Anne caught the fire still flickering in his eyes and chuckled softly. "So impatient?" she teased. "Can't even wait till evening?" The heaviness in her heart lifted.
A growl rumbled in his throat. "Don't provoke me."
With a playful glint in her eyes, she pulled back. "I still have some work to finish," she said coyly. "You'll have to wait a little longer."
She turned to leave, but before she could take a full step away, Augustine's arms came around her from behind, drawing her tightly against his chest.
"Don't go," he whispered as if afraid she'd slip away the moment he let go.
Anne smiled, charmed by his display of neediness. "You have to let me go," she said, turning in his arms to face him. "I'll wrap things up quickly, leave early, and pack for the trip. And if you are patient, I'll reward you." Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"What kind of reward?" He grew interested.
"That's a surprise," she whispered, standing on her toes to plant a quick kiss on his lips.
