"I'm fully interested, I assure you," he said, his tone full of mirth as he shifted over onto his back, propping himself up on his elbows to watch her.

It was no secret that he enjoyed seeing her like this, curious and determined, perhaps a bit awkward but no less sincere in her desire for him. Lifting a hand to her face, he thumbed at the corner of her mouth, his affection for her startling, even now.