‘My thoughts exactly. Although…’ One side of his mouth twitched; he was clearly amused by something. ‘I will need a photographer. You wouldn’t happen to know anyone who would be interested in the assignment?’
‘Well, now that you mention it, I do know a photographer who’s currently available. Would this be, you know, a strictly professional relationship or…?’ She crossed her legs at the knee, her robe gaping open to reveal a bare leg well-toned from regular Pilates.
C?dmon stared openly, proving what she already knew, that under the English veneer lurked a man of deep passions.
‘You do know that I’ve always been fascinated by valiant women.’
‘A valiant woman and an adventuresome man. We make quite a pair, don’t we?’
‘Quite.’ Then, his jaw tightening, C?dmon figuratively locked horns with her. ‘Given your behaviour with that laser, you should be bent over and given a thorough spanking. You came damn close to getting yourself killed.’
‘Funny, but you don’t strike me as an SM type of guy.’
‘Just find me a man who doesn’t enjoy being spanked by a beautiful woman.’
Edie slapped a hand over her lips to keep from laughing and losing a mouthful of tea.
Balancing his elbows on his thighs, C?dmon leaned towards her. ‘What is it that you want from your life, Edie?’
The question, unexpected and to the point, surprised her. ‘Well, like most people, I want security, happiness, a sense of belonging.’
‘I can give those to you.’
‘Are you sure? I mean, we sorta got flung together.’
Blue eyes twinkling, C?dmon grinned. ‘I am quite certain.’
Edie decided to dive in as well. ‘Since we’re on the subject, I suppose the time has come for me to confess that I’m absolutely crazy about you. You’re intelligent, witty, well mannered and considerate. Everything a woman could possibly want in a man.’
‘Might I point out that you didn’t include “handsome” in your list of attributes.’
‘I was saving the best for last.’ Edie raised her cup. Holding it aloft, she clinked rims with him. ‘Here’s to finding the Ark.’
‘And if not the Ark then the secret of the Knights Templar.’
‘And if not the secret of the Templars then…’ She glanced pointedly at the oversized bed in the middle of the room.
C?dmon also glanced at the bed, its coverlet invitingly turned down. Getting up, he took her elbow, urging her to her feet.
‘Let the adventure begin.’
