Free To Bed or to Wed by Sandra Sookoo Page B

the people in his life to order him about or lead him around by his nose. A man’s word should be the end of it. I would back down if I knew a man truly issued his command from love.”
    Surprise tightened his chest. “What if the man is afraid if he exerts his authority, he’d let too much anger fly upon someone else?” For one insane second, he hoped Charlotte might be the one to overlook his family history or the rumors flying about him and accept him for the man he was.
    “Then he is not the man he can be. A man can be strong and assertive without allowing his temper to harm the people around him. A man can rule his household with love and respect instead of cruelty and hate.” She leaned into his palm ever so slightly. “There is a difference. You have a choice. Exercise it wisely. Become the man you have always dreamed of being.”
    When she stood and shook out her gown, Nathan shot to his feet as well. The sudden movement left him lightheaded—or perhaps it was her insight and simple summation of his case that had warmth flooding his body. Barring that, her presence affected him more than it should, and if that were so, he was in trouble. “May I ask you a question?” He barely forced the inquiry out of a tight throat. It had been a long time indeed since he’d wished to put himself out for a woman’s regard.
    “Of course.” She cocked her head, her expression expectant.
    “Is it possible to look past a man’s reputation or family history and see him for the man he could be?”
    Charlotte grabbed his hand. “I think it’s possible to see him for the man he is. The man he could be is up to him . All he needs to do is trod the correct path and not let his past history define him.”
    A weight of sorts lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in years it felt as if the darkness marring his future would lighten. He didn’t want to analyze why he thought so. “That, my dear, is the most sensible thing you’ve said this week.” Before he could change his intent, Nathan tugged her into his arms, fit his lips over hers and kissed her.
    Unlike the first two they ’d shared, this one was neither rushed nor punishing. He moved his mouth over hers with gentle care, tasting her, teasing her… wooing her. The thought gave him pause. At Charlotte’s whimpered protest, he pushed everything from his mind and resumed the kiss. He nibbled the corners of her mouth then ran his tongue along the soft sweep of her bottom lip. Would she let him deepen their embrace? Kissing her gave him hope that perhaps he shouldn’t keep himself aloof from life, that perhaps there was hope he could have something more than what he’d allotted himself.
    Seconds later, Charlotte pulled away. Her lips were as pink as her cheeks, but her smile could light up the darkest bit of forest. “You do well with finesse behind you. It’s an acceptable start.”
    Did that mean she’d welcome, or even want, a suit from him despite her unwillingness to wed? And did he want to chance officially courting her? Not knowing what else to do, he offered his arm, and when she laid her hand upon his sleeve, he guided her from their private sanctuary.
    “I ’m not always a harsh, grumpy man,” he finally said for the mere fact he wanted to hear her speak again.
    “I’m certain you are not—once you forget all the things you try so hard not to do. Although, I’ve never seen you in a full temper so I don’t have proof.” She patted his arm. “What’s more, you might be quite adept at enjoying life once you concentrate on it. Don’t worry about who you’re trying not to be. Live for who you are now. The rest will work itself out. Change is a constant effort.”
    “Perhaps.” Did three kisses , a near ruination and a tentative truce mean she welcomed an overture, and if she did, did he wish the flirtation take a serious bent? Too many damned doubts and questions. He should have thrown himself on the Marriage Mart long ago for now he was