Carnal Innocence (47 page)

“You’re right. You’re entitled to a simple yes or no.”

“Hold on. There’s nothing simple about it.” Terrified, he grabbed her close again. “Just hold on and hear me out. I’m not saying we wouldn’t have to work at things.”

“There’s one other thing you’re not saying. One very important thing.”

He opened his mouth and closed it. The steady patience of her gaze had him trying again. “I love you, Caroline. Jesus.” He had to take a moment to be sure he had his balance. “I love you,” he said again, and it was easier. In fact, it was just fine. “I’ve never said that to a woman. I don’t expect you to believe me.”

“I do believe you.” She lifted her lips to his. “It means more that it cost you some effort to get it out.”

“I s’pose it’ll get easier.”

“I s’pose it will. Why don’t we go on back to the house so you can practice?”

“Sounds reasonable.” He whistled for the pup as he
slipped an arm around Caroline’s waist. “This time you didn’t answer me.”

She laughed up at him. “Didn’t I? How about a simple yes?”

“I’ll take it.” He scooped her up as they stepped into the sunlight. “Did I ever tell you about one of my great-great-aunts? Might’ve been three greats. Her given name was Amelia. That’s a nice soft name, don’t you think? Anyway, she ran off and eloped with one of the McNairs back in 1857.”

“No, you didn’t tell me.” Caroline hooked an arm around his neck. “But I’m sure you will.”

The #1
New York Times
bestselling author Nora Roberts weaves a spellbinding story of seduction and suspense, white-hot passion and cold-blooded murder in this first-ever hardcover edition of her classic novel …

HOT ICE

Coming in August 2002 from Bantam Books

NORA ROBERTS was the first writer to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. The
New York Times
bestselling author of such novels as
Public Secrets
and
Sacred Sins,
she has become one of today’s most successful and best-loved writers. Nora Roberts lives with her family in Maryland.

CARNAL INNOCENCE

A Bantam Book

All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1991 by Nora Roberts.
Hand lettering copyright © 1999 by Ron Zinn.

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 98-54920.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information address: Bantam Books.

eISBN: 978-0-307-56726-0

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