“Oxthorpe stood. He could do nothing else. Her hands stilled, and her smile faded away. She stood and dropped into a curtsy. What did one say in such situations, when one knew a lady disapproved? Mi...”

“He did not want to go to his grave knowing he had risked nothing for the woman he wanted. He wasnt an ass, though. Or if he was, he did not wish to give her incontrovertible evidence of the fact. W...”

“Her smile hollowed out his chest. Shed changed since last he saw her. She was brighter. More vibrant. Happiness suited her.”

“He nodded. A curt movement of his head, and she was, for no reason at all, convinced that the man before her was not in dislike of her but simply a man who did not have words come easily to him bec...”

“She looked over her shoulder at him, as ever, not in the least affected by him or his consequence. Not one whit. She was a lady, yes, but she would never believe herself the sort of woman who might...”

“There is a view, he said. You will admire it. A command. All wrong. He meant for her to hear that he wanted her to see the view, but no. By habit, he demanded that she accompany him. I should like ...”

“And if you ever - and I do mean ever - try to leave me, Im goin with you.”

“..he wanted her.And at another time, as another man, he would have her. Without hesitation. As lover. . . as more.”

“Annabelle gave him a chiding smile. If youre implying that Im spoiled, I assure you that I am not.You should be. His warm gaze slid over her pink-tinted face and slender upper body, then sought her...”

“Every great love starts with a great story...”

“I knew, in the silence that followed, that anything could happen here. It might be too late: again, I might have missed my chance. But I would at least know I tried, that I took my heart and extend...”

“You know what charm is: a way of getting the answer yes without having asked any clear question.”