As Grandpapa’s footsteps faded, the earl leaned closer. “Come to dinner.”

Anna raised her eyes to his, then wished she hadn’t. He was so close she could see the gold flecks in his eyes and the firm line of his chin. “I can’t.”

“You, Miss Thraxton, are my sister’s best friend. It is only right that you eat with us in the dining hall.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me. It will also matter to Sara.”

“I will write to her and explain the situation.”

He stayed where he was, his chest not an inch from hers, his face dangerously close. The air about them hummed with vitality and Anna caught herself unconsciously tracing her bottom lip with the edge of her tongue, remembering the feel of his lips on hers.

Greyley’s gaze locked on her mouth. “Thraxton,” he said, his voice low.

A slow shiver traced down her spine, sending a delicate feathering of sensation across her skin. She felt drawn to him, as if some force was propelling her into his arms. The moment grew and stretched, neither of them moving. Just as she thought she couldn’t fight the impulse any longer, he let out his breath. “If you aren’t going to eat with us, what will you do?”

“I plan on resting in my room. I have things to do before the children begin their lessons.”

He took her arm, his fingers warm. “Then come. I will escort you there.”

Oh no, he wouldn’t. Anna wasn’t about to go anywhere near her room and that huge bed. Not with Greyley. Not while her mouth still tingled in memory of a day-old kiss. She dug her heels into the hall runner and refused to budge. “I know the way to my own room, thank you.”

His brows lowered. Anna wished he weren’t quite so tall. She wasn’t used to looking up, even a few inches. It was disconcerting and for some unknown reason, it made her want to giggle like a silly girl, which was not something she wanted to be. Ever.

But especially not now. She gave a prim sniff. “Unhand me, sir.”

“Unhand…you sound as if you think I would ravish you.”

“Men pursue women for only two reasons. The first is marriage, which is out of the question—so it must be to form an alliance.”

He stood so still he appeared to be a statue. “An alliance?”

“An unsavory alliance.” Her cheeks heated. It was damnably awkward, but it needed to be said. “I think there has been a mistake. I am not the kind of woman to engage in such activities.”

“I wasn’t going to do anything ‘unsavory.’ I was merely offering to escort you to your room. I am being polite.”

She eyed him warily. “And that’s all?”

“Miss Thraxton, I believe I once promised you that I would kiss you again only if you asked.”

Each word he made curved and moved his mouth. Anna couldn’t look away. His lips were innately beautiful, as carved and strong as the man himself. There was something about a man who knew what he wanted. Oh, it was an irritating trait, she had to admit that small fact. But it was also damnably attractive. And every time she faced Greyley and his infuriating certainty, the pull of attraction grew stronger. So strong that all she could think about was the feel of his mouth on hers, of his broad chest pressing against her breasts, of his hands…“Oh yes,” she murmured.