She took him in—his handsome face, every facet etched with intelligence—his trim, toned body tempting her. He wanted her right now. Right now, and forever. The future he offered pulled at her heart. It was strong as the undertow and easy as surrender to sleep.

With a full-bodied shake, she swept her gaze around the room. “So, this is your house now? You bought it, and you’re going to live here forever?” He lifted her palm to his lips and kissed it so tenderly she almost forgot the single-minded passion of moments before.

“The house, the land, the covered bridge—I bought it, and it’s all for us.”

She looked into his eyes. This man took a giant risk. Giving her a key was a massive gesture with an equally massive potential for heartbreak. For all his swagger, Richard lay before her now exposed and vulnerable. Did the thought ever cross his mind she might say no? Did he even consider she might not want the role he offered? She pushed him away once already tonight, and he responded appropriately. But the final outcome rested in her hands. She alone held the power to accept his gift and in so doing, accept him.

He rolled and swiveled to sitting, curling her fingers and wrapping both hands around hers. “Tessa Meadows, I want to lay you by the hearth and love you until the sun comes up on the first day of our new life together. Please let me.”

Sudden tears burned in her eyes. Never in her life had a man made such an offer. If she refused, she risked never hearing those words again. But she couldn’t silence the voice within. The still, quiet voice that spoke just one syllable.

No.

Without a word, she pulled away her hand and shook her head.

His brows drew together, gouging a deep crease between them. “Darling?”

The atmosphere was suddenly stifling. The walls spun, and the heady odor of wine flooded her sinuses. She dug her fingers into her temples. “I have to go.” Legs wobbling, she stood. “I need—”

“What?” He jerked to his knees. “Tell me, and I’ll give it to you.”

The box was soggy and blood-red with wine. She stooped and picked it up. “I’ve never received such a generous gift, and I’m so grateful. But it’s all just too soon. Richard…” She took a deep breath. “I know your heart was broken not long ago. I know about Jane and the pressure from your father to stay in Green Ridge. I know everything.”

His face flamed. “What do you know about Jane?”