Whirlwind Wedding

stared into the flames, trying to figure out what a Runner was doing at Bradford Hall and why someone killed him. Nothing was clear other than the fact that Robert, his mother, and Caroline had to leave here until the mystery was solved. His stomach turned over. If anything happened to Caroline-

He swallowed half his drink and squeezed his eyes shut. No. No harm would come to Caroline. He would personally see to it. But first he would have to survive the five-hour journey facing him tomorrow.

Five hours in a coach with Caroline. Five hours of her sitting close enough to touch, five hours of breathing in her delicate fragrance.

Five hours of pure torture.

His guts tightened at the very thought. It was one thing to avoid her in a crowd, but how the hell could he hope to pretend indifference in a carriage? And with her brother and mother looking on, no less.

Damnation, when the hell had she grown up? He'd looked at her a thousand times and had never seen her. She'd always been 'Little Caroline,' until that night two months ago when he'd waltzed with her. Since then it seemed he could not stop looking at her. She'd fit in his arms as if she were made for him alone and no matter how hard he tried, he'd been unable to erase the feel of her, the scent of her from his memory.

He closed his eyes, picturing her in his mind. What would her beautiful mouth feel like? Taste like?

His eyes snapped open and he gulped his brandy. Hang it! What the hell am I thinking? If Austin even suspected he was entertaining carnal thoughts about Caroline, he would snap his fingers and decree, 'Off with his head!'

He simply had to push these insane urges aside. Caroline was not a woman to trifle with, and the 'trifle' sort was what he liked best. Caroline would have a husband- and as he had no intention of being one, he simply needed to forget this madness. No wife for him, no indeed. He had no intention of being leg-shackled as his father had been to his second wife, a nagging harpy who'd made his life miserable until the day he died.

He would endure the carriage ride tomorrow and Caroline's presence in his home for several days, and then he wouldn't have to see her again until the start of the next Season, thank God. And even then, he could easily avoid her.

A knock sounded at the door. 'Come in.'

Caroline entered closing the door behind her.

It felt as if all the air had been sucked from the room.

'Good evening,' she said joining him by the fireplace and offering him a tentative smile. 'I was looking for Robert.'

'He's gone to bed.' He tried to force his gaze away from her, but failed completely. The fire's glow highlighted her delicate features and shiny golden hair. The memory of the feel of her in his arms washed over him again, bringing with it a heated rush of desire.

'Don't let me keep you from retiring, Caroline,' he said, inclining his head in a meaningful fashion toward the door.

'Are you angry about something, Miles?'

He tore his gaze away from her and stared into the fire. Yes, he was angry. Angry for being unable to talk himself out of this unwanted, insane desire for her. Yes, he was very angry indeed.

'No, Caroline. I'm not angry.'

'I don't believe you.'

His gaze snapped over to glare at her. Looking at her proved a big mistake. Her blue eyes probed his, studying him with tender concern. Her breasts curved above her bodice and tendrils of golden hair curled in a beguiling fashion around her face. His loins clenched, and he swelled against his trousers. She was so damn beautiful. And he wanted her. God how he wanted her.

'Are you calling me a liar?'

'No, of course not. I was just concerned that I'd done something to anger you.'

'You haven't.' He swallowed the rest of his brandy and continued to stare at her, helpless to stop himself. He knew he should stop drinking with such haste. He was beginning to feel light-headed.

Caroline watched him, her heart thumping against her ribs. On the outside she strove to appear calm, but on the inside her nerves jangled with tension and uncertainty. She'd known Robert had retired. She'd been waiting for an opportunity to be alone with Miles, hoping that he might make an encouraging move toward her, but his fierce scowl made hope of that outcome die a slow, withering death in her breast.

Well, she was prepared to take matters into her own hands. She'd loved him her entire life. It was time to show him she wasn't a little girl anymore. She had nothing to lose except her pride, and she would happily sacrifice that if it meant having Miles.

'I'm relieved you're not angry with me,' she remarked with what she hoped sounded like a carefree laugh, 'because I wish to ask your advice about something, if you don't mind.'

He didn't answer her.

'It's a rather delicate matter,' she went on doggedly. 'Ask your mother,' he suggested his tone anything but friendly.

'Oh, I couldn't ask Mother about this.' 'Then ask Austin. Or Robert.'

'Impossible,' she decreed with a wave of her hand. She leaned forward and spoke confidentially. 'They're men, you see.'

He turned his head and stared at her. 'And just what the hell am I?'

'Oh! Well, you're a man, of course,' she replied not even batting an eye at his use of an obscenity. 'But you're different. You're not my brother, you see.'

Miles didn't see. Not at all. He knew he wasn't her brother, damn it. He knew it all too well. 'What do you need advice about, Caroline?' he asked in a tired voice. Maybe if he humored her she'd go away and leave him in peace. Then he could concentrate on something other than her.

'I need to know about kissing.'

He gaped at her in amazement. 'What did you say?'

'I said I need to know about kissing. As you know, Lord Blankenship was one of our houseguests this past week. I have reason to believe he holds me in some affection and may offer for me.'

'Blankenship? Charles Blankenship?'

'Yes.'

'Has he spoken to Austin about this?' 'No. At least I don't think so.'

'Then what makes you think he plans to offer for you?'

'He kissed me.'

'He what?'

'He kissed me.'

'Where?'

Caroline blinked. 'In the library.' Miles barely held his temper in check. 'I meant where did he kiss you-as in on the hand or on your cheek?'

'Oh. Neither. He kissed me on my lips.'

'He what?'

'You seem to have a decided problem understanding me. Is your hearing afflicted?'

'Certainly not,' Miles answered indignant. 'I just simply cannot believe you'd allow him to kiss you in such a fashion.'

She cocked her head to one side. 'Indeed? Why? Lord Blankenship is titled wealthy, kind and fair of countenance.'

'Isn't he rather old for you?'

'He's only two years older than you. But that isn't what I want to talk about.'

'Really?' His voice resembled a growl.

'No. What I need to know is why I didn't feel anything when Charles kissed me. Except perhaps boredom.'

Much to his disgust, a wave of relief washed over Miles. 'Boredom? Really? What a pity.'

'From conversations I've had with several friends, I understand it's not necessary to feel bored when a gentleman kisses you. Apparently some gentlemen's kisses aren't boring at all.' She