From Mistresses To Wives?: Mistress to a Bachelor / His Mistress by Marriage / Accidental Mistress

‘Not mad,’ he declared. ‘Just exceptionally charitable. I can’t think of anyone else who would have agreed to do what you’re doing unconditionally.’

‘Some would have been prepared to take money for it?’

‘I reckon I might have been called on to offer a great deal more than that.’

‘A real engagement rather than a spurious one, you mean?’ Jessica gave a short laugh. ‘I’m sure you’re considered quite a catch, but a woman would have to be pretty desperate to take that kind of advantage.’

‘You might be surprised by the lengths some will go to when it comes to securing a comfortable future.’

‘You’ve been mixing with the wrong type then!’

‘There could be some truth in that. Your cousin aside,’ he added. ‘Leonie regards marriage the same way I’ve always seen it up to now, as something to be avoided at all costs.’

‘So all that talk last night about gaining breathing space to find a woman you could contemplate sharing your life with was so much hogwash!’ Jessica berated.

‘I said up to now. Given the right woman, it might be possible to make something worthwhile out of it.’ He slanted a glance. ‘Fancy giving it a try?’

‘I’d as soon jump off a cliff!’

The sigh was exaggerated. ‘You’re probably right. I’d make a lousy husband!’

The flickering glow from the log fire crackling in the wide stone hearth highlighted the firm masculine features, bringing an all too familiar tension in the region of her stomach. Two nights ago they had shared a bed. At this precise moment she could think of nothing else but the muscular feel of him. Whatever her views on his conduct, there was no denying the need he aroused in her.

He knew it too, if the expression in the grey eyes was anything to go by.

‘Electrifying, isn’t it?’ he said softly. ‘The question is, what are we going to do about it?’

Making out she didn’t know what he was talking about was pointless, Jessica acknowledged. He knew exactly what was in her mind.

‘Absolutely nothing,’ she said flatly. ‘After tomorrow you’re on your own. I don’t want to see you or hear from you again.’

His smile was slow. ‘You don’t lie very well.’

‘It’s the truth.’ She did her best to keep both voice and expression impassive. ‘As Leonie won’t be expecting me back for a day or two I’ll have to check into a hotel for a couple of nights at least. You can pay for that, but nothing more.’

‘And after?’ he prompted.

‘I’ll be staying with Leonie while I look for a job.’

‘No secretarial position alone is ever going to satisfy you,’ Zac declared. ‘You need a challenge in life.’

‘You’ve no idea what I need!’ she retorted, drawn despite herself.

‘Yes, I do.’ There was a wicked light in his eyes. ‘You’re a vibrant, passionate woman aching for the same thing I’m aching for myself right now.’

Jessica was slow to react as he reached for her. The hands curving her upper arms were firm in their grasp though in no way hard, the kiss a heart thudding, stomach curling, totally irresistible force.

Her response was instinctive, all thought temporarily suspended. His mouth was a source of endless pleasure, the silky slide of his tongue between her lips no intrusion. She tremored as the long tensile fingers lightly traced the curve of her breast.

She came to her senses with a jerk. Zac made no move to detain her as she thrust herself away from him.

‘This has to stop!’ she breathed.

‘You’re not going to try making out it’s all one-sided,’ he said softly.

Grateful for the dim light, Jessica made a supreme effort to bring her emotions under control. Her voice sounded steadier at least. ‘Obviously not, but this is as far as it goes. I’m here for the one purpose, and one purpose only! After tomorrow, that’s it!’

‘It doesn’t have to be,’ he said. ‘We could see how things go.’

‘I know exactly how things would go,’ she declared. ‘The same way I imagine all your affairs go! Thank you, ma’am, and goodbye!’

‘Succinct—’ he grinned ‘—but not true. I’ve never had any interest in one-night stands.’

‘Which category does Leonie come under?’

‘Leonie comes under her own category. She certainly has no proprietorial instincts, if that’s what’s worrying you.’

‘In two years, you must have slept together on a fair number of occasions.’

‘With long gaps in between.’

‘And you think I’d be prepared to help fill in the gaps?’

‘That isn’t what I have in mind.’ His gaze roved her face, lingering on the provocative fullness of her mouth. Voice roughened, he said, ‘I want you, Jess!’

The abbreviation of her name failed to irk her; she was too intent on trying to keep her feet on the ground. ‘Why?’ she asked huskily.

‘Why?’ His regard was quizzical. ‘Because you’ve been driving me wild since we met. Because you’re an outstandingly attractive young woman with far more than just your looks about you. Whoever Paul is, he isn’t worth putting your life on hold over. You need to move on.’

‘I already did.’

‘Not far enough. I could make you forget him.’

Her lips twitched involuntarily. ‘You’re certainly not lacking in confidence!’

‘Would you like me better if I was backward in coming forward?’

‘I’m unlikely to find out.’

‘The love of a good woman could make a new man of me,’ he said with mock gravity.

‘Leopards don’t change their spots,’ she rejoined.

‘Black ones don’t have any to start with.’ Zac was silent for a moment. When he spoke again the banter had gone from his voice. ‘Were you in love with him?’

Coming out of the blue, the question took her by surprise. She found herself answering before she thought about it. ‘I believed I was.’

‘How long were you together?’