Every Time We Kiss. Christie Kelley
ALL THAT SHE WANTS
“Leaving already?” Jennette stood in the moonlight looking everything like the angel she’d dressed to be tonight. She rubbed her arms as if to keep the cold wind away.
“Yes. I wouldn’t wish to cause you any further distress tonight.”
She lifted one black eyebrow. “Am I to assume the dance with Lucinda didn’t go as I’d planned?”
He approached her slowly. She had matured into an exquisite beauty. She had delicate cheekbones and flawless ivory skin, a mouth too full to be perfect but just right for other things. The white gown outlined her slender body and slight fullness of her breasts. He shook his head to clear it of his sordid thoughts.
“No,” he finally replied. “She determined my identity.”
Jennette sighed, a delicate sound that brought his attention to her full, pink lips again. “I will have to do better at this matchmaking plan.”
He moved a step closer to her, knowing they already stood far too close. “Unless you don’t wish to do better?”
She looked up at him with a start. “What do you mean?”
“Perhaps you don’t want to find me a bride.”
“But…Oh, no,” she said with a little smile and a shake of her head. “I will not marry you.”
“Maybe,” he whispered. “But don’t you want to know what you will be missing?”
Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Not particularly.”
He stroked her cheek with his gloved hand until she trembled. “Haven’t you ever wanted a scoundrel in your bed?”
“Like you?”
“Exactly like me.”
EVERY TIME WE KISS
CHRISTIE KELLEY
ZEBRA BOOKS
Kensington Publishing Corp.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
To my biggest fan,
my mother,
JoAnn.
Thanks for all the loving support over the years.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
This book would never have been completed without the help of all the workers at Panera and Atlanta Bread Company. Dealing with a home under complete reconstruction, I never would have finished this book without the hot, free refills of coffee spurring my creative juices. Thanks for giving me a warm place to write while my house had no heat.
Again, I must thank my critique partners, The Tarts. Kathy Love, Kate Poole, Kate Dolan, and Lisa, I can’t thank you enough for reading through this so quickly for me.
I also must thank my editor, Peter Senftleben. Thanks for having patience with this one and helping me make it so much better. You’re the best!
Lastly, to Mike, Stephen, and Tommy, I love you all so much. Thank you for understanding when I needed to get out of the house to write.
Chapter 1
London, 1816
“So this is really goodbye, then?” Vanessa stared up at him with watery blue eyes.
Matthew tried his best to be the coldhearted scoundrel his reputation demanded, but it never worked with her. Drawing her into his arms, he said with regret, “You know I can’t afford your retainer any longer.”
“I always thought…”
She didn’t need to say another word. He knew exactly what she thought and maybe at one time it might have worked. As a second son, he could afford to be frivolous with his reputation, but not now. Two accidents and his life had changed in so many ways.
“It’s not fair,” she mumbled into his chest. “I know a mistress isn’t supposed to fall in love with her protector, but…”
“Shh, Vanessa.”
“How could you not have known the debts he incurred?”
He stroked her long, blonde hair, savoring the silky texture. He would miss her but the time had come to end this with her. She had become far too serious about loving him and becoming more than just a mistress.
“I thought that was David’s responsibility. I had no idea that the two of them were so irresponsible with the estates and the money.” Pausing for a moment, he finally added, “And I was no better than either of them.”
“I could help you,” she whispered.
“I’m afraid you know that would never work.” Vanessa’s love had been constant for a year. While he didn’t return the feelings in the same manner, he never wanted to hurt her with the truth.
“I would be a good wife.”
Matthew blew out a long breath wanting to end this quickly, but he felt unable to hurt her. She had been there for him when he needed her.
“Darling, you will make some man a wonderful wife. And as soon as I get myself out of this mess my father and brother left me in, I’ll help you any way I can.”
“But a wife, Matthew? Must you marry to save yourself?” She drew her fingers along the lapel of his jacket.
“You know as well as I, there is no other way out of this disaster.” But he still wondered just what type of woman would want him and his reputation.
She pulled away and looked up at him. Her diminutive stature forced her neck back. “Do you honestly think you will be able to find a woman of your social rank?”
“Yes. I am the earl now. There are always fathers who want their daughters to be a countess.”
“Until her father discovers your name. Then he’ll make certain his little darling doesn’t marry a killer.”
His body tensed. “I will find a wife, Vanessa.”
“It’s all her fault, Matthew. You should make her pay for this. Go to her and let her family pay you for what you did for her.”
“I don’t believe they know what happened that day.” At least that had been the plan.