Page 26 of Kiss Me, Macrae
He lowered his head toward her. He had to know she was looking for something, so why did it feel like he was opening himself to her?
Because he had nothing to hide.
An ache pressed outward from the center of her chest. A longing so deep she hadn’t known it existed. He drew it from her with his steady regard, his strength and humor and loyalty. With his roughened hands, the textured layers of his sinful voice, and the promises he’d made and kept.
She wanted him to kiss her.
“Ask me.”
The roughness and quiet depth of his voice caressed her skin. The weight and warmth of it rolled through her blood. And his lips looked so perfect. Masculine, firm, generous.
She wanted to. So badly she ached and trembled. But it wasn’t just about a kiss. It was about what came after.
He claimed he wanted to marry her.
She didn’t dare to believe him.
“I can’t.”
His brows lowered at her denial. Did he notice the choked sound of her voice? Could he guess how difficult it was to continue denying what she craved more than anything?
“Tell me why.”
In a burst of awareness, Allegra glanced about, suddenly recalling the fact that they were in a crowded ballroom. His hand on her back shifted subtly, his thumb brushing her bare skin in a soothing motion as he drew her closer in a protective reaction.
Her heart swelled. Meeting his gaze again, she said, “Not here.”
He nodded. Simple. Accepting.
Then he maneuvered them toward the balcony doors, a few of which had been opened to allow cooling winter air into the heated ballroom. Others hovered by the entrance, taking in the chill night without stepping outdoors. Breaking from the waltz, Macrae tucked her hand into the bend of his elbow as he led her past everyone and straight out onto the balcony.
The cold instantly embraced her, but it couldn’t dispel the heat of emotion rising inside her. They were several strides from the open doorway when he brought them to a stop. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw curious glances from those who had noticed their passing. They might be far enough that no one would hear their words, but everyone could still see them.
“Would ye rather continue ’til we’re oot of sight?”
She shook her head. “No need to give anyone reason to suspect impropriety.”
“These people’ve known me since I was a lad. They ken I wouldnae dishonor ye.”
She sighed. If only she could be as certain of the same.
“Allegra.” His voice was low and beautiful as he said her given name for the first time. “If I’m wrong about yer desire for me, tell me now.”
She could lie and say she felt nothing. But it wouldn’t do any good. And Allegra wasn’t a liar. “I desire you,” she replied in a thick whisper. “More than I can bear sometimes.”
His large hand gripped the balcony railing so hard she worried he’d try to tear a chunk of the stone away.
“And am I wrong in believin’ lust isnae the only thing ye feel for me?”
She took a ragged breath and met his glittering gaze. Her insides melted as the truth came out on a long exhale. “No. You’re right about that as well.”
The growl that rumbled in his chest made her belly tingle and twist in a deliciously wrenching way. He took a step toward her. “Then help me understand, lass.”
Allegra searched his handsome face, shadowed with concern and question.
She had left New York almost a year ago with the intention of putting the incident with Lucas completely behind her. Her disastrous mistake in trusting him had destroyed her reputation, her dream of working at her father’s firm, and, worst of all, her faith in her father’s esteem and fair judgement. But she’d never felt like she was running away.
From the day she’d withdrawn the money her mother had left her and loaded herself on a ship sailing to Europe, she’d felt like she was running toward something. She was going to travel and explore and live on her terms. Someday, she’d rebuild her portfolio and she’d earn a position at one of the great architecture firms of Europe. And if they wouldn’t have her, she’d start her own firm.