Kendle was horrified by the way she'd thrown herself at him and couldn't stop the hot tears. She told herself she had been treated worse by people she was related to, but the feeling of rejection was heavy in her gut as she went back to the garden.
"Stupid," she muttered, wiping at her eyes,."Red skin, no hair. No wonder he didn't want me."
"That's not even close to true."
Kendle jumped, but didn't look up. "Don't lie."
"I'm not."
She wiped at her face with the sleeve of her shirt, "Doesn't matter. My fault for thinking I could have what I want and not consider how you feel. I put you on the spot and I apologize. I used to have better manners."
"Don't do that to yourself!" Luke stated sharply, moving toward her. "You did nothing wrong."
She looked up, pretty blue eyes streaming with tears that the sun lit up like sparkling jewels as they rolled down her cheeks. "Then why don't you want…"
"What? You think I don't want to make love to you?"
Flushing scarlet, she didn't answer. When she started to turn away, Luke pulled her back, forced her to meet his eyes. "I want you so much I dream about it," he whispered, leaning close to slide his lips along her jaw.
"I want to be with you more than any woman I've ever known and the next time you invite me, I'll do my best to love you the way you deserve."
Luke kissed her damp cheek and moved back to the cabin, afraid he'd fallen in love with someone who would never be able to feel the same. It'll be enough, his heart said. He would love her a lifetime's worth in the weeks or months that Fate let them have, her fears of the future groundless. Death was in the air. His…and the only time he wasn't scared was when he was close to her.