by Heather Boyd
Their interest made him sick to his stomach.
Both men held titles; only Rafferty was genuinely wealthy, but Lord James’ father was powerful. Both men had merit as potential suitors, he supposed. Rafferty might marry Jessica if he let himself fall in love with her. Lord James would marry her for her dowry alone.
But any man could love Jessica if they spent more than a minute in her company, besides considering the enormous size of her dowry and connections.
“The stars are lovely tonight, aren’t they, Gideon?”
Gideon let out an oath and turned around. Standing in the shadows of a nearby tree was Jessica. She was alone, dressed as she’d been for dinner, stunning him yet again by her sudden appearance. “Devil take it! How long have you been standing there?”
“A while.” She smiled without any hint of embarrassment or contrition. “I knew you would walk this way home. You are as much a creature of habit as I am.”
“Then we had better change our habits if we are that predictable.” He glanced back at Stapleton Manor. They were far enough away not to be seen, thank heavens, but their voices might carry on the night air. “Predictable undoubtedly makes a gentleman dull company,” he confessed in a whisper.
“There is nothing dull about you, Giddy. I like you exactly as you are,” she promised in an equally low voice. “If you were less predictable, I’d have the devil of a time catching you unawares.”
He glanced at her again and noticed her smile had widened. “Why would you want to catch me?”
“It’s always been fun surprising you.” She drew closer and grinned. “I don’t get to do it very often. You’re always so careful to observe the proprieties, too. Don’t you ever get tired of always being proper, always making sure that nothing we do or say can get us into trouble?”
He frowned. Keeping Jessica out of harms way was becoming a full-time occupation. Her father would be furious to know she was traipsing around the gardens alone in the dead of night. It was after midnight! “You shouldn’t be out here alone.”
“I’m not alone. I’m with you.” She moved closer still, looking up at him with a pleased expression. “And I am undoubtedly safer with you than in there. Lord James is prowling the house. I think he might even be inebriated.”
He grabbed her arm, but Jessica wasn’t so safe with him wearing that dress. Not now, that much was certain. She was close enough to capture. To kiss. All he’d have to do is lean forward and their lips would touch.
He closed his mind to the overwhelming yearning to do something that would shock her.
“What are you thinking, Giddy?”
“Nothing.”
Her lips twisted. “I am thinking of nothing, too. I also think I have been very patient, and I’m ready for my real kiss now.”
His breath caught. “Wouldn’t you rather have a new rose bush for your greenhouse? I owe you a present.”
“My birthday is not for another year now. I can wait for a present.” She grinned. “But I want a kiss much sooner than that, tonight under the stars. From you. I won’t forgive you if you try to trick me again.”
She backed him against the tall tree she’d been hiding under before he realized she meant the kiss to happen right here, right now, whether he agreed to it or not.
Her eyes were fixed on his lip in the most disconcerting way. “Everyone said kissing is supposed to be painless and enjoyable,” Jessica promised. “Don’t frown like kissing me might be torture.”
Dear God, it might be.
“Do you know how to kiss a woman so they enjoy it?”
Of course, he did. He wasn’t a monk. “Yes,” he admitted slowly.
“Show me?”
He glanced around, hoping for a reason to escape, but it was dark and there was no one on the estate grounds to distract her with at this time of night.
Kissing Jessica, no matter how chastely done, would change him…and how she saw him.
He was a trusted friend, but friends should not kiss unless—his heart raced—they intended to marry each other.
All the reasons he’d avoided entanglements with women seemed not to apply to the one standing before him now, however. Jessica demanded his attention, as always. But if she wanted to kiss someone for experience, his heart pleaded that he be the one to do it. He could restrain himself, and berate himself later. He was very good at that by now.
He drew in a shaky breath before speaking. “Enjoyment depends on many factors.”
Her smile was so bright, he almost staggered. “So you’ll let me try? Thank you, Giddy! I swear you are the best friend I’ll ever have.”
He was the worst friend she had, if he could lose a simple argument with himself within the space of a minute. “It will only be once, and then we will never speak of it again. Not even to each other, and especially not to your father or your siblings.”
“Of course not. My lips are sealed,” Jessica promised—and then ground hers hard against Gideon’s.
Gideon pushed her back then pressed his fingers to his bruised lips. “Ouch, Jess,” he grumbled.
“Sorry, that was wrong, wasn’t it?”
In so many ways that he couldn’t say out loud. “A great deal too enthusiastic for a first kiss, I should think.” He grabbed her arms to hold her back from throwing herself into a second attempt immediately. “Kissing should not be rushed. Let me show you how it is done. Slowly is best.”
He bent his head and brushed his lips softly against hers.
Jessica remained still as a stone as he kissed her again and again, little pecks upon her soft lips that were tender and sweet and everything she should experience the first time.
Unfortunately, his body clamored for immediate gratification and for him to continue. He yearned to hold her close against his body, no matter what the future might bring. Kissing Jessica was dangerous.
He drew back as soon as it seemed the right time, searching her expression for some indication of his success or failure.
Jessica had closed her eyes during the kiss and now licked her lips in the aftermath. “Hmm, you do that very well, Giddy.”
“Thank you.” He wiped his brow, glad a kiss hadn’t changed anything between them. He was still Giddy to her, and that made him a good friend still, didn’t it? The excitement was only on his side.
Her eyes opened suddenly. “Now it is my turn to kiss you.”
Gideon groaned. He had counted on satisfying her curiosity, but he had entirely forgotten that this was Jessica Westfall he was kissing. She was the sort of female who liked to do everything in her own way and own time. He stood patiently in readiness for her next assault, hoping for a far gentler approach than her first attempt.
Jessica must have learned a lot from his kiss, because all of a sudden she seemed much more sensual as she moved closer. His pulse began to race in response. She rested her hands lightly on his chest and looked up into his eyes. His heart hammered against his ribs as she slid her fingers upward until she could loop her arms around his neck.
She smiled up at him with all the trust of an innocent. “You are so good to allow me this little experiment. I was sure you’d be best.”
“Make it quick, now.”
Carefully, and with less force than the last time, she set her lips against Gideon’s and kissed him the way he’d just shown her.
Their lips clung a moment as she drew back, and then she kissed him again—soft kisses that made him want more than anything to be younger, titled. A man who could trust himself to be what she needed.
Not the old family friend and neighbor everyone considered a bachelor for life.
He closed his eyes as she brushed against his body, drinking in the warmth that seeped through his clothing in a way that was far too arousing to be in anyone’s best interests. He set his hands on her waist and told them to stay there, to hold her back from his body, no matter how things might progress.
Jessica’s arms tightened around his neck, and she leaned fully against his hot bod
y, sending a delicious thrill through him as his cock twitched against her belly. Dear God; as she kissed him with growing confidence, Gideon lost track of time and his reason.
He was suddenly cupping the back of her head to hold her fast to him, thoroughly committed to her education in pleasure. She made little sounds, soft whimpers, and a moan when their lips parted. Damn, but he was growing feverish for more of her, too.
He could imagine peeling her out of that scrap of a dress, baring her skin to his lips and eagerly satisfying every single demand she made for his attention.
His mind reeled with possibilities of a future together. Coming home to find Jessica waiting impatiently for him, making love to her under the stars or in his bed. Hot summer nights barely dressed, endless winters snuggled together for warmth and pleasure. A lifetime of Jessica in his arms.
And children—she would want children to hold.
He couldn’t give her those.
He would not be a good father. He didn’t know how.
Reluctantly, he eased his tight grip on Jessica and settled his palms back at her waist.
He opened his eyes as he pushed Jessica away from him firmly.
He would only disappoint her. He would not marry. Not her, not anyone.
He staggered away, breath churning from his lungs. He’d been weak to allow that kiss to go on for so long. Jessica deserved better from him than to be mauled.
“Gideon?”
He did not turn around. “Was that what you hoped for?”
“It was and more,” Jessica said, and then she pressed her face against his shoulder. She leaned into him, silent for a change, but Gideon’s mind was full of anger at himself. When Jessica wormed her way into his embrace and snaked an arm around his waist, he knew he had to break away from her soon. She must turn her attention elsewhere for future kisses. It was for her own good.
Gideon glanced down at the top of her head as the scent of her familiar perfume tickled his nose. Sometimes, when he’d spend a whole day at Stapleton, Gideon imagined he could smell her distinctive scent when he was home and alone again.
His heart raced again as she tipped her face up to his and searched her eyes.
“What are you thinking now, Jessica?”
“I’ll tell you one day,” she murmured before turning into his chest and hugging him.
It was nice to be held, and he reluctantly put his arms on her smaller shoulders. The moment of passion had passed, and now they would be friends again. He let out a shuddering breath. Friendship was all a man with his history needed. “Brown will lock the doors of Stapleton Manor soon,” he warned her after a few quiet minutes had passed.
“I have a key to the long gallery door, so I can sneak in and out whenever I please now.”
Disturbed by that admission, he finally moved away from her. “Just how often have you snuck out on your own at night?”
“Just tonight. I swear, and only to see you. Never anyone else.”
He was only mildly appeased by her statement. “You are not to leave Stapleton again on your own.”
“Then how am I to see you without anyone knowing about it?”
“You shouldn’t be sneaking off to see even me.”
Her lips set in a stubborn line he knew well. “You can’t stop me.”
He took a menacing step forward, or at least tried to look intimidating. “I could warn your mother and have her take the key away.”
“Oh, don’t you dare,” she complained. She pressed her hands over her bodice, which gave Gideon a clue as to where she was currently keeping the key. His pulse raced a little faster as the idea of retrieving it dawned on him. He clenched his jaw against the inclination. “Home. Now.”
“Yes, Gideon,” she said, all meek and compliant as she drew near once more. “I’ll go straight away. As long as you promise to call on me, and no more making me wait days between visits.”
He nodded slowly, knowing how stubborn she could be. He jerked his head toward the now dark manor house, though. “No side trips. Straight to your room and lock the door.”
Jessica turned back to him, grinning. “Don’t you trust me?”
He didn’t trust himself. Not with her anymore. But there was also Lord James skulking about, too. “I know you all too well, my dear. Remain another moment and there’s no telling the trouble you’ll find yourself in with me,” Gideon warned, nearing the end of his tether.
Jessica kissed him suddenly, and then danced back out of range of his reaching hands. “Good night, Mr. Whitfield. Pleasant dreams.”
“Good night, Lady Jessica,” he said, and then stalked behind her all the way home just to be sure she did go inside, waiting to be sure she did not come out again.
Chapter 12
Jessica moved swiftly toward the front steps of Stapleton Manor where a two-wheeled one-horse gig was reported to be ready and waiting. When she had extracted a promise from Gideon to call on her today, she had completely forgotten about the race. So had he apparently. Of course he could not come now, so she would go to him.
She did not even need to take a chaperone for the short journey. The gig was built for one driver and one Tiger on the back. Plus, he father was already at Quigley Hill and expected her there shortly.
She tugged on her soft kid gloves and went outside full of great excitement for the day ahead.
Young Paulson, a young groom new to the estate, was standing at the mare’s head, grinning madly. “Ready when you are, my lady.”
“Thank you, Paulson.”
She accepted assistance to climb into the carriage and arranged her skirts neatly around her legs. Once she had the reins and control of the horse, Paulson raced to the tiger’s perch at the back and jumped aboard.
She clucked the reins once he gave the word he was settled, and the mare eagerly obeyed. Once beyond the turns nearest the house, she gave the horse its head. They sped off down the drive toward the stream crossing. The wind of their passage whipped across her cheeks, and she laughed out loud. She’d never have this much fun anywhere else.
Behind her, Paulson whooped with joy. “Are we racing too, today, my lady?”
“I don’t wish to be late,” she called back, never taking her eyes from the drive ahead.
When the gates to Stapleton came into view, and the creek crossing she slowed to a safer speed for the turn and then directed her horse toward Quigley Hill. The house itself was actually closer when walking. By road and carriage, she had a mile or more to travel.
As she neared Quigley Hill, she noticed the front lawns were dotted with many people from the village. It seemed the whole town had come out to watch the start. There were picnic blankets and chairs set beneath the shade cast by trees. There were even children running around, chasing each other.
She turned off the drive and slowed the gig to a stop, staying far enough away that her horse would not accidentally trample anyone or spook.
Paulson jumped down from his perch and ran forward. “Shall I help you down, my lady?”
She glanced at her timepiece and then the crowd ahead. There were a great many people around, and pushing her way through them all would take more time and effort than she might have before the start.
“No, thank you. I’ll stay here for now, lad.”
“As you like.” Paulson rushed to the horse’s head and took charge of the bridle, though.
Assured of her safety, Jessica tied off the reins. She shaded her eyes and looked around, wishing she’d thought to bring a parasol with her. Gideon was standing close to her father, Lord Rafferty, and Mr. Napier, laughing.
She nodded to Lord Rafferty and her father when they noticed her, but became distracted when Natalia suddenly appeared by her carriage.
“I thought you’d never get here,” Natalia complained.
Jessica stretched out her hand to help Natalia squeeze onto the gig seat with her and looked back to where she’d last seen Gideon. “I would not miss this race for the world.”
Natalia
nudged her shoulder. “Doesn’t Lord Rafferty have an air of danger about him today? He spoke to me, and I fairly shivered.”
“He is always that intense.”
Jessica frowned. She could clearly see Gideon but he’d still not turned to acknowledge her arrival. She needed him to know she was here to support him, too.
Natalia drew closer. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
Natalia brought her lips close to Jessica’s ear to whisper, “Is the duchess really increasing?”
“Yes,” she whispered back.
“And she’s not in good health?”
“Not always, unfortunately, but she’s thrilled just the same.”
Natalia giggled. “Mama was like that. She used to sing when she was increasing, even when casting up her accounts just before.”
“Mama does not sing. Not yet, anyway.”
Lord James strutted up to them. She took in his expensive silk waistcoat and gleaming riding boots and was not the least bit impressed. He presented himself as a wealthy man of good taste, instead of a heartless fortune hunter who had turned his back on a young woman who had probably loved him. “Good morning, Lady Jessica,” he exclaimed.
“Lord James.” She kept her response short, clipped. She did not wish to encourage him in the slightest. She had even waited until he’d ridden off that morning so she’d be spared the ordeal of talking with him again.
He eyed Natalia, and Jessica realized he’d forgotten Natalia’s name or if they’d been introduced. They had been, too. A man like that didn’t deserve to be reminded if he’d already forgotten someone so important to her.
A frown flickered in his eyes as she remained silent. “What a pretty pair you make in this quaint setting.”
Jessica suppressed a groan when Natalia fluttered her fan and smiled shyly at Lord James. Natalia had always enjoyed flattery far more than Jessica. “Thank you, my lord,” she murmured.
She looked toward Gideon again, and saw he was watching her at last. She waved, but he only nodded. He moved a few steps and bent down as a lady spoke to him. When they parted, Jessica saw Mrs. Beck.
