she’d blithely accept his proposal.
He had to know what was in her heart. Even if the truth cut like a dull blade.
He caught her hand in his. “Tell me the truth, Rose. Do you love me?”
“I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.” Her eyes were warmed by emotion.
“Then say ‘yes.’ Tell me you’ll be mine until the end of our days.”
“Darling, I cannot. You see, I’d anticipated one perfect night.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “Nothing more.”