Page 52 of The Miracle of Love
“Eventually, your eyes will decide they have seen enough.”
“Doubtful.”
She ignored the comment. “They will naturally complete their evaluation of what my body looks like by filling in the missing information through logic and experience.”
“What would happen if you were to disrobe and show me your body? I am asking scientifically. Don’t bludgeon me, Grace. I’ve seen plenty of naked women. I know what your body ought to look like. In fact, I’m pretty sure I know exactly how it looks.”
“Obviously, you don’t or you would not still be looking. Your eyes have not yet satisfied themselves. That’s too bad because I am not going to undress for you.”
He emitted a light chuckle. “I have another question for you. There are plenty of attractive women crossing my path every day, fully clothed, but I do not dwell on them in this same way. What makes you different? Is it because you are my assignment?”
“Perhaps. But it may also be that I am among the few women who remain a potential partner for you. Even though you are stuck in your low brain assessment of me, a little of your high brain is also at work and has not yet ruled me out.”
“So, what happens next? If I must narrow my choice down to one, then how do I choose?”
She left his side to take out the book and place it beside her as she sat at the foot of the bed. “This is when your high brain takes over, the brain with the capacity to love. Do you want to know how this higher brain deciphers all the clues to select the right mate for you?”
He cast her a wry smile and followed her to the bed, stretching his large frame atop it. He clasped his hands behind his head and studied her with a feral gaze. “Yes, Grace. I do.”
She opened the book and pretended to study one of the chapters, but mostly she was trying to avoid looking at him.
He was so handsome.
“Um…this is where the five senses take over. Sight, touch, taste, hearing, and scent. I am no expert in this by any means, but as the book explains, the person who is right for you must appeal to all your senses.”
“This seems obvious enough. If I could not stand the sound of your voice, or your scent, or the look of you, and so on, then I would reject you.”
“That’s right.”
“Well, that was easy. All I need to do is find a woman who is pleasing to all my senses and marry her.”
“Ugh, no.” She rolled her eyes. “Are you saying this merely to goad me? There is so much more to finding love with the right person. It is a delicate matter. Even if–”
She stopped upon hearing a knock at their door.
Deklan rolled to his feet, moving with his usual grace and blur of speed. He nudged her behind him when she followed, and did not seem to mind when she lightly clutched his shoulder. He was not wearing his shirt, so she could clearly see his shoulders were broad and muscled. In truth, deceptively so. His sleek appearance belied his impressive strength.
She could also clearly see the scars on his back. There were several, but one in particular was long and puckered. Without thinking, she put her lips to it. “Oh, heavens. I did not mean to kiss your wound. I’m sorry.”
He chuckled. “I’m not. It is healed, Grace. It no longer hurts me. Stay back.”
“Do you think those agents have found us?” She was still holding onto him and loving the warmth of his skin.
“Not a chance.” He opened the door the littlest bit. “Ah, Mrs. Harcourt. Good morning.”
“I thought ye two lovebirds might want breakfast.”
“An excellent idea. I was just coming down to order it sent to our room.”
Grace eased back while he peered down the hall and must have seen nothing alarming for he relaxed his stance and addressed Mrs. Harcourt. “Let me make myself presentable and I will walk with you to the common room. I’ll help you carry the tray back to our room.”
“Ye needn’t worry about that, Captain Driscoll. I’ll manage on my own. But select whatever ye like and I’ll fix ye up something nice.”
“Very kind of you.” He quickly tossed on his shirt and boots. “Sweetheart, would you prefer cocoa or tea?”
She tried not to blush, but his endearment had caught her off guard. “Cocoa, please.”
“I’ll be right back.” He took a moment to kiss her on the forehead before striding out with a giggling Mrs. Harcourt who was clearly a romantic.
