This is becoming old hat. I know the interviewing process. I’m comfortable with the men in my life, uh, my head. And most importantly, they don’t intimidate me. They don’t intimidate me. They don’t intimidate me. See? If you say it enough, it’s more likely you will believe it when it becomes necessary to run for the hills.

 

Nicolas is in the stables. No, he’s not a horse. He is Lord Bromley. In Marriage Mart he was the one my heroine pretended she was in order to pass among the ton. But in Marriage Plot, he is the hero. The blond, blue-eyed Adonis with a worldly cynicism, born of undercover espionage, mingled with boyish joviality.

 

The rain is coming down pretty hard as I exit the back of Braeton, the family seat, and trek the short distance to the stables. Nicolas is there, brush in hand, stroking down Winston’s withers. The horse twitches with pleasure under his sure touch and I can’t help but feel a little envious.

 

“You’re late,” Nicolas says, not looking up from the task at hand.

 

“A little. Did you miss me?” I go for the teasing tone, hoping to evoke his lighthearted nature over his serious no-nonsense side.

 

His eyes flick to me, over me and return to Winston. His lips quirk upward. “Certainly I missed you, my love. How could I possibly face a day without thinking of your winsome ways?” He glances at me again, probably to ascertain whether I found the humor in his elaborate flattery.

 

I do. I invented him.

 

Nicolas pats Winston with firm slaps to his neck. Affection lights his eyes and he puts aside the brush. Picking up a carrot stick, Nicolas looks to me. “Would you care to feed him? He likes to nip but if I assist he won’t bother you.”

 

As I walk toward him, Nicolas mutters something under his breath. My heart catches as I hear the words, “I might, though.” The idea of Nicolas nipping me anywhere sets a little flame to my insides. I think I’d like that. A lot.

 

“Stand here. I’ll be at your back. You’ve nothing to fear.” His tone is soothing, deep. And all I can think is this guy, this sexy guy is right behind me. If I take a step backward, my shoulders will press against his chest and his hips will fit snuggly to my bottom. Not a bad thought to have at the moment, even if it does make my hands shake.

 

I extend the carrot to Winston whose enormous equine eyes blink back with ebony understanding and not a little mischief. He whinnies and nods his head abruptly pushing me into the man I’d just fantasized about pressing up against.

 

Nicolas’ chuckle sounds husky against my ear and his arms wrap around my body, holding me close. “My apologies. Winston has a bit of a lusty side.”

 

Rather like his owner, I think. But I’m busy enjoying the warmth of his embrace and the firm masculine body at my back. “S’alright.”

 

Nicolas nuzzles my hair with a murmur of appreciation. “You smell incredible.”

 

“Suave, Ocean Breeze.” I say a bit lamely.

 

“Whatever concoction, it suits you.”

 

“How?” Okay, yes, I know I’m fishing.

 

“It’s gentle with a hint of citrus bite, rather like the person wearing it.”

 

I decide not to contradict the gentle part. Citrus bite—Tangy? Hmm. Okay, I can live with that. “You’re going to really like Caroline, then.”

 

“Caroline? Little Caroline, my sister’s friend? Why ever would she interest me? She’s a mere child.”

 

“Nope. You’ve been away for a while. Trust me when I tell you she’s grown up. She’s going to knock your socks off.”

 

“Hardly. She’s too young for my tastes. You, however, suit me.”

 

I chance a look at him over my shoulder. His cheek against my temple brushes my brow and as I tilt my head up to look in his eyes, I figure there are worse places I could be at the moment than the center of this man’s attention. His warm regard engulfs me with his natural magnetism.

 

Tipping my chin up, I kiss him. He doesn’t stop me or pull away. He allows me my exploration, smiling at my shaky sigh and the tentative glide of my lips on his. He meets me, teases me on, lingers with me until we finally part only to share breaths. He’s perfect for her. Caroline will love this guy.

 

“You and Caroline are going to work beautifully together.”

 

“Or you and I would,” he says, his whisper a husky flutter across my mouth. His blue eyes have grown stormy with awareness, his expression intent. That look is meant for Caroline. I know because I wrote it that way.

 

“Trust me.”

 

“Always,” he agrees.

 

“You aren’t mine.”

 

He looks at me with regret. “You are certain?” I nod. Nicolas reluctantly releases me. I face Winston and he takes the carrot I offer with no more matchmaking attempts. I run my palm over his silken nose and he snorts.

 

As I leave the stables, I feel Nicolas’ solemn gaze on my back. He’s waiting for me to turn around but I know I have a better fate in store for him. Someone worthy of his affection and an adventure he wouldn’t pass up for the world.