“Sounds like a union made in heaven with a paragon of virtue.”
“Your sarcasm is showing.”
“My apologies.” His amusement showed he wasn’t perpetually pompous, and that also softened the air between them. Somewhat. She asked herself what it might be like to be with a man who owned ships, who had servants and seemingly ample wealth. Many women would be envious of the impeccable Lottie Franklin. In a way, Raven counted herself as one, if only because his wife wouldn’t be bone-weary day in and day out from hiring herself out to wash clothes and mop floors. “So, you and your prized Lottie are evenly yoked.”
“As much as is needed, yes.”
“Then hopefully we can get this Pinkerton job done quickly and you can return home.”
“That’s my hope, too.”
His eyes had turned serious, so she guessed there might be more he wished to say or ask. “Is there something else?”
“Yes. How can I get you to meet me halfway on this adventure, so we can get it done?”
“I think we’ve pretty much accomplished that by being out here. No?” she said.
“It has helped, but I’m not going to be as useless as you believe I’ll be.”
“Saints, I hope not.”
He dropped his head, but not before she saw his amusement. When he raised his gaze to hers, he asked, “Are you always so sarcastic and direct?”
“People won’t know where you stand if you take the long way around. I prefer to get to the heart of the matter. It saves time and there’s less confusion.”
He peered at her over his steepled fingers. “If I rein in my judgmental ways, will you do the same with your doubts about my ability to help?”
“To get you back to Boston as swiftly as possible, I will put a damper on whatever is necessary.”
“You want me out of your hair.”
“Just as quickly as you want me out of yours.On that we are evenly yoked.” Finished with her meal, she set aside her empty bowl.
As he did the same, he said, “The women back home rarely speak so boldly.”
“That’s unfortunate. Their mothers should raise them better. Bland food. Meek women. Sounds fairly boring where you’re from, Steele. Hopefully, the men are good in bed, at least.”
“Find us a bed and I’ll give you dessert.”
Her heart stopped.
Eyes blazing intensely, he added, “I can’t speak for other men, but you’ll remember my pleasuring you for the rest of your life.”
And as she stared agape, he pushed back his chair and rose smoothly to his feet. “Thank you for dinner, Miss Moreau. I’ll await your invitation for dessert.”
Gathering his dishes, he walked away, reentered the house, and left her sitting there, stunned and with lust pulsing between her thighs.
Dear Lord!