Free The Hellion and The Heartbreaker by Jennifer McNare Page A

with Alec, she suddenly wasn’t
sure what to do or say.  Please kiss me, hardly seemed
appropriate.  Therefore, she quickly searched her mind for something a bit
more suitable.  The faint scent of sulfur hung in the air, the smell
unmistakable, but not unpleasant. “I’ve heard that the minerals in a hot
springs can be beneficial to your health,” she said finally.  “Do you
think it’s true?” 
    “I would imagine so, to a certain extent.  I’ve been to
the mineral spas in Bath many times,” Alec told her.  “They are quite
revitalizing, but the setting isn’t nearly as lovely.”
    “I’ve never been farther than the local village.”
    “I’m surprised you have never traveled to London with your
brothers.”
    She supposed it might seem odd, but she loved Grey Oaks so
much that she had never had the slightest desire to leave.  Besides, her
brothers had always been overly protective of her.  She knew that they
liked keeping her safe and sound at home.  But alas the time had finally
come for her to venture out, for she wasn’t a child any longer.  “I’ll be
going for the beginning of the winter Season.”
    “Your first foray into Society.  You must be excited.”
    “I suppose so,” she replied, with a slight shrug.  “To
be honest, I’m a bit nervous.”  Though she didn’t really give a fig for
Society, or her upcoming position within it, the last thing she wanted to do
was to disappoint or embarrass Georgie or her brothers, especially considering
all of the time she had dedicated to transforming herself into a proper young
lady. 
    Alec noted the uncertainty in her expression and sought to
reassure her, surprised that she could have even the slightest doubt about her
inevitable success.  The members of the ton would be tripping over
themselves to garner the affection of someone as extraordinary as Scarlett
McPhearson.  “You have absolutely nothing to worry about Scarlett. 
You are going to take London by storm, I guarantee it.”  The truth of his
words was slightly disheartening.  Surprisingly, the thought of Scarlett,
caught up in the midst of the ton’s superciliousness was almost painful to imagine, but he didn’t let it
show.  His expression reflected only total confidence and sincerity, and
Scarlett smiled in return.  “Just don’t go kicking anyone in the shin and
you’ll be fine,” he couldn’t resist teasing.
    “I have learned my lesson, I promise,” she assured him, with
a gentle laugh.
     
     
    They spent a few more minutes enjoying the picturesque
setting, before Alec suggested they start back.
    Scarlett would have preferred to keep him all to herself for
a while longer, but she knew that her brothers would be up soon and wondering
where they had gotten off too.  In addition, her toes were beginning to
feel the cold, and surely Alec’s were as well.  So with one last appreciative
glance at the steam shrouded pools, they turned the horses back toward the
direction they’d come.  In spite of her cold toes, she chose a different,
slightly longer route back to the stables, wanting to savor every last moment
alone with Alec.
    The more time he spent with her, the more Alec was amazed at
how much he truly enjoyed Scarlett’s company.  It brought back memories of
the last time he’d seen her.  She had been just a child of course, but he
recalled that he had enjoyed her company even then.  The majority of young
women he had spent any length of time conversing with, had more often than not
turned out to be exceedingly dull and woefully predictable.  Scarlett was
not only unconventional, but she was witty, entertaining and remarkably bright
as well.   Although a few women had piqued
more than his sexual interest in the past, there weren’t many.  Scarlett
was a refreshing change of pace. 
    Unfortunately however, there was one thing about Scarlett that
was all too familiar, and that was the way she looked at him.  He had been
the object of those looks