LISA
She was speechless. Her lips moved, yet no words came out. Then she did the strangest thing.
She laughed. Huge, loud peals of laughter. She clapped her hand over her mouth, but it didn’t do anything to stem the flow of chortles. Tears ran down her cheeks, and still she laughed.
It was a sound I’d never heard from her, and while I had to admit, her laughter was highly infectious—I wasn’t amused at why she was laughing.
I leaned back, crossing my arms. “I don’t find this a laughing matter, Miss Park.”
I thought hearing me refer to her formally would snap her out of her hysteria because that was what it had to be. The only effect it seemed to have on her, though, was she laughed harder.
I slammed my hand on the granite. “Roseanne!”
She slumped against the counter, wiping her eyes. She glanced over at me, and it started all over. More gales of laughter.
I shoved off the chair and strode toward her, not certain what I would do when I got there. Shake her? Slap her? I grabbed her arms, and without another thought, crashed my mouth to hers, effectively silencing her lunacy. That strange warmth crept down my spine as I yanked her tight to my body and kissed her. I used every bit of frustration she made me feel to punish her into silence.
Except it didn’t feel like punishment. It felt like pleasure.
Hot, pulsating pleasure.
With a groan, I jerked back, my chest heaving. “Are you finished?” I growled.
She gazed up at me, finally silent, then nodded.
“At the risk of starting you off again, Roseanne, will you marry me?”
“No.”
I shook her slightly. “You said you would if we had to.”
With a sigh, she surprised me again. She cupped my cheeks, her fingers stroking my skin. “Has anyone ever told you how impetuous you are, my darling?”
“Spontaneity has served me well.”
“I’d call it hot-headed, but you call it whatever lets you sleep at night.”
“Why are you saying no?”
“Lisa, think about it. Think it through. If your instinct is right, and Graham is suspicious and you marry me right now, it will make him more so, not less.”
I stared into her brown eyes, her words sinking into my brain. I stepped back, her hands dropping from my face as I realized she was right.
“Well, fuck.”
“I’m right, you know I am.”
I hated to admit it, but she definitely had a point.
“Yes, you are.”
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” she teased.
“Don’t push your luck.”
She grinned, and it occurred to me, she was no longer frightened of me. I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not.
“We are going to readdress this issue, Roseanne.”
She pushed off the counter, skirting around me. “Then we’ll talk about it later.” She lifted the magazines, tucking them under her arm. “I have some things to read. I’m going to get some ideas for my room.”
She started to walk away, and I held out my hand to stop her leaving. “While you’re at it, call the building super. Something is wrong with my bedroom door.”
