Judith McNaught Quote

If she’d known what a good shot you are, he whispered past the unfamiliar tightness in his throat, she’d never have dared. His hand lifted to her wet cheek, holding it pressed against his chest. You could always call her out, you know. The spasmodic shaking in Elizabeth’s slender shoulders began to subside, and Ian added with forced tightness, Better yet, Robert should stand in for you. He’s not as fine a shot as you are, but he’s a hell of a lot …A teary giggle escaped the girl in his arms, and Ian continued, On the other hand, if you’re holding the pistol, you’ll have some choices to make, and they’re not easy…When he didn’t say more, Elizabeth drew a shaky breath. What choices? she finally whispered against his chest after a moment.What to shoot, for one thing, he joked, stroking her back. Robert was wearing Hessians, so I had a tassel for a target. I suppose, though, you could always shoot the bow off Valerie’s gown.Elizabeth’s shoulders gave a lurch, and a choked laugh escaped her.Overwhelmed with relief, Ian kept his left arm around her and gently took her chin between his forefinger and thumb, tipping her face up to his. Her magnificent eyes were still wet with tears, but a smile was trembling on her rosy lips. Teasingly, he continued, A bow isn’t much of a challenge for an expert marksman like you. I suppose you could insist that she hold up an earring between her fingers so you could shoot that instead.The image was so absurd that Elizabeth chuckled.Without being conscious of what he was doing, Ian moved his thumb from her chin to her lower lip, rubbing lightly against its inviting fullness. He finally realized what he was doing and stopped.Elizabeth saw his jaw tighten. She drew a shuddering breath, sensing he’d been on the verge of kissing her, and had just decided not to do it. After the last shattering minutes, Elizabeth no longer knew who was friend or foe, she only knew she’d felt safe and secure in his arms, and at that moment his arms were already beginning to loosen, and his expression was turning aloof. Not certain what she was going to say or even what she wanted, she whispered a single, shaky word, filled with confusion and a plea for understanding, her green eyes searching his: Please-Ian realized what she was asking for, but he responded with a questioning lift of his brows.I- she began, uncomfortably aware of the knowing look in his eyes.Yes? he prompted.I don’t know-exactly, she admitted. All she knew for certain was that, for just a few minutes more, she would have liked to be in his arms.Elizabeth, if you want to be kissed, all you have to do is put your lips on mine.You heard me.Of all the arrogant-He shook his head in mild rebuke. Spare me the maidenly protests. If you’re suddenly as curious as I am to find out if it was as good between us as it now seems in retrospect, then say so. His own suggestion startled Ian, although having made it, he saw no great harm in exchanging a few kisses if that was what she wanted.