Page 20 of Kiss or Dare

He stepped away and dropped his hands to the side. “There you are.”

“Thank you.”

He should poke her a bit, prod her, annoy her. She expected it, expected to bore him, she’d said. “You have nothing to apologize for. I, too, feel gray and heavy today. I cannot even muster the energy to tease you.”

“Tease? You mean purposefully annoy.”

He propped a shoulder against the stair banister. “You’ve noticed that, have you?”

“Hmph. How could I not? What putsyouin such a dour mood when my own mood should bring you joy?”

He wasnottelling her that. “I’ve hit a wall with my invention.”

“Ah. Papa gets prickly when that happens.”

“You mean he throws things and yells when that happens.”

She grinned. “You begin to know my father well.”

“He’s brilliant. But I would not want to cross him in a dark alley. He knows how to use explosives. Sharp things, too.”

“What are you inventing?”

He opened his mouth, then shut it. The words felt silly on his tongue.

“Come. You cannot shock me.”

He stalked toward the workshop. “I’ll show you.” Perhaps discussing it with someone would distract him from his losses. True, he’d be talking it through withher, his sworn enemy, but she was an enemy who’d grown up at the feet of a mechanical genius. She could be valuable.

Miss Clarke grinned. “I am in no need of refreshment. I had several cups of tea at the musicale.”

“The coffee is more for illustration than imbibing.”

“I’m all curiosity now.” She chuckled. “So, something to do with coffee. I cannot say I’m surprised. You defended the beverage most fiercely at Jane’s house party over Christmas.”

His jaw hardened. He did not want to be reminded of that time, or of Miss Clarke’s letter, or how her letter made him feel about himself. “I was not at my best then.”

“You were… splendid that day. So passionate. And over a hot beverage.”

“Splendid?” His heart jumped a bit, and for a beat or two, it kicked up its pace. It must like compliments from horrid women. “Me? Come, Miss Clarke, do not pretend to like me.”

“I said nothing about liking.”

His heart settled back down, feeling heavier than before.

“I merely said you were a sight to behold.”

He found his favorite wolfish grin. “Aren’t I always?”

She sniffed and turned away.

A maid appeared in the door, tray in hand.

“Ah, thank you,” Devon said. “Set it right there.”

She placed it on the table and left. Devon picked up the mug and handed it to Miss Clarke. “Take a drink.”

She took it from his hands and blew on it, her eyes closing.