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Startled, he asked, “Why not?”
She shifted and looked away uncomfortably.
“Please do not say it’s because of a so-called fear of the outdoors.”
“I’m not afraid!” she snapped, immediately insulted though she knew he was right. Her protest was because the thought of him discovering her phobia would cause him to think less of her.
“Then let us retire to the gardens.”
“There is no need for that,” she quickly disagreed. “The settee is a far more comfortable reading nook.”
He stared at her for a long uncomfortable moment until he relented and said, “As you wish.”
Evelina watched him as he opened his book beneath his nose. Biting her bottom lip, she prodded, “Shall we exchange books then?”
He glanced up. “As I said, I have not yet finished reading it.”
She frowned. “But you also said you were not enjoying it.”
“You would have me give up so quickly?” he asked softly, silently insinuating a double meaning to his words.
She raised her gaze and their eyes locked.
Though his words held one meaning, the knowing look in his eyes spoke another.
“Fine. Take all the time you want.”
He smirked. “I have a feeling it might take me longer than I anticipated.”
Again, he had that perceptive glint to his eye that hinted at a different meaning altogether.
Evelina decided to ignore it. “Then may I suggest a shorter book next time?”
He laughed and the sound of it caught Evelina off guard. She rather liked how robust and genuine it sounded. Along with the sparkle in his eye as he looked down at her with mirth.
“I believe you would have me reading dime novels instead.”
She shrugged. “Perhaps they are more suitable to your reading tastes.”
“Or my reading level?” He sounded sincerely insulted.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She shot him a disapproving glare. “I’ve enjoyed my share of them. They are a fun, fast read. Unlike Evelina. I just thought you would prefer something quick and exciting.”
He searched her face as if deciding whether she was sincere or not, then sighed and shook his head, turning away. “You continually shock me.”
“How’s that?”
“I would have thought your reading preference was restricted to only great literary works of fiction.”
She shrugged. “I read for both intellectual and entertainment purposes.”
The warm smile he suddenly offered caused her to take a sharp intake of breath as if she had been struck in the stomach.
“Duly noted.”
Her bewildering response to his smile took longer than anticipated to become unruffled. She blinked several times and was glad he had turned back to his book missing her dazed reaction. Evelina didn’t think it was possible for a man, nay a person, to possess such a breathtaking smile.
Chapter 5
