Excerpt

   “Hah! As though I would allow myself to let a man dictate to me what I may and may not do while he parades a string of mistresses beneath my nose. That, for marriage,” Casey said, angrily snapping the fingers of her right hand into the air.

     Lucas would have laughed aloud had he not been totally distracted by the picture Casey presented, standing there in the sunlight flushed with anger and indignation. Before he could stop himself, Lucas reached out and drew Casey to him, covering her lips with his own and tasting deeply of her sweetness and softness.

     Casey was utterly stunned as she watched Lucas’s face descend. Nothing in her life had prepared her for the feelings she experienced when Lucas kissed her.

    Her eyes fluttered shut, and bright colors swirled in her mind. The warmth of Lucas’s lips and the scent of his skin blocked out all other sensations. Her knees felt weak and Casey found herself gripping strong shoulders for support. My God, what was this sweetness, this ache?

    Casey felt a strong arm go around her waist, and the long, lean length of a male body was pressed firmly against her as Lucas caught her close. She struggled to retain a grip on her emotions, slipping deeper and deeper into the feelings she was experiencing. Desperately, Casey fought a losing battle until Lucas slowly raised his mouth from hers.

    Lucas’s breath was warm against her lips, and he tasted of spices and velvet. He opened his emerald eyes and looked deeply into her bewildered ones. As his bemused gaze found hers, she saw echoes of the feelings she experienced. For some reason, that frightened her, and before Casey could stop to think she pushed herself away.

    The force of her thrust caused Lucas to stumble backward a pace, and instead of retreating, she advanced on him again and shoved him more forcibly, this time directly into the lake.

     When Lucas surfaced, spluttering, Casey glared at him, but did not yet trust herself to speak. She gasped for breath, instead, shocked at what just occurred.

     “A simple “no” would have sufficed, my dear,” said Lucas from the shelter of the water. “And if you wanted to go for a swim you could have just said so.” His black hair clung sleekly to his head, and he shook it, causing the dark strands to cling to his well-sculpted cheeks and damp neck. A low chuckling rumbled from his chest.

     Infuriated, Casey began pacing up and down the bank. “How dare you! Is this how you treat your female guests? So much for a simple friendship, Mr. Wainwright!”

     Lucas slow swam back and forth, matching Casey’s movements on the bank as he listened to her tirade. He should be absolutely furious, but he found he was enjoying himself. He was certain that Casey felt something special when they kissed, as he did. . . and that knowledge pleased him immensely.

     “Please take some consolation from the fact that in addition to your scolding, I shall receive another from my valet when he sees the state of my clothing. As to a simple friendship, I think we are deluding ourselves by thinking we could possibly be just friends with such a passionate attraction in the way.”

     “Passionate attraction? Passionate. . . ooooh, you odious beast! Don’t you dare try to kiss me again! If I were a man, I’d. . .”

     “Luckily for me, Casey, you are not a man. It would be rather difficult for us to have children if that were the case.” Lucas moved easily toward the shore, ignoring the squish of his fine leather boots.

     “Children? Children? Have you taken leave of your senses? My God, I’ve been out walking with an utter madman!” Casey turned on her heel and gathered up her skirts, ready to head with all due haste for the main house.

    “One more thing, Mr. Wainwright,” she said, turning to face him a final time, “I wouldn’t bear your children if you were the last man on. . . oh, my God, what is that?”

     Twisting to see what drew Casey’s horrified gaze, Lucas saw a large plume of gray smoke rising rapidly in the distance. Wasting no time, he splashed to the bank and gripped Casey’s arm, propelling them both up the hill toward the stables.

    “Sam!” he roared, “Saddle Noir, now! Rosemere is on fire! Gather every man and meet me there as soon as possible!”

     Leaving Casey standing in stunned disbelief in the stable yard, Lucas disappeared into the stable and began shouting orders to the servants, “Get those burlap bags and bring every shovel you can find. Hurry, men!” He leaped up onto Noir as Sam brought him around and spoke hurriedly to Casey. “Go up to the house and inform my father and your own. I’ll do what I can.”

     Before he could spur Noir into action, Casey cried impulsively, “Lucas! Take me with you! I must go! Bess. . . Basil. . . I must go with you!”

     Hesitating only a moment, Lucas swept her up in front of him and took off at a gallop. “I haven’t time to argue with you now, Casey, so please just try to control your skirts or Noir will leave us both behind in the dust.” Hastily, Casey did exactly that without a word as her worry and fear for her loved ones ruled her thoughts.

     They kept off the main road and galloped directly over the fields toward the house. The closer they got the larger the smoke pall loomed.

    In silence they both urged the great horse to go faster, faster. Reaching the drive of Rosemere, it became evident it was not the house but the stables that were afire. The servants rushed about in panic while chaos reigned.

     Casey slid down off Noir as the horse pranced a halt, and sped toward the burning building. She stopped when she saw a small knot of servants bending over someone on the ground.

    “Who is it? What has happened?” she asked frantically.

     Basil stood up and put a calming hand on her shoulder. “It’s Tim, Miss. Someone has hit him on the head and set the stable afire. If Billy here hadn’t found him and dragged him out just as it caught he’d be dead by now. As it is, he’ll need a doctor right away.”

     Casey stared in shock at the still, white face of the boy lying on the ground.

    “Billy, ride to town quickly and fetch Dr. Langdon. Tell him it’s an emergency. Basil, we must get Jimmy upstairs immediately where Bess can tend him until the doctor arrives. Carefully, now.” She gestured to two footmen who gently lifted the boy and carried him toward the house.

     Turning her attention once more to the stables, Casey was relieved to see a group of panicked horses being held in check by several soot-blackened grooms. They were attempting to lead them away from the rapidly burning building. Her relief turned to fear, however, as she scanned the horses rapidly, looking for a chestnut mare.

    “Where is Bathsheba?” she frantically asked the head groom as he fought to control a panic-stricken animal.

     “I’m sorry, Miss, I don’t know. We tried to get them all out but the smoke was so thick. . . she must still be in there.” The groom jerked his chin toward the stables, and returned his attention to the high-strung animal fighting to break away.

     Lucas, busily directing the efforts of Rosemere’s staff and his own men in putting the fire out before it could spread to the manor house, walked up just in time to hear this exchange and see Casey head purposefully toward the stable doors.

     “Casey, what are you doing? That roof is going to collapse at any moment! Do you want to be killed?” he shouted above the chaos.

     “I must get Bathsheba out! I can’t let her die like this!” she shouted back.

    Casey reached the stable door, and wasting no time in further argument, plunged into the billowing clouds of smoke issuing from the building.

    Immediately, the heat assailed her and sucked the air from her lungs. She began to cough and choke but determinedly headed toward the rear of the stable and Bathsheba’s stall.

    Suddenly, Casey felt herself seized from behind. Something wet and heavy was thrown over her head. Kicking and struggling, she was lifted and felt herself being carried. In a few moments, she was set roughly to her feet, and the cover whipped from her head.

     “Sam, hold her here and don’t let her make one move toward that stable,” she heard Lucas say as she was thrust toward the other man. Outraged, she spun about to face Lucas but felt her arms taken in a firm grip.

    Lucas, about to move away, looked down at Casey’s stunned and angry expression and grinned crookedly at her before he snatched a kiss. “Sorry, love, I couldn’t resist,” he said, then moved quickly toward the stable door.

    Still carrying the wet saddle blanket he had thrown over Casey, Lucas dunked it rapidly once again in the water trough and threw it over his own head, disappearing quickly into the smoke.

     Casey stood immobile in Sam’s strong grip and felt unable to think, unable to even breathe in the long, long moments that followed, her eyes glued to the spot where Lucas disappeared. Had Sam’s grip on her arms been released, she felt she might have been unable to keep from sinking to the ground. Her knees seemed to have a disturbing tendency to wobble. However, as precious seconds passed and there was no sign of Lucas or the mare, Casey began to struggle frantically.

    “Easy now, Miss. Lucas would not thank me if anything happened to you,” said Sam calmly. He used the same tone he would use to gentle a horse, and held Casey firmly about her waist, pinning her wildly flailing arms to her sides without harming her.

    “How can he thank you if he’s dead, you fool!” Casey fought him fiercely as she struggled. “We have to help him before it’s too late!”

     Luckily for Sam, Lucas chose that moment to materialize out of the billowing smoke that poured steadily from the stables doors, leading the extremely agitated chestnut mare. The saddle blanket was now draped over the mare’s head as she pranced to and fro, tossing her head to remove the strange weight.

     Lucas led the horse farther away from the stable before whipping off the blanket. Immediately the mare began to pull strongly against her lead to escape the strong smell of smoke and the stranger who held her.

    Casey, released by Sam at the first sight of Lucas emerging from the stable, now rushed forward along with several of the stable hands. Reaching the mare first, she did not spare Lucas a glance as she took the lead from his hands and began calming the mare.

    Recognizing her owner’s firm hands and soothing voice, the animal immediately ceased trying to bolt, although her eyes still rolled nervously and her entire body trembled violently.

    Casey gave the mare her undivided attention, crooning gently and stroking her heaving neck and chest. She noted with concern how the beautiful animal’s coat was streaked with soot and burned in several places. After a few moments, she handed the lead to one of the hovering stable hands and stood watching as Bathsheba was led away to be cared for.

    Taking a deep breath, she turned to face Lucas, only to see that he had joined the other men who were determinedly fighting the flames with shovels of dirt.

     The heat from the flames was intense, the men already filthy and sweaty. The smell of burning hay was sharply pungent, and the panicked horses whinnied as though screaming in fright. Casey took in the dreadful scene as though it were something from a nightmare.

    A loud creaking sound became audible over the crackling of the burning building. “Get back, everyone,” shouted Lucas. “It’s going to go! Back now!”

    As they all rushed backward to safety, the roof of the stable slowly collapsed with an earsplitting crash, sending soot and sparks flying in all directions. The men rushed about, putting out the stray sparks before any more damage could be caused.

    Casey stood immobile, staring blankly at the burning wreckage. She was not even aware, at first, when Lucas came up and stood beside her.

     “I believe the worst is over now, Casey. We’ve managed to keep the fire contained to the stable and the house is no longer in danger. The flames should just burn themselves out.”

    Lucas watched Casey closely. When she did not respond, he took her gently by the shoulders. “Casey - did you hear me? I said the worst is over,” he repeated slowly. He was relieved to see recognition return to her eyes.

    Casey reached up and slapped him soundly across the face.

     “Don’t you ever kiss me again, you beast!” she shouted at him. Immediately appalled, Casey covered her mouth with her hands and stared at Lucas in shock. Before Lucas could speak, Casey whirled and headed into the house at a dead run, her skirts caught up with one hand.

     Lucas stood in the stable yard looking after Casey for a long moment, undecided as to whether to go after her or leave her alone. Indeed, should he go after her, he was uncertain whether to strangle her or kiss her again. Both impulses warred strongly within him.

    Deciding to give Casey time to compose herself, Lucas turned back to the stable, only to see Sam watching him with a wry smile.

     With the familiarity of long friendship, Sam said, “She’s a real handful, that one. I thought she was going to chew me up and spit me out when I wouldn’t let her loose.”

     Lucas nodded somewhat morosely as he rubbed his smarting cheek. “Yes, she seems passionately attached to that horse, doesn’t she?”

     Sam snorted at Lucas’s obvious lack of comprehension. “It wasn’t the horse she was on about, man,” he stated firmly.

    Lucas’s head snapped up, and a slow grin spread across his face.

    “Thanks, Sam.”

     Lucas turned and headed toward the main house. Without pausing, he opened the front door and stepped inside. Being somewhat familiar with Rosemere, he headed purposefully toward the stairs, certain Casey’s bedroom would be on the upper floor.

     As most of the servants were outside, the house seemed abnormally quiet. Lucas began to mount the stairs, but a small sound from Lord Lionel’s study reached his ears. Retracing his steps, he entered the room to see Casey standing with her back to him, looking through the French doors into the garden.

    Stepping quietly into the study, Lucas closed the door behind him and leaned against it.

    Casey whirled about at the click of the latch.

     Facing him in silence, Casey took a moment to compose herself. The color was high in her cheeks, her hair mussed from the rescue attempt.

    “I find myself once again in the awkward position of owing you an apology for my behavior, Mr. Wainwright. You risked your life to save Bathsheba for me and I repaid you most rudely. I can only plead temporary shock from today’s events, though I know that to be a poor excuse. Please forgive me.” Casey stood stiffly behind a large wing chair, awaiting his reply.

     Lucas moved slowly and deliberately into the room, watching Casey’s face.

    She viewed his approach with trepidation. His silence after her apology left her nerves on edge and his eyes never left hers.

    When Lucas was close, he spoke very softly. “That was very politely done. However, this time an apology is not enough and I’m afraid I don’t entirely believe your explanation.”

     “Whatever do you mean?” asked Casey in confusion. “I apologize for striking you - it was unforgivable.” She spun about, placing her back to him. Miserable, she confessed, “I’ve known you for less than a day and it seems my life has been turned totally upside down. It’s as though you bring out the worst in me!”

    Casey unconsciously clasped her arms around her middle, trembling as though cold. “What do you want?” she asked desperately.

     Still speaking softly and deliberately, Lucas replied, “I want the truth, Casey. I want you to admit you feel something between us. You were worried about me dying in that fire. . . and that makes you frightened and angry. That’s why you slapped me. Isn’t that right?”

     Casey was shocked to hear Lucas voice such a thing. He couldn’t know how she felt before she did. It wasn’t fair! It gave him an advantage over her. She swiveled to face him, her fear and confusion escalating.

     “No. . . no! Why, I hardly even know you, Lucas. . . how could you assume I feel anything for you?” Casey shook her head vigorously. “No. I’ve just been under an emotional strain lately, I tell you.” She began to back cautiously away.

     Lucas followed her every step with one of his own. She could smell the smoke on his clothes and hair, but Lucas seemed to emanate a heat of his own making.

    “You sound as though you are trying to convince yourself, Casey, not me. Unlike you, I am not afraid to admit my feelings. When you ran into that burning stable I thought my heart would stop.”

    Lucas smiled at her tenderly, mesmerizing Casey with the soothing sound of his voice. “Lie to yourself, then, but if you will not give me the truth I want to hear, I will settle for this.”

    With that, Lucas reached out and pulled Casey toward him once again. His lips touched her gently, once, twice. . . and when she did not resist, he drank deeply of the sweetness she offered.

    With a will of their own, Casey’s arms came up around Lucas’s shoulders. She gripped him tightly, uncaring of the soot on his clothes or the protests of her own heart. She returned his kiss fully, and for a long, long moment they lost themselves in the pleasure of each other’s touch.

     When Lucas finally lifted his head, he rested his forehead against Casey and breathed deeply, still holding her tightly.

    Casey was unable to formulate another thought beyond the fact that she felt so right, so safe here in this man’s arms. The warmth of his body sent tremors of pleasure through her and the aftermath of the kiss they had just shared rendered her virtually helpless to move away.

    With a somewhat shaky laugh, Lucas spoke again. “I suppose that was very ungentlemanly of me, but I’m damned if I’ll apologize for it. Unfortunately, if I don’t let you go I’m going to do something even more ungentlemanly.”

    Instead of releasing her, however, Lucas lowered his head and claimed her lips once again, and for the life of her Casey could not find it within her to say him nay.

     The rattle of a carriage sounded loudly from the open French doors and Lucas reluctantly ended the kiss. He did not release Casey, however, until a knock sounded on the study door.

    “Miss Casey, are you in there?” came the anxious voice of Basil. The butler opened the door to the study and stepped into the room. Although Lucas and Casey quickly moved apart, Basil took in the scene immediately. With the ingrained discreetness of a lifelong and valued servant, Basil did not miss a beat.

    “I’m sorry to disturb you, Miss, but Lord Lionel has arrived and I believe I see the doctor’s carriage coming up the drive. I thought perhaps you would like to know.”

     The events of the day returned to Casey and remorse overtook her. Here she was in the study kissing a man she barely knew, while poor Tim lay upstairs badly injured and the stables lay in ruins! What was wrong with her? How quickly her control and competence deserted her when Lucas was about! She would not let this happen. . . she would not!

    Casey moved to stand behind her father’s desk, using it’s solid strength as a buffer between Lucas and herself. Now that Lucas was not touching her, Casey was able to stiffen her resolve.

    “Thank you Basil, I was just coming.”

     Basil nodded and backed out of the room. Casey addressed Lucas before he had a chance to speak, and expressed herself quite firmly. “I’m afraid I have given you the wrong impression, Mr. Wainwright. I feel I must make myself perfectly clear. I am not interested in romance - despite my body’s response to your attentions. I am more than grateful for your help here today, and I owe you a debt for saving Bathsheba. . . but I must insist you accept my terms. I can offer you nothing but friendship.”

     A flicker of exasperation crossed Lucas’s face. Frustrated by Casey’s lack of emotion after the devastating emotional revelations of the day, Lucas realized his battle for Casey’s heart had just begun.

    “Indeed, Miss Dennison,“ he returned formally, “I’m afraid it is I who owes you a debt. You see, if my clothing had not been wet from the dunking in the lake, I might not have survived the heat in the stable long enough to retrieve your mare. One could say you saved my life.” He grinned at her cheekily, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “I look forward to repaying you,” he said, in a more intimate tone.

     His refusal to be angered or discouraged left Casey at a loss as to how to deal with the impossible man, and the reminder of their kiss by the lake infuriated her. Unable to think of a suitable reply, Casey swept from the room and up the stairs, followed by the soft laughter of Lucas as he leaned against the doorjamb and watched her go.