She countered, "You're the one who leaps at every chance, and now you dare to play the accuser?"

Marcus cast the book aside and leaned in, pressing his brow to hers, whispering, "Indeed, you've got me there, Mrs. Fowler. Yet, it's your guileless gaze that undoes my restraint each time. Challenging for any man, wouldn't you agree?"

Melissa responded by tenderly caressing his cheek.

Her voice was light with jest. "Well, to become a worthy partner of Mr. Fowler, I must devote myself to work. I should claim my role in Heron swiftly, lest the dowry slips through our fingers."

Marcus met her tease with an unexpected earnestness.