CHAPTER 5

HE WAS NOT WHAT SHE had thought. After the most earth shattering kiss she had ever experienced - granted, it was the only kiss she had ever experienced, but she suspected it was extraordinary - she had fully expected him to press his advantage and proceed to a full seduction.

She had to admit that her defenses had weakened, and she would probably have given in to anything he suggested, just to continue feeling the intense euphoria his touch caused. But he didn't pursue a seduction. He had invited her to dinner and had questioned her about her wants and needs. And he had listened. As if he really cared about her thoughts and opinions.

That was a unique experience, as extraordinary as the kiss. A handsome face and effortless charm she could withstand. But his thoughtfulness, this caring, was another matter altogether. She had no protection against it. She wished their acquaintance could last longer than this one night. That she was the type of woman for whom rakes reformed and men fell head over heels.

"And what about you? Why haven't you married, Lord Andrew?" she asked to put distance between them. Now he would list all the reasons he would make a terrible husband. All the reasons she should not have any illusions about him.

"Call me Drew. That's what my friends and family call me. And like you, I have not found the person who'd entice me into that blessed estate," he replied suavely.

"Surely it's easier for men. You wouldn't have to give up your lifestyle or freedom. Society allows a man to continue his pleasurable pursuits even after he marries, with little or no censure."

"That might be true, but I have no taste for adultery. I have seen the devastating effects it can have."

"Oh? You don't consort with married women, then?"

"Never. Neither do I dally with innocents. You are my first." His lambent eyes, heavy lidded with desire, focused on her mouth, making her lips tingle with remembered sensation.

"Are we dallying, then?"

"If you have to ask, I must not have kissed you properly. Should I give it another try?"

Her heart stuttered and then raced at the mere suggestion. She felt herself leaning toward him, but...no. She should keep her wits about her. No matter how seductive the charming rogue was, it meant nothing. Being charming was almost a requirement for a rake.

"If you broke your rule about innocents with me, would you also break your rule about married women?"

"No. That rule is set in stone." His face shuttered. All seduction extinguished from his eyes.

"Why?" It was an imprudent question, but she sensed this was an important piece of the puzzle that was him.

"I was a young child, but I remember my parents' epic battles because of my father's infidelities. Likewise, my brother almost got destroyed by an unfaithful woman. I refuse to become the instrument of destruction for another marriage."

"That is commendable of you."

"Not so. It's simple self preservation. Do not place me on a pedestal, sweet. I'm no saint." His smirk was positively devilish. And yet...

"Perhaps not, but you are more honorable than I thought a rake would be."

"And you are more naughty than I imagined a debutante would be," he replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

"How so?" she replied indignantly.

"You left the ball with me..."

"You gave me no choice!"

"You asked me to bring you to this den of debauchery..."

"But merely to observe, not to take place in such debauchery!"

"You kissed me." The smugness on his face irked her.

"You kissed me!"

"And you responded."

"I did n—"

She wanted to say she had not kissed him back. But that was a blatant lie, and she was no liar. "I did. I...couldn't help myself," she said with chagrin.

The smile that spread across his face was radiant with triumph. "And honest too. Could you be any more perfect?"

"I'm hardly perfect. In fact, some people do not regard those qualities as desirable."

"I'm not some people. I find all your attributes delectable."

"Please, don't tease me. I know I'm no diamond of the first water. I've had two and a half failed seasons. It's the reason my mother is resorting to desperate measures."

"Oh? I am a choice made out of desperation, then? How lowering to be considered so."

"Please, my lord. You must know you are one of the biggest prizes on the marriage mart. The desperate measures I was referring to was resorting to trickery. That was dishonest and humiliating."

"But effective."

"What do you mean?" She frowned in puzzlement.

"I'm here with you, am I not?"

"This is merely an escapade."

"I don't know. I'm thinking about calling on you tomorrow and asking for permission to court you."

Her mouth fell open in what she felt sure was a very unflattering gesture. Had she heard that right? Lord Andrew Radcliffe courting her? The overabundant, opinionated wallflower who had two failed seasons?

It could not be.