Lover Be Mine A Legendary Lovers Novel - By Nicole Jordan Page 0,31

matter, I assure you. I was merely making a theoretical observation.” He exhaled in a dramatic sigh. “It shouldn’t surprise me that you are willing to overlook Dunmore’s shortcomings. A dukedom and fortune can overcome myriad personal flaws.”

“I won’t deny those are advantages. But becoming his duchess would allow me to give my parents the financial security they crave. Additionally, I could do a lot of good for unwed mothers like our former maid, Martha. Besides, many couples have less in common. If I wed his grace, I am determined to make the best of our marriage.”

Her reasoning brought no counterargument from him, yet he did have a point, Sophie acknowledged. To be honest, she had much more in common with Lord Jack. Certainly they were closer in age. And she couldn’t deny the delicious chemistry between them.

To say he was different from the duke was a vast understatement. Lord Jack was clever and quick-witted, with a magnetism that was enormously appealing. She enjoyed his banter and his sense of humor. What was more, she could laugh with him.

She had to admit also that his interest in her was supremely flattering. She had never had a suitor who cared to learn her thoughts and opinions. Certainly the duke was drawn more by her physical appearance than her mind. In contrast, Lord Jack had encouraged her to talk about her childhood, her family, her hopes and dreams, even though he hadn’t reciprocated.…

She was about to ask him about his own upbringing when she suddenly became aware of the passing time. The sun rising above the treetops suggested it was at least nine o’clock.

With a sigh, Sophie gathered the remains of their breakfast, stoppering the flask and folding the cloth that had held the crumpets. “I must return to the house to be with my aunt’s guests,” she said reluctantly.

As she made to rise, Lord Jack reached out to catch her hand. “Don’t go yet.”

“I must.”

She greatly regretted having to end their pleasurable rendezvous. Yet he wouldn’t release her hand, nor did he shift his position where he lay on the blanket. “I will let you go, but first I demand a kiss.”

She smiled down at him. “You are hardly in a position to make demands.”

“On the contrary. A kiss is my price for keeping our tryst secret.”

“There you go again, attempting to blackmail me. You are deplorable.”

“No doubt.”

His fingers closing more tightly around hers, he rolled onto his side and gently tugged her down to lie on the blanket opposite him.

They lay facing each other with their gazes locked, barely breathing. There it was again—that intimate awareness between them. The connection she had never felt with any other man, along with a jolt of desire so strong it made her shiver.

“Darling Sophie …”

How did he make her name sound like a caress? And how did he have such a powerful effect on her?

“You have a lovely mouth, sweet Sophie. Let me taste you.”

She wanted to taste him also, she thought as her gaze dropped to his mouth. He was so close, she was sure he could feel the longing thrumming through her body.

While she deliberated, he brought her hand to his cheekbone. Without conscious thought, she touched his face in return, exploring the chiseled contours, the stubble of morning whiskers on his jaw, the firm lips.…

At his murmur of approval, she lifted her gaze to his again, to the dark eyes fringed with heavy lashes. His eyes were so beautiful. The dancing lights in the inky depths were mesmerizing.

Why did he captivate her so? Every time he touched her, she felt a sudden, sharp leap of hunger deep inside her. And she was woman enough to recognize the heated sparks in his eyes. He wanted her, she was certain of it.

But he was leaving the decision to her.

She really had no choice, though. She wanted to feel his mouth against hers with a kind of desperation that startled her.

Taking a shaky breath, Sophie rose onto one elbow and leaned closer so that she could bend down to him. Her kiss was tentative at first, until his hand slid behind her head to increase the pressure.

And just like that, he took the lead from her, moving his mouth over hers with extraordinary slowness. The combination of heat and languid motion was unbelievably sensual. She felt soft and achy inside at the deliberate, overpowering seduction of her senses.

Her woman’s body craving the maleness of him, she leaned closer and draped herself over Lord