His words were like a cold gust of wind on a summer day. “Me? Intimidating?”
He nodded and leaned against the shelf. “You always say what you think. It’s a rare gift among peers, and I like it.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. A compliment. She couldn’t remember the last time a gentleman paid her compliment that had nothing to do with her eyes or body.
The frown was back. “Have I embarrassed you?”
It was her time to smile. “A bit.”
“I’ll make amends.” His tone was grave, as if he were taking an oath. “You don’t like compliments.”
“It’s the first time a gentleman appreciates my tongue.” She realised too late her choice of words was poor indeed. Another heated flush ignited her cheeks. “I, I mean . . . my wittiness.”Shut up, Pearl.
The way he was trying to fight a smile pulling at his lips didn’t help. “That’s a shame, miss. I think you have a very sharp mind.” He walked over to her in his uneven gait and offered his arm. “May I escort you to the dining room? A repast will be served shortly.”
It wasn’t appropriate to be escorted by the lord of the house before having being formally welcomed in his mansion. But he was staring at her with tension, as if he were dreading her reply, and she couldn’t bear to say no. And she wanted to be escorted by him.
She slipped her hand over his arm. His body’s warmth seeped into her skin like a soft caress. Her breath caught.
Christopher’s throat worked as he swallowed. He was so close, she could see the tips of his long lashes entwining. His irises were so dark, the pupils weren’t visible.
“You’re doing it again,” she said.
“What?”
“Staring.”
A smile broke on his lips, and he gazed away. “My apologies.”
“Apologies accepted.”
