Page 39 of Tempting the Highland Spy
He cocked a brow. “And you do not?”
“Believe it or not, I share his confidence. I do hope you will not prove our faith misguided.”
His smile faded, replaced by a far more contemplative expression as he rose and went to the door. “I won’t let you down. You know that. Now, go back to your chamber and get some more sleep. We’ll need to have our wits about us today.”
“Quite so,” she said. “If all goes according to plan, Miss Winters will have her chance to put her skills to good use.”
Returning to her chamber, Mrs. Carmichael quietly closed the door behind her. Perched on the side of the mattress, Grace reached for the sash of her robe and snugged it a wee bit tighter.
Harrison appeared to spot the movement. He responded with a slow shake of his head. “You’ve no cause for concern, Grace. I’ve no intention of using this situation to my advantage.”
“I’m not worried. After all, I do know how to take care of myself.”
His mouth thinned, a rueful slash. “If that were the case, neither of us would be here.”
“You did not have to do this.”
He studied her for the span of several heartbeats. A muscle in his jaw ticked, as if a retort perched on the tip of his tongue. His eyes darkened to a mossy green as he plowed his fingers through his hair.
“You’re wrong, Grace.”
“Then tell me why—why did you take this upon yourself? Mr. Jones was capable of carrying out this mission.”
“I have my reasons, just as you do.” He came to her. Reaching out, he tipped up her chin with his fingertip. His expression was thoughtful, yet thoroughly unreadable. Gently, he traced the line of her jaw with the pad of his thumb as his eyes met hers.
Her heart stuttered.
Would he kiss her?
And what would she do if he did?
Something not quite a smile tugged at his full mouth. “Try to rest. You rather resemble a raccoon with those dark circles under your eyes.”
Ooooh! Thatwas certainly not what she’d expected. To think she’d anticipated a tender caress! If she had a grain of sense left in her head, she would thank her lucky stars he hadnotkissed her. There was no place in this mission for emotions that would only complicate matters. But still, his unsolicited critique of her weary features stung just a bit.
“An excellent suggestion,” she replied coolly. “And might I suggest you do something with your hair before we face the world today? A sparrow might well confuse it with her nest.”
“I shall endeavor to do precisely that,” he said as he returned to the chair.
She slipped out of the dressing gown and scooted back into the bed, easing back toward the headboard. With one quick motion, she tugged the covers to her chin. “Do you intend to sleep in that chair?”
His brows hiked. “Would you rather I joined you?”
She drew in a breath, composing her thoughts. “As Mrs. Carmichael has taken pains to remind me, we are supposed to be newlyweds.”
A hint of wicked humor gleamed in his eyes. “As such, do you believe I should be ravishing you rather than sleeping?”
Good heavens, she hadn’t expectedthat, either. Did the man intend to provoke her?
She swallowed against the small lump in her throat. “Mrs. Carmichael is within earshot. I feel confident there will be no ravishing taking place.”
A grin played on his mouth. “And if she wasn’t?”
“I have convinced myself that you are a gentleman.”
His forehead furrowed. “Am I to understand you equategentlemanwitheunuch?”
Oh, good heavens! Has this man been put on the planet to confound me?
