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“Oh, all right,�� she said balefully, beginning to shake all over. “I’ll admit it—I want you. There, are you satisfied? I want you.��

“In what capacity? Lover, or husband?��

Annabelle stared at him in shock. “What?�� His arms slid around her, holding her quivering frame securely against his. He said nothing, only watched her intently as she tried to grasp the implications of the question.

“But you’re not the marrying kind,�� she managed to say weakly. He touched her ear, his fingertip tracing the fragile outer curve. “I’ve discovered that I am when it comes to you.�� The subtle caress set fire to her blood, making it difficult to think.

“We would probably kill each other within the first month.�� “Probably,�� Hunt conceded, his smiling mouth brushing over her temple. The warmth of his lips sent a rush of dizzying pleasure through her.

“But marry me anyway, Annabelle. As I see things, it would solve most of your problems …and more than a few of mine.�� His big hand slid gently down her spine, calming her tremors.

“Let me spoil you,�� he whispered. “Let me take care of you. You’ve never had anyone to lean on, have you? I’ve got strong shoulders, Annabelle.�� A deep laugh rumbled in his chest. “And I may possibly be the only man of your acquaintance who’ll be able to afford you.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Secrets of a Summer Night