Penelope hesitated. It was the first time he had spoken without that irritating edge of amusement.
"I am offering you a ride because you are stranded in the rain," he continued. "Nothing more."
She could've accepted his offer and walked in. It was that simple. But her pride and a certain caution kept her from doing so.
Penelope looked at him carefully. "I know what you are offering."
He scoffed, perhaps still in amazement. "Do you?" he asked. "Then why are we still arguing?"
Her fingers curled at her sides. "Because I do not want it," she replied. "And I would rather spend the better part of my time managing a few inconveniences than accept something from you."
Anthony's gaze settled on her for a moment. Then his eyes flicked toward the road behind her, as though stating the obvious. "You called after my carriage."
The reminder made heat creep into Penelope's cheeks. She had, in fact, been the one to call him back, not the other way round.
