Well aware of how thin a line existed between appealing femininity and a pathetic demand for attention, Melissa played her part with stunning success. She glanced down shyly, and then stared up at Ian through the dark veil of her lashes. It was one of her most irresistible poses and, predictably, Ian's expression instantly turned adoring.
"Is it wrong of me to admit how much I've missed you?" she asked.
"Certainly not, but—"
Melissa placed a fingertip on his lips. "No, don't say it," she whispered. "If you can't return my affection, just go, you needn't embarrass us both by putting your rejection into words."
Ian could scarcely believe his ears. Having been invited to Melissa's home, he was the envy of every man he knew, but he had been Byron and Elliott's friend first, not hers. He knew that she found him amusing, but he had never thought anything serious would come of their flirtation, when she could have her pick of Virginia's wealthy men. But if she had fallen for him—which he dared not hope—he would never refuse her love.
Watching her closely, he raised her hand from his lips and placed a kiss in her palm. When her eyes began to fill with tears, he felt he had his answer. There was an old oak tree not ten feet away, and he led her around to the far side, where they couldn't be observed from the house. He doubted her parents were spying on them, but he did not want to take the chance of being banished from their property either. He knew he ought to recite some bit of romantic poetry, but all he truly wanted to do was kiss her, and when she came into his arms without the slightest hesitation, he did.
Ian's first tentative kiss was warm and tender, but Hunter had taught Melissa the thrill of passion, and she was no longer satisfied with such a sweet gesture of devotion. She raised her arms to encircle his neck, relaxed against him, and then ran the tip of her tongue over his lower lip, seductively coaxing him into abandoning all sense of reserve. She wasn't merely acting, for she did truly care for him, and her affection was sincere.
Never guessing the enchantress in his arms had been tutored by a savage, Ian opened his mouth to slide his tongue over hers and, hungry for the taste of her, kissed her with the wild abandon she had so skillfully inspired. Lost in desire, he stood balanced against the gnarled old tree, so captivated by the woman he adored, that not a single thought of her purpose entered his mind. He noticed only the tantalizing fragrance of her perfume, the silken softness of her skin, and the delicious taste
of her kiss.
Melissa, however, was all too aware of the warmth of the day, the shrill cry of a mockingbird overhead, and the roughness of Ian's red coat. She had not been aware of a single such distraction when Hunter had kissed her, but while Ian's kiss was definitely pleasant, it was not nearly as exciting as the Indian's had been. She thought perhaps with practice they would reach the thrilling accord she had found at Hunter's first touch, but when Ian paused to catch his breath after more than a dozen kisses, she felt just as detached as during the first.
The hint of tears still glistened in Melissa's eyes, and believing she had somehow misunderstood him, Ian pressed her cheek close to his chest as he spoke. "I'm not nearly good enough for you. You know that, don't you?"
She was standing in a British officer's arms, but failing miserably to forget a forbidden romance with an Indian, and Melissa knew she wasn't nearly good enough for Ian. He saw only the attractive young woman he had admired, but inside she felt far from worthy of his love. She slid her arms around his waist and held on tight. She knew she could fool him, forever if need be. The question was, why had she ever thought she could fool herself?
"Melissa?"
"Hm?"
Ian gave her another joyous hug. "Have I spoken too soon?"
To Melissa's way of thinking, he had not spoken soon enough to save her from a lifetime of shame. There was always the river, but death frightened her far more than living a lie. She couldn't speak, but when she looked up at Ian, he bent down to kiss her again, and not expecting more than the sweet sensation she had felt before, she was no longer disappointed. She felt safe with Ian. She knew she could depend on him, and he would never betray her trust. The next time he drew away, she found it easy to smile.
"Was I unforgivably bold?" she asked.
"Not at all. Was I?"
Melissa reached up on her tiptoes to kiss him. "No, but I think we ought to continue our walk."
She tried to slip out of his arms, but Ian refused to release her. "Wait a minute," he scolded. "I realize I've gone about this all wrong, but if the love that flavors your kiss is real, shouldn't I ask for your father's permission to marry you? If he's going to refuse me—which he well might—I'd rather he did so today, before leaving you becomes impossible."
Melissa had not expected to prompt a proposal from Ian so soon, and while she was grateful for it, she wasn't ready to involve her parents as yet. "I'm positive my father likes you, but we haven't known each other long, and I don't want him to object to you for that reason. Let's give him a few more weeks to appreciate what a fine man you are, and then when you approach him, there will be no danger that you'll be refused."
"And if he gives his permission, is there any danger you'll refuse me?"
While Melissa dared not admit what thoughtful consideration she had given the question, Ian was her first choice, and she wanted him to know it. "If I give you my answer now, will you become so insufferably conceited that I'll wish I'd kept you guessing?"
Charmed as always, Ian began to laugh. "You know me very well, don't you?"
"I should hope so," Melissa replied with mock seriousness. "It's not every man I kiss as passionately as I did you." That in truth, his affection had left her emotions untouched, was something she would never admit. She liked him enormously, and surely her feelings would soon deepen into love. "Let's go down by the river. The view's very beautiful, and there are several secluded spots were we might stop and talk without fear of interruption."
Ian caught her hand and let her lead the way. "Yes, we really do have a great deal to discuss, don't we? I had hoped only to see you this afternoon. I'm really not prepared to present a plan for the rest of our lives."
"Must we be so serious? Can't we simply enjoy the beauty of the day, and the fun of being together?"
Relieved, Ian was quick to agree. "Whatever you like, my darling."
Melissa gave his hand a squeeze, but his skin didn't tingle beneath her touch the way Hunter's had. That was another disappointment she shoved aside and hid with a smile. Ian had such a warm and appealing personality, she wanted to love him so badly, she was positive she would in time. As they neared the dock, she saw Alanna seated close by and finally remembered her promise.
"Graham Tyler appears to be quite taken with Alanna, but he simply overwhelms her with endless conversation. Do you suppose he might change, if you mentioned her preference for more introspective men?"