Page 2 of The Lord's Compass
“Before what?” he asked, genuinely wanting to know. He had waited two years to learn what had caused her interest in him to suddenly turn to such disdain.
“You know very well to what I am referring.”
“Actually,” he retorted, “I do not. Are you ready to talk about our kiss yet or do you need another year or two?”
She whipped her head from one side to the other as though to make sure that no one could hear them, and Eric couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I doubt there is anyone within hearing distance. Whatareyou doing out here alone shooting arrows during a party, anyway?”
He knew how much she enjoyed archery, and while they had all participated in the sport yesterday, now was rather odd timing for it.
“I wanted to be alone.”
“You are not exactly dressed for shooting,” he said, using his words as an excuse to run his eyes up and down her body, appreciating her lean form and the strength in her arms.
“My attire is none of your concern. As it happens, I am surprised you would remember our… kiss. Is such an act not a frequent occurrence in your life?” she asked, raising a brow, but he could tell that she was interested in his answer – and slightly flustered at this turn of conversation, if the pinkish hue rising in her cheeks was any indication.
“I am not the rake you think I am.”
“No?”
“Not at all.”
“Then why does every woman who mentions your name do so with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye?” she asked, the hostility remaining.
“Because of my wit and charm,” he said, grinning again, as he loved teasing her.
“Mm-hmm.”
She turned in a swirl of silver skirts, picked up her quiver and walked over to the target, from which she plucked five arrows, all gathered near the center. At least now he had a better idea of where he was. How had he not recognized the course? He really must be more observant.
“Are you ready to return?” he asked, and, despite her height, she still had to tilt her head back to look up at him, her crystal blue eyes vibrant beneath her lashes.
Suddenly they blinked and looked around them before returning to his face.
“You are lost,” she said, the realization dawning, the first hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “You do not know how to return, do you?”
“Of course I do!” he said indignantly. “I own this place. At least, I did until recently.”
“And yet you cannot find your way back.” She let out a slight chuckle of glee.
“I can.”
“Prove it.”
“What?”
“Prove that you know how to return to the house,” she said, stepping closer to him.
“How do you suggest I do that?”
“Very simply. Lead us back,” she said, waving her arm forward. “I am ready to return.”
She lifted the quiver of arrows onto her back and slid the bow over her arm.
“I’ll carry those for you,” he said, holding his hands out.
“It’s fine.”
