The Earl's Outrageous Lover (3 page)

Jessica blinked, and shook her head.  “Of course not,” she said softly.

His eyes snapped back up at her, waiting a moment for her to elaborate on her denial.  Most people would know that they were in trouble by this point because of his tone of voice.  But this woman sitting in front of him didn’t seem to be aware of the danger.  That only irritated him further and he decided to ramp up the intimidation, pushing his amusement and fascination aside.  It was rare that he met someone who didn’t react as expected and the fact that Jessica Mallory was not following the predictable pattern gave him pause.  “Would you care to expand on that comment?”

She folded her hands in her lap.  “The first few months, I was a bit preoccupied since I’d suddenly lost both of my parents.  I didn’t think it was necessary to marry immediately following the funeral.”

Edward looked at her soft brown eyes and felt like a complete ass.  “I’m sorry.  That was rude of me,” he apologized.  He looked across the back of the limousine, steadily watching her face as the color slowly returned to her beautiful features.  He’d hurt her and all he could think about now was how he could get the sparkle back into her eyes.  “I know your parents died suddenly and it must have been horrible for you.”

Jessica looked down, pushing away the pain of her loss.  It was over now and she couldn’t bring them back.  Her strict father had been a good man, if undemonstrative and very opinionated about how to conduct oneself in the world.  His will aside, she understood him and they got along reasonably well.  Her mother had been soft and gentle, always there for a hug.  Both of them had given her a strong sense of who she was and her place in this world and she would miss them every day of her life.  But now was not the time to dwell on her loss.  She had to marry and this man sitting in front of her was ready and willing to help her.

“Thank you for that.”  She cleared her throat and shook her head, unaware that the man in front of her was watching her curls shimmer around her head with fascination.  “As for the other part of the year, I honestly have been trying to find someone who would suit me for a husband.  I know there are thousands of people in my father’s companies that will be out of a job if I don’t marry soon.”  She forced a smile to her face.  “But I’m interrupting your day and I know you have a very tight schedule.  A trip to the police station probably wasn’t on your agenda so I know I’ve taken up an inordinate amount of your time.  The offer of dinner tonight still stands.  How about if we meet tonight at my house for dinner to discuss the terms of my father’s will?  I’m so sorry that your uncle broke his leg, but I’m truly grateful that you’re willing to step in and help out with all the technicalities.  My father was a good businessman, but he was a huge chauvinist and refused to allow a woman to have control of his financial issues.  So accepting the responsibility is truly a very kind thing from you.  I promise that I will endeavor to apply myself to this task with great efficiency,” she said the last part with mock seriousness.

Edward didn’t realize he was glaring at the woman.  He was still reeling from the impact of her smile and was furious that he was so undisciplined that he kept losing his focus any time she smiled.  There was something about her mouth that just distracted him, made him think of….

Dammit!

He cleared his throat and leaned forward, disgusted with his body that was reacting to her perfume and that damn smile of hers.  “That’s very kind of you.  I’ll be there tonight with any help I can muster.”

Jessica looked up at him, startled by his comment.  What did he mean?  What kind of help would he need for this?

She smiled and glanced out the window, realizing that they had just pulled up outside of what she assumed was his office.  Reaching across the short expanse of the car, she extended her hand as she said, “Thank you, Edward.  I appreciate all of your help.”

When he took her hand in his, she felt the jolt of electricity, the stunning heat that swarmed over her hand, up her arm and throughout her body.  She held on for a moment longer than necessary before pulling back.  That touch…she’d felt it so thoroughly, so intensely, and it scared her into jerking her hand back.

She stepped out of his car quickly, eager to be freed from those intimidating eyes of his.  What rotten luck, she thought as she opened the heavy door leading out to the street.  How could she be so attracted to a man who was completely inappropriate for her?  The man was a grouch who was probably painfully rigid in his mindset and so disciplined in his day that any kind of disturbance would irritate him to no end.

Edward cursed under his breath as he watched the slender woman step out.  Her long legs, round bottom and tiny waist were all he could see besides her dark curls but it was enough to singe his eyes and fill his body with need.  When the door finally closed on her, he swore once again and pulled out his cell phone.  Pressing a number he had on speed dial, he waited the few seconds before his call was answered, spending that time trying to get his body back under control.

“Julianna, I’m glad I was able to reach you,” he said as soon as the woman picked up.

“Good afternoon, Edward,” she said with her well cultured voice.  “It’s good to hear from you.”

Edward was irritated that he wasn’t picturing Julianna’s blond elegance but continued to mull over Jessica’s brunette boldness.  He would someday take Julianna as his wife and he should give her the respect of focusing on her when he was conversing with her.  “I’m sorry to spring this on you, but I have a favor to ask.”

“Of course.  You know I’ll do anything I can to help.”

Edward was counting on it.  “I know we don’t have plans tonight, but I was wondering if you might be able to accompany me to a dinner tonight.  Nothing formal, but I need to help out a friend.”

“Of course.  What time?”

He was relieved that he wouldn’t have to meet Jessica for dinner tonight alone, not examining his need for ‘protection’ too closely.  “I’ll have Alice send you the details.”

“That’s fine,” she said and they hung up after a few more pleasantries.

Edward spent the rest of the afternoon going through meeting after meeting, becoming more angry when his normally intense concentration was tested by images of a round bottom and long legs…of soft, red lips and twinkling chocolate eyes.  As he made his way to pick up Julianna that evening, he resolved to get the woman married as quickly as possible so he could get on with his life.

Julianna was the woman in his life.  She was cool and sophisticated, and everything his business life needed.  She was a supreme hostess with all the right connections.  They had been dating for the past several months but nothing serious and not exclusive, which was the main reason he hadn’t made their relationship more intimate.  Julianna wasn’t the kind of woman he could have sex with and then move on to a new relationship.  Once they took things to that level, he would be fully committed to a long term relationship.

No, when he needed sexual release, he would go to his mistress who was happily living in an apartment on the other side of London.  Those two worlds did not mix.

The thought occurred to him briefly that he couldn’t imagine needing a mistress if Jessica Mallory were in his life.

Chapter 3

Jessica looked at the table, noting the soft, pink roses and candle light.  It looked perfect.  Romantic, but not overwhelming, warm without being too cozy.  She could sit across the table at Edward and spell out all the things she wanted in a man, all the things that he wasn’t such as fun-loving, gentle, eager to smile at the silliest things.  She wanted a man who would dance after dinner with her – just because a fun song came over the stereo.

He’d looked so angry earlier in the day which told her that Edward was an old stick in the mud.  She definitely couldn’t picture him dancing anywhere, much less in the kitchen or dining room.

What she’d done to make him angry, she had no idea.  Initially, she’d gone through the whole conversation to try to determine what she might have said or done that would offend him.  But in the end, there had been so little conversation, she went with the idea that he’d just come from a frustrating meeting and his attitude had nothing to do with her.

Of course, there was the misunderstanding about the police station.  She thought it was terribly sweet that he’d raced down to the police station, more than ready to step in and help her out of whatever predicament he imagined she’d fallen into.  Yes, that was very sweet and countered a lot of the negatives she’d come up with in her mind about his personality.

The doorbell rang and she smoothed her pink dress over her hips, ensured that the gold chains were smooth and she still had both gold earrings in her lobes.

“Do I look okay?”  she asked Beth, the housekeeper who had been with her family since before she was born.

Beth looked back at the lovely woman and smiled.  “You look stunning,” she replied honestly.  “Just a touch demure, but nothing to hide your sparkling personality.”  Beth loved this exquisite young woman like she was her own daughter.  She wasn’t sure why Jessica was making such a fuss about this dinner tonight though.  “I’m sure the dinner will go exactly as planned,” she assured her nervous friend.

Jessica took in a deep, calming breath, then nodded her head, giving Beth permission to open the door.  “Thanks for the pep talk,” she whispered a moment before the door opened.  She wanted things to be perfect tonight with Edward.  She didn’t want to make any mistakes that might irritate him.  She needed his help to get through this maze of finding a husband.

Jessica had anticipated this moment all afternoon, hoping that Edward would walk into her house, see her dressed in a more demure style and her appearance tonight would counter his previous impression of her.  He’d said that she’d been gallivanting around the world so this was her chance to show him that she wasn’t flighty but could be earnest and take this legal issue seriously.

So when the door opened and she saw Edward, her eyes sparkled with anticipation and she smiled brightly.  She took in his tall, muscular frame in the dark suit and a shiver of awareness flashed through her.  Good grief, why did he have to look so amazing?  Those broad shoulders and his height were intimidating enough but those hazel eyes looked like he could see right through her façade and know her darkest secrets.  Could he know that she didn’t like him?  That she thought he was a fuddy duddy?  Okay, an incredibly sexy and attractive….yes, even a yummy fuddy duddy but still….

Why on earth was she trying so hard to impress this man?  She didn’t even like him!  She shouldn’t care about his opinion of her.  He was here to help her find a husband, not hire her for a job opportunity.

It took her several moments before she realized that he wasn’t alone.

When she noticed the gorgeous, cool, blond woman standing beside him, she stumbled mentally, completely unprepared to host another woman in her propaganda night.  Blinking rapidly, she searched her brain to try and catch up with what was happening.  Who was this woman and why was she here?  It was embarrassing enough that she was trying to impress Edward with her seriousness.  Did she have to have another witness if she messed up somehow?

Thankfully, her mother’s training snapped in at the last moment and she stepped forward, her hands extended to the lovely woman as the couple entered the foyer together.  Edward had his arm around her waist in a proprietary fashion and Jessica suddenly and unexplainably wanted to scratch the woman’s eyes out.  Instead, she extended her hand and introduced herself.

“Good evening!”  she managed to say with just the right amount of warmth in her voice.  “I’m Jessica Mallory and I’m so grateful that both of you were able to make it for dinner tonight.”

Edward stepped in and made the introductions.  “Jessica, I’m sorry about the surprise guest.  I just thought that Julianna might know more eligible bachelors who are ready to settle down than I do so I brought her along for the conversation.  I hope you don’t mind,” he said, letting the question hang in the air.

Jessica looked back and forth between Edward and the blond woman, her mind confused.  “Of course I don’t mind.  I’m truly appreciative of any assistance.”

He turned to the blond woman slightly while he said, “This is Lady Julianna Holbrook.  She’s about your age and I’ve briefed her on the situation.”

Jessica was furious with Edward.  How could he do this to her?  How dare he reveal her family secret to a stranger!  She was so hurt by his betrayal that she wanted desperately to slam the door and run up to her room to cry out her humiliation.  She couldn’t believe he was so crass, so insensitive!  What a jerk!

Julianna stepped forward and took Jessica’s cold hand.  “I’m very honored to meet you, Ms. Mallory.  And please don’t be angry with Edward for telling me of your predicament.  I completely understand that discretion is of the utmost importance right now.  And I promise that none of this will leave your house.  I’m only here to offer my assistance and I hope that we can be friends and allies in this challenge.”

Jessica hated the woman on sight, but there was no polite way to reject the woman’s kind words.  She just wished that the blond would go away and leave her alone to wallow in her own pity party.

Was this jealousy she was feeling?  Jessica went through the motions of being a good hostess, but the whole time, she was examining her feelings towards the other woman.  Julianna was a beautiful female who looked exactly right standing next to Edward.  Her delicate beauty and her gentle mannerisms indicated that she and Edward were a perfect match.  So why was she so angry that Edward was touching her as if they were intimate?

Pull yourself together, old girl!  She admonished herself for the crazy and inappropriate jealousy she was feeling and mentally shook herself to get back on track.

And unfortunately, Jessica couldn’t even say that Julianna was mean or cruel.  The blond goddess was kind and sweet and looked as if she were genuinely sincere in wanting to offer her help and discretion.

With a deep breath, she regrouped as quickly as possible, not daring to look at Edward for fear that she might break down in tears over something that felt like a betrayal.  So he’d told another person about her father’s absurd will.  She had a very short period of time to meet the deadline.  Get over this anger and move on to accomplishing the task.

Turning to her housekeeper who had been hovering in the background, she said with as much dignity as her strange emotions would allow, “Beth, would you mind adding another place to the table?”

Beth nodded her head and disappeared.  “What can I get everyone to drink?”  Jessica offered, motioning her hand towards the living room where Beth’s husband, the groundskeeper John, had started a fire in the large, stone hearth earlier in the evening.  The room was cozy and warm now that the fire was crackling away at the logs.

The three of them moved to the living room and Jessica stepped behind the highly polished bar, taking down several glasses and looking towards her guests.

“A glass of white wine would be lovely,” Julianna said.

“Scotch, if you have it,” Edward replied.

Julianna nodded and pulled out her father’s twenty-five year old scotch and a bottle of white wine.  She had to trust Beth that the vintage was a good one, because Jessica preferred the more plebian beer or a heavy duty martini.  She’d drink the white wine simply because it was more appropriate, but it wouldn’t be her preference.

As they all took a seat in front of the fireplace, Jessica wracked her brain to come up with something to talk about.  She definitely couldn’t discuss the things she’d previously been prepared to chat about, the desired qualities in a husband being the main issue on her mind.  So what was there to discuss?

Thankfully Julianna came to the rescue.  “So you’ve been traveling for the past several months, I understand?”  the blond woman asked with a polite expression.

Jessica sighed with relief, grabbing onto the conversational lifesaver with both hands.  “Yes.  I’ve been wandering all over Europe, discovering small cities and wonderful restaurants, sites off the beaten trail to explore.”  She related some of the smaller cities she’d visited and found that Julianna wasn’t as cold as she appeared.  In fact, they’d visited several of the same cities, although for different reasons.  Julianna was an antiques dealer who loved to find out of the way shops and venues to add to her gallery’s inventory.  Jessica had traveled to several of the same cities, just in search of a husband instead of antiques.

They were laughing about some of the smaller Swiss villages they’d visited when the doorbell rang.  Jessica jumped a bit as she looked around, not sure who could possibly be at the door now.  She was startled to see that Edward was glaring at her as if he intensely disliked her for some reason and she was hurt by the look.  He hadn’t known her long enough to dislike her and if anyone were going to abhor someone, she should hate him!

Julianna turned to look at Edward.  “Did you invite someone else, perhaps?”  Jessica thought she detected a frosty tone but she didn’t know the other woman well enough to make that determination.

Jessica set her wine glass onto the coffee table and stood up as gracefully as possible, trying to hide her surprise and the misery that comes from irritating and disapproving men.  “I’ll just go see who it is.  I’m so sorry for the intrusion,” she said, feeling like her feet were filled with lead.  She actually dreaded to open the door and wanted to cry out to Beth to shut off all the house lights and pretend that no one was here.  The last time she’d opened the door, she had failed miserably in altering Edward’s impression of her.  What was next?

But she couldn’t reach Beth in time and the door was already being opened by the time she reached the middle of the living room.  The big booming voice made her stop in her tracks and her spirits instantly lifted.

“I’m looking for Jessica Mallory.  Is she in tonight?”  a deep voice said from the doorway.

Her eyes lit up as she recognized the voice and her spirits soared.  “James?”  Jessica called out, her pace increasing as she tried to peer around the door.  “Is that really you?”

“Of course, darlin’!”  James called out, his arms open as Jessica threw herself against his large, solid body and he held her close for a brief hug.  “Good to know you haven’t forgotten about me so quickly!”

Jessica pulled back and smiled up at the handsome man, laughing at his taunt.  “How could anyone forget you?  Even when we all try, you’re just too obnoxious to get out of our minds!”  They both laughed at her jibe but James didn’t take offense.  Instead, he wrapped his arms around her again, even lifting her up off of her feet while he hugged her.

“Damn it’s good to see you!  And don’t you look incredible!”  he said as he set her back onto her feet and held her at arm’s length.  “I think you should reconsider my offer, my love.  I could make all your problems go away!”

Jessica laughed and hit him on his shoulder.  He proposed to her every time he saw her, but they both knew that they would always be just good friends.  There wasn’t any spark between them, but she’d sometimes wished that she could love him.  He was a brilliant real estate developer from America who was brash and obnoxious and went through life grabbing on with both hands.  She loved him, but not in the way she wanted to love her husband.  Her affection for James was more along what she might feel for an older brother.

“Can you stay for dinner?”  she asked, her eyes begging him to stay.

“I thought you’d never ask,” he laughed, putting his hand around her tiny waist and turning to face the other two people in the room as Jessica led him into the living room.

She was surprised when she felt James’ arm tighten around her waist when she brought him further into the room.  She glanced up at him, wondering what was wrong, and noticed that he was staring at the very lovely, very cool Lady Holbrook.  Interesting….

“All, this is James Cavanaugh.  His company headquarters is actually in San Diego, California, but he’s been in Europe for the past several months working on some real estate deal that’s going to horrify the business world with his magnificence.”  She said it to everyone, but it was a definite jab at Edward since the two men could probably be competitors in some areas.  She was desperate to show Edward that she was desired by other men and he could just stop his disapproval of her.

She watched Edward glance at Julianna, wondering again what the relationship was between the two of them.  Was he in love with the blond woman?  What wasn’t to love?  Jessica liked her even though she really wanted to hate her.  The lovely Lady Holbrook was just too nice and too beautiful with her calm, sophisticated demeanor and her perfect manners.

Jessica introduced the others to James, then stood back and watched as James took Julianna’s hand in his, a light entering his eye that she’d never seen before.  Little did he know that the dainty Lady Julianna was already taken by the Ever-So-Perfect-And-Controlled Edward Livingston.

After performing the introductions, she turned to James.  “Be good,” she admonished.

James turned to the blond, his eyes flashing as he said, “Ah darlin’.  I’m always good,” and enjoyed the lovely blush on those beautiful cheeks of hers.

“Bourbon?”  Jessica suggested, offering his favorite drink.