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“Excellent judgment on your part, lass.”
“Naturally, you would think so.”
He chuckled, and then started to bend down to kiss her again.
Kathleen pressed two fingers to his mouth. “Before I commence the seduction, I wish to tell you something. I promise it won’t take long, but it’s important.”
He kissed her fingers before curling his hand around hers and bringing it down to his chest. “Sweetheart, you can take as much time as you need. As eager as I am to be seduced, there is no need to rush or feel any pressure. Whatever you wish to do or not do is fine.”
It was a wonder she didn’t melt right at his feet. “You truly are the nicest man in the world.”
“As we have previously ascertained. Now, come along before you freeze your toes. Nothing is more fatal to lovemaking than chilblains.”
Before she could respond to that bit of silliness, he swept her up and carried her to the sofa.
“Feel free to sweep me off my feet, Mr. Kendrick,” she said rather breathlessly as he lowered her to the cushions.
He took up the fireplace poker and rearranged the logs before adding another one to the flames. “Can’t have you wandering about barefoot, lass.”
She stuck out one foot. “I’m not. These are woolen stockings, very sturdy and warm.”
Still, she was grateful for the heat now pouring out from the fireplace. She’d probably be even more grateful once they divested themselves of their clothing, which would likely happen sooner rather than later.
He joined her on the sofa, settling her under the crook of her arm. Kathleen snuggled against him with a happy sigh.
“Now, what did you wish to talk about?” he said. “The marriage settlements? I must warn you that I’m a skilled negotiator.”
She poked him. “You’re ridiculous. And since we both have quite a bit of money, that will hardly be necessary.”
“But I could be a nefarious fortune hunter. You have only my word that I’m not.”
“Your grandfather is right. You are a jinglebrains.”
“Yes, but I’m your jinglebrains, and that makes all the difference.”
“And here I was all these weeks, thinking you lacked a sense of humor.”
Keeping his arm draped over her shoulder, he turned a bit so he could look down at her. “You weren’t wrong. I’d completely forgotten how to have fun until you reminded me. I bless the day you came into my life, Kathleen Calvert.”
Since both his words and the tenderness in his gaze made her want to cry, she took herself in hand. “If what we’ve been going through the last several weeks is your idea of fun, you’re not just a jinglebrains. You’re a lunatic.”
Grant simply smiled and settled her back under his arm. “All right, lass, what is it you wish to tell me?”
“Well, I know I’ve been rather a pain lately—”
He cuddled her. “Never.”
“That’s very kind, but you know I’ve been a bear to you, and you didn’t deserve it.”
“To say we’ve all been under a great deal of pressure would be an understatement. I believe I’ve been growly once or twice, too.”
She craned her head back, looking at him with mock astonishment. “No, really?”
“Cheeky lass,” he said with a smile. “But I agree that we’ve had many challenges these last weeks. On top of everything going on around us, you also needed to make difficult decisions about your future. Believe me, love, I’m incredibly grateful for the sacrifice you’re willing to make.”
“But it’snota sacrifice, and I don’t want you thinking it is.”
His eyebrows ticked up. “I recall a conversation this afternoon that suggested otherwise.”
