"You know how it is when I'm distracted by your beauty," he said, taking another sip. There were so much truth in his playful words, even if his teasing was about poisoning her. There was never a time when he was likely to give a straight answer, not even with her. He just wasn't likely to poison her. If nothing else it was cheating, and he had no desire for that.

He took a breath, looking her over. He could certainly speak his desires, ones that had grown getting to know her for her mind, her bearing and intelligence rather than merely her unique beauty.

Leaning forward, he set his cup down. "If you knock it from my head, perhaps we'll see where things go from there. Out back then? There's some space, but not too much." She was worried for the world, of possibly being followed. One option was a distraction. The other might actually help take the edge off.