Best Intentions

Stella Hegan, illegitimate daughter of the late Earl of Barebury, harbors no misconceptions of the dismal possibilities offered her. Upon her debut into society, it promptly became clear she was an outsider. The women shunned her for her exotic looks and the men seemed only to want her in their beds. Nearing her twenty-fifth birthday, some would say well past marriageable age, Stella resolves to make one last-ditch effort to fulfill her desire of having a loving family of her own. Recognizing she would have to work twice as hard as other young ladies to see the dream realized, she plans a two-tier strategy. The first, to put aside her energetic and plainspoken character. Only the most genteel and decorous ladies succeeded in London ballrooms. The second, to enlist her friend James’s help to demonstrate her appeal to the opposite sex.

Mr. James Best, third son to the Earl of Franklin, does his utmost to live up to his father’s grim opinion of him. At thirty-one years old, he is aware he is not built for a mature, stable life of security or love, so James immerses himself in all the recklessness to be had. If he were to be labeled a scoundrel, surely, he should enjoy the title. When the spirited Stella Hegan, the woman he has secretly desired for ages and his closest friend’s younger sister, approaches him to aid in her plight to make a respectable match, James unwisely agrees. Pretending a courtship with her should be effortless. After all it was what he’d wanted for years but could never have. As their arrangement progresses, though, James quickly grasps the lunacy in his agreeing. Stella visibly softens toward him in ways he’d only ever dreamed. So, he must continually remind himself of how undeserving he was of someone as chaste and moral as she. But before long, sparks ignite, desires are realized, and innocent games deviate to stormy and impassioned encounters. 

James’s best intentions swiftly turn into denial and rejection, as Stella admits her feelings for him. Being dishonorable and immoral, he does not merit her affections. With determined resolve, though, Stella embarks on a crusade to transform the lowly perception he has of his self-worth. For she will marry James Best or no one at all. 

Stephan felt off balance as he paced the foyer awaiting Angela’s presence. This was a crucial night. He had been working on gaining her trust all week and hoped tonight would be the culmination of that effort. But the girl mystified him.

When forming his retaliation, he had conjured many scenarios, but in none of them did he have any difficulties in executing his scheme. But she was a spitfire. She had been suspicious of him from the start. She was far more direct in her questions and comments than any other woman he’d encountered. And the biggest problem was he liked it. If he were being truthful, he liked her. He knew he must steel his heart against her. His brain repeatedly told him he must gather his wits and distance himself from the sensations he was experiencing. Of course, other parts of his anatomy told his head to shut up.

A slight noise had him turning toward the circular staircase as Angela descended. She was stunning in a snug, creamy gown that fell in waves around her feet. He took her in from head to toes and then back up again to settle on her half-exposed breasts. His mouth watered. His groin gave a strong jolt.

He was in real trouble. 

His eyes twinkled as he took one more stride, until there were only scant inches between them. If she took a deep breath, they would be chest to chest. She backed away to find her bottom meeting the balustrade, she could go no further. She was all but trapped. Her eyes slid shut and she swallowed hard, as his face slowly bent to hers. He was going to kiss her.

“Jonas!” she snapped. He paused his forward motion but did not pull back. His hand came up and using just the tips of his fingers, he caressed her jaw.

“Ah, sweet Julia,” he breathed, the boyish smile still upon his face. “Do not think for a moment I have forgotten your concerns. You made it perfectly clear when you rejected me that you presume our age difference is an obstacle.” He continued to stroke her face. Her breath caught and he quietly chuckled. “And I would like to clear matters up as well. I disagree whole heartedly.” Jonas’s fingers slid to her neck. “I know we would be amazing together. I. Know.” He massaged the back of her neck. “You know it, too.” He pulled her forward and placed a whisper of a kiss on her trembling lips. It was soft and quick. Every muscle in her traitorous body melted.

Julia’s hands shook with the urge to wrap her arms about him, to feel his body pressed to hers again. It was all she had thought about, dreamt about since the night of the masquerade. And he was right here in front of her. Hers for the taking.

Just once. Just one kiss.

He peered down at her, his gaze smoldering. It was a look she had been familiar with, a look she knew she displayed as well. Without further thought, Julia grasped his waist and pulled him against her. Surprise crossed his features but was almost instantly replaced with lust.