Free More Than Charming by Jomarie Degioia

experience with Waltham could ruin their chance at happiness.
    His thoughts went to his conversation with her brother. Surely Paul was under the impression that James loved Catherine. He wouldn’t give thought to that prickly emotion. But what if Catherine’s thoughts were of her brother’s bent? He was startled out of his reverie to find Chester suddenly standing over him, a glass of brandy in his hand.
    “Roberts,” Chester said, holding the glass out to James.
    James thanked him and took the glass. He took a long swallow of the liquor. He closed his eyes and sighed, resting his head on the back of the chair.
    “What the devil is ailing you, man?” Chester asked.
    “Ah, Chester. It’s out of my hands.”
    “What’s this? I never thought you’d give up so easily.”
    James opened his eyes and looked up at him. “What are you saying?”
    “I’ve seen that look before,” Chester said. “Only a woman can cause that kind of discomfort.”
    James said nothing as he took another long swallow of brandy.
    “And given Leed’s behavior,” Chester finished, “I can only assume that Catherine is the lady in question.”
    James felt his lips curve in a smile.
    Chester chuckled. “You’re in a bad way, friend.”
    “What?” James asked. “Oh, no. I’m fond of Catherine, but . . .”
    Chester shook his head and grinned. James opened his mouth to respond as Paul announced that it was time to rejoin the ladies in the parlor. James followed the gentlemen into the great hall.
     
    *     *     *
     
    Catherine froze when James walked into the room. His eyes, steady in their gaze, met hers. She couldn’t face the questions she saw there. Not yet. She had no notion of what her answer would be and, despite his assurance that she may take as long as she liked to give him an answer, she had the distinct impression he wouldn’t be put off for long.
    She murmured an excuse to Michelle and arose from her seat. As she hurried toward the doorway, James stepped into her path, but she skirted around him with her eyes downcast. She was such a coward. Where was the girl who bravely went to his townhouse alone one night?
    In the quiet of her guest chamber much later that night, Catherine stared once more at the ceiling. What was she going to tell James? Should she marry him? She’d always thought him handsome and charming, even when she was but a girl. And now, whenever he looked at her, her pulse raced. His kisses set her on fire. His caresses made her feel wanted. But did she love him? And what of his feelings? With a sob of frustration, she closed her eyes and tried to will herself to sleep.
    A few minutes later, Catherine sensed rather than heard him enter her room. She opened her eyes and stared up into his beautiful gray ones. “James,” she whispered.
    James smiled down at her, his eyes glittering. She ran her eyes over him. He wore only breeches topped by his fine white shirt, open at the neck to reveal dark hairs. “Hello, love.”
    Catherine smiled at the sweetly-spoken endearment. Her eyes widened as she realized their position. Not only was she alone with a man in her room—again!—but that man was leaning over her in bed.
    “James, you shouldn’t be here.”
    He placed a hand on either side of her head on the pillow and leaned closer. “I need an answer, Catherine.”
    She gave a frantic shake of her head. “But you assured me that I could take as much time as I needed.”
    James struck a thoughtful pose, then gave a small shrug. “I lied.”
    He kissed her tenderly, letting his tongue slowly caress her lips. Catherine instinctively opened her mouth, welcoming him. The kiss deepened, their tongues touching.
    He finally pulled back and sat beside her on the bed. He reached out to stroke her cheek. “Marry me, Catherine.”
    “James, I don’t know if we suit each other.”
    He arched a brow at that. He looked down at her, at the sheet down around her waist. Her nightgown of thin lawn must hide