He could owl them over; it was unfortunate that she would be stuck at the hospital. But Noble thought that he should not get too addicted to her presence. She had the aura of someone who would be on the run if they got too serious.

Noble's rakish — (he hoped it was rakish and not just pleased) — grin returned. If she was suggesting a dress on the floor, then she was suggesting — something he actually had never tried with Daffodil. And even if they didn't go that far, there was a deep allure to a new level of nudity.

"I'm sure you do," he said, consciously trying not to sound too excited, although there was a pleased flush on his face. If he didn't want her to run, and if he wanted to see her again before Autumn, Noble thought that he should probably clarify his intentions: "I'm — not in a position to marry. But I would —" his tone became a little sheepish "— really like that."