“Henri never disappoints.” Warren moved so his plate could be taken away. “Are you ready for dessert or would you rather wait?”
“Wait. I couldn’t eat dessert right now.”
Her answer pleased him, or at least part of him. With dinner over, he could take her in his arms and tell her the truth. At the same time, he feared the moment when he’d tell her just how he felt. Once he did, there would be no taking back the words, and their friendship would be altered regardless of her response.
Warren pushed back his chair. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable.”
Ruth didn’t argue.
He’d instructed Trevor to start a fire in the library while they ate dinner. He figured a blaze in the fireplace would create a romant
ic atmosphere and help get rid of the chill. As much as he loved Cliff House, the old girl could be chilly in the winter, even with the heat on.
“I think this is my favorite room.” Ruth walked closer to the fireplace. “I could spend every day relaxing by this fire.”
Warren closed the door behind him. “It’s my favorite, too.”
He’d spent hours preparing what he intended to say tonight. Now, standing just feet away from Ruth, the words got stuck somewhere between his head and his mouth. “Ruth, we…” His voice trailed off when she fixed her gaze on him.
The grandfather clock in the corner chimed, the sound extra loud in the silent room.
“Something wrong?”
Forget words . Before he changed his mind, Warren stalked across the room and pulled Ruth against him. He met her eyes for a moment and saw her surprise. Rather than explain, he captured her lips, channeling all the passion and love he’d been carrying since summer into a single kiss.
Ruth didn’t push him away or try to stop him. Instead, she put her arms around him and kissed him back. Whatever worries he’d had about her feelings disappeared. If she didn’t love him, she’d never kiss him with such passion.
He’d been about to pull back for air, but Ruth did first, dropping her forehead onto his shoulder.
Warren ran his hand over her hair. She’d left it down, something she didn’t do often, and he loved the way the silky strands felt under his fingers. When he assumed he’d taken in enough oxygen to speak again, he tilted Ruth’s face up toward his. “I love you.” So much for his well thought out speech.
She blinked a few times, and he noticed a teardrop course down her cheek. Not the response he’d expected, considering the kiss they’d shared.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” She wiped away the tear and sniffled. “I love you, too.”
Relief almost knocked him to his knees. “I have a present for you. Let’s sit.”
“But then I’ll have to let you go.”
Warren kissed her again. “That’s a problem I can solve.”
Before she could question him, he picked her up and carried her to a chair by the fire. Without letting go of her, he sat with her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist. “How’s this?”
She rewarded him with a kiss. “Perfect. Like everything else tonight.”
He’d sat down so he could give her the necklace he’d bought, but now he took his time just looking at her. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.” She placed her hand on his check. “I can’t believe you went through so much trouble tonight.”
“It’s Valentine’s Day. I wanted tonight to be special.” He reached for the jewelry box he’d left on the end table. “This is for you. I hope you like it.” When she didn’t take it from him, he removed her hand from his check and wrapped her fingers around the box. “It doesn’t bite.”
“You didn’t have to buy me anything.”
“Open it.”
She took her other hand off his shoulder and opened the box. “It’s beautiful.” She held up the gold locket that was inside.