Page 105 of When a Lady Kisses a Scot
“Dull? I cannot imagine you would ever merit that description.”
His eyes flashed. “I fear you’ve cultivated a rather daring illusion of me. That’s what you love, Sophie. Not the academic with his blasted nose in a book.”
“I’ve seen the real you, Gavin. He’s the man I fell in love with.”
“Is he now?” He cocked a brow. “So, what is it you expect me to do? Fall on one knee, offer you my name, and plead with you to stay?”
She drew back. “Of course not. I did not anticipate a proposal of marriage. Not so very soon, in any case.”
“But you would expect one at some point, wouldn’t you?”
“Perhaps.” She gulped against the hurt and anger welling in her throat. “But I believe you’ve cured me of that notion.”
He cupped her chin in his fingers, tenderness infusing his touch. “You are so very beautiful, Sophie. I do love you. I won’t deny that. But I would not have you sacrifice your hopes and dreams for the likes of me.”
She broke away. “So, that’s it, then? You’ve framed this as an attempt at being noble, have you? Am I to believe you’re saying these things for my own good?”
“Believe what you want, Sophie.” A thin smile curved his mouth. “I know you well enough to feel confident you’ll come to your own conclusions.”
How very logical he sounded. How utterly matter-of-fact. Well then, that was that, wasn’t it?
Perhaps Gavin had done her a favor. He’d made the choice for her. Soon, she’d be walking on Egyptian sand, engaged in a grand adventure. That was what she truly wanted, wasn’t it?
If only her heart didn’t ache in protest. Bloody shame there was nothing to be done about it.
Had she truly been so daft as to believe he would profess an enduring love for her?
He’d wanted her in his arms. He’d wanted her in his bed. Was that his definition of love?
What a fool she’d been to confess what was in her heart.
Her pulse pounded in her ears, even as her heart threatened to splinter. She squared her shoulders, fortifying herself against the pain. Leaning closer, she kissed him, a sweet, lingering caress.
And then she stood and walked to the door.
“Good-bye, Gavin.”
My, that certainly didn’t go as I’d envisioned it.
Sophie plopped down upon the upholstered carriage seat and opened the window curtain. She’d no intention of hiding her face from passersby. It wasn’t as if she would shed a tear—certainly not over that infernal man.
How foolish she’d been to fall in love with Gavin Stanwyck.
She pulled in a breath to steady her pulse, then another. She’d made an utter fool of herself, blurting out her feelings with uncensored honesty. Gavin had made no secret of his aversion to commitment. What had she expected—touching, heartfelt vows?
She brushed at the corner of her eye, stifling any rebellious tears that might break past her armor.
In truth, it was just as well. At least he hadn’t strung it out, leading her to make a colossal mistake. Before long, she’d set off on the expedition of a lifetime. Someday, she might even encounter him in Egypt. She’d greet him with a proper smile and go on her way.
She would not make the mistake of giving him her heart. Never again.
Sophie, you must go. With scarcely a moment’s hesitation, he’d sent her on her way, urging her to accompany Professor Quinn on her expedition.
I would not have you sacrifice your hopes and dreams for the likes of me.
Conveniently noble words layered with ice.
But the look in his eyes had been anything but cold. He’d viewed her with the same warmth that had infused his touch—and the same passion.
