The Best Man's Bridesmaid Read Online Free Page A

yours and his parents want. Think on, you don’t want to be alone for ever, now do you?” The caress of the brush as it moved with gentle precision through her locks was reassuring and familiar. Caroline gave into the almost sensual feelings the brush strokes evoked and considered Primmy’s words.
    “Yes, if it is the only option. Might it not be better to be alone, but happy and unafraid, not having to sacrifice my inner self for a man? I think so. What would you say to me?”
    Primmy shook her head.
    “I’m sure you’ll do exactly as you please, and I swear you’ll be the death of me. What your parents would ever do if they find out just what you’ve been up to this last while I shudder to think. To either of us. Turn me off without a penny or references, I have no doubt. We’ll just have to hope they don’t.” She sniffed. “All right. I’ll help as usual.”

C HAPTER T HREE
    Charlie wasn’t sure how he felt. True, he knew he was aroused and interested, and why. However, apart from confused, his other emotions were indefinable. How had a shy, quiet, and yes, retiring young lady, who previously had difficulty looking him in the eye, never ventured an opinion of her own, and did not speak unless spoken to become a vibrant, glowing, sensual woman? One who was outgoing, outspoken, and he admitted with an inward grin, darn right outré? As he dismissed his valet and tried without much success to calm his jittery nerves, he wondered how much of it was for show and how much was true knowledge. He admitted to himself that although he had enjoyed their repartee, he wanted her not to know certain things—and he wasn’t really sure just what he meant by ‘things’—but to want to know them. And he was going to be the one to give her that knowledge. It was not good enough to be able to impart everything he desired in a wife and partner. To his mind, Caroline had to thirst for knowledge. He had to be the one to provide the where with all for her to imbibe it.
    As he poured a glass of brandy, he stood in front of the window and idly watched a few carriages wend their way around the square. Somehow he didn’t think Caroline would herald her arrival in such an obvious manner.
    He sipped the spirit and enjoyed the fiery taste as it slipped down his throat. The hints of apples and spice had a smoothness that never ceased to amaze him. He frowned as he tried to remember a comment Caroline had made earlier. What was it? Ah, yes, something about him being the only one there would be—or had been—for her. Had been? What the deuce did she mean by that? Well, at eleven o’clock he’d be sure to find that out. It was only one thing among many he had a need to discover. Like were her breasts as luscious as he imagined? How would they feel when he took them in his hands? What enticing noises would she make as he suckled each delectable nipple in turn? How would she react when he began to stroke those downy curls that showed the way into her warm honeypot? Even more, what irresistible moans and sighs would she give as his fingers delved farther? He groaned. Yet again, his staff had stiffened and was rock hard. There was nothing for it, he couldn’t stay in this state for the next few hours, or he would spill his seed like a randy schoolboy the minute he touched her. Resigned, Charlie walked with a stiff gait into his dressing room and took matters in hand.
    Later, he wondered once more just how she was to ensure she arrived at his home unseen. Or even manage to leave her parents’ house. Ah well, he would find out soon enough. Meanwhile, he arranged for champagne to be available with ease, told his valet not to wait up, and made sure the fires in the drawing room, his private sitting room, and his bedchamber were lit. Charlie intended to leave nothing to chance. By twenty minutes to the hour, he was pacing the drawing room. In deference to the fact she was a lady, he was almost fully dressed, all he had removed was his