“I didn’t mean it that way.” “Of course you did. It’s preposterous. Laughable. The idea that you might want me, and I might spurn you? I’m plain. Bookish, distracted, awkward. Hopeless.” Her voice broke. “In a geologic age, no one would believe it.” She wriggled her feet into her boots. Then she pushed to her feet and reached for her cloak. He rose and reached for her hand. She pulled away, but not fast enough. His fingers closed around her wrist. “They would believe it,” he said. “I could make them believe it.” “You horrid, teasing man. You can’t even remember my name.” She wrestled his grip.
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