her brush and stared at her reflection. Just because she felt attracted to him didn’t mean she could have, or should have, a relationship with him. Besides, did he really think he was the only one that cared about responsibility? She had just as strong a sense of duty and obligation as he did. Probably stronger.
So there. Nothing was going to happen because she didn’t want anything to happen. And that’s the way it was.
Now all she had to do was face him.
Outside her bedroom, Daisy was directed by one of the housemaids to the covered, lit patio where she discovered Dante waiting for her. The dining room’s French doors had been opened to welcome the cooler evening air, and pots of blooming citrus trees marked the long veranda at regular intervals.
He’d also showered and changed and was dressed in light chino slacks and a caramel knit shirt open at the collar. The caramel color was gorgeous on him, played up his thick dark hair, warm toffee eyes and the touch of bronze in his skin.
Beast, she muttered silently, feeling her heart begin to thump harder. “Where’s Anabella?” Daisy asked, not wanting to be alone with him, not the way she was feeling at the moment.
“She’ll be here soon.”
“I’ll go check on her.”
“No need. I asked her to give us fifteen minutes alone.”
Daisy stiffened and slowly turned to face him. “Why?”
His gaze held hers. “Don’t play dumb. It’s obvious we need to sort a few things out before I leave tomorrow.”
He was leaving already? Disappointment surged through her. Aware of his scrutiny she half-turned away, trying to cover her chaotic emotions. “What do we need to sort out?”
“For a woman who prefers honesty, you’ve certainly developed a taste for ambiguity.”
She blushed, swallowed, then acknowledged the truth in that. “What happened on the airstrip was a mistake.”
“It might have been impulsive, but it wasn’t a mistake.”
The caress in his voice was unmistakable. He stole her breath. Trapped her heart in his hands. She coughed, backed up a step. “But you said—”
“I never said I wasn’t attracted to you. I said we couldn’t have an affair, not while you’re here.”
“I don’t want an affair.”
“You do want me.”
She shook her head, horrifyingly aware of her needs and desires. She’d never discussed something so private before. “It was just the heat of the moment.”
His eyes narrowed and swept her hips, her breasts, her face. “Daisy, we are the heat of the moment.”
She felt herself grow hot, even more sensitive, acutely sensitive in her arms, legs, fingers. Her belly felt tight and heavy. Her blood raced. “I think I forgot something in my room.”
“Don’t be a coward.” His husky voice followed her as she started to flee.
Daisy froze, pressed her hands to her tummy, wondered how things had gotten so out of control. “Don’t call me that. I’m not a coward. I’ve never been a coward.”
“Then don’t run away from me. We need to get this sorted out before it becomes a problem. There’s too much at stake. For both of us.”
Her heart thumped harder. She didn’t understand her fear or her anxiety. “It won’t become a problem. I promise.”
“You can’t make a promise like that.”
“Why not?”
“Come here. I’ll show you.”
She turned, looked at him over her shoulder, her eyes wide. The corner of his mouth lifted, cynical and knowing. “I won’t touch you,” he taunted softly. “Just come, stand here. I’ll show you what I mean.”
He gestured her forward, prompting her closer inch by inch until she stood an arm’s length away.
The fine hair on her arms rose, skin prickling with awareness. She felt him, felt his heat and energy, and they were still two feet apart.
Her heart, which had been pounding a moment ago, seemed to stop, change rhythm and start beating again, this time more slowly.
“Feel that?” he asked, his voice deeper than before, huskier, with a sensual appreciation she couldn’t possibly ignore.
She couldn’t admit it, and wouldn’t admit it to him, but yes, she did feel him. It was the most intense current, a connection she couldn’t explain.
Energy, desire, hunger.
In his arms she’d go places she’d never been. But in his arms she’d also lose control, and if she lost control terrible things might happen. Destruction. Chaos. The loss of the family farm.
Daisy couldn’t risk it, no matter what she personally longed for.
The sun had gone, and the blue sky had long deepened with shades of lavender and gold. Daisy’s fingers itched to touch his clean-shaven jaw, feel the muscles rippling beneath his shirt. But she didn’t. “No. I don’t feel anything.”
His expression didn’t change. Not even a flicker in his eyes, but his gaze held her captive, pinned her in place. He might as well have called her a liar because it was there in his eyes, there in the twist of his lips.
“Feel what?” Anabella asked, making a sudden appearance.
Daisy took a jerky step and turned. Anabella was dressed in a slim red silk sheath that merged into a bright orange band at her feet. It was a stunning dress on her, a simple cut but of such vibrant color that the girl fairly exuded heat.
“The heat,” Daisy choked.
Anabella was oblivious to the undercurrents. “If you think this is hot, wait until January,” the girl answered, pouring herself a glass of juice. “January sizzles.”
Sizzles, Daisy repeated silently, catching the lift of Dante’s eyebrows. She could just imagine life on the estancia then.
They were called to dinner. Anabella and Dante appeared to have patched things up. They chatted during the meal and several times Anabella slipped into Spanish, but Dante would reply in English for Daisy’s sake.
Anabella shared a story about something that happened at school, drawing soft laughter from Dante.
Daisy furtively watched Dante as he listened to Anabella’s story.
He really was lovely. She liked looking at him, listening to his voice, watching him interact with his sister. He was a benevolent big brother, part doting, part disciplinarian, but his love was tangible.
Dante looked up, caught her staring, and his lips twisted. He touched a finger to his mouth, and she stared at his lips in fascination. She loved the
