He arched an eyebrow. “If a building fell over on me now, I wouldn’t be more surprised.”
A deep, throaty laugh rattled through her. “You are so humorous. I miss that.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked in a gruff voice.
“Come now, Vincent. Do not act so upset. You used to love it when I showed up unannounced for seduction.”
“That was before.” He shook his head. “I’m a different man now.”
She laughed and dragged her finger along his chest. “I’m certain youwantto think that, since you’ll be marrying the duke’s daughter, but I assure you, deep down inside this wonderful man, you will always be the same irresistible rogue I’ve always wanted.”
Vincent had never turned a woman down, not likethat, and so Candace would be his first. He wasn’t sure what to say—never had he purposely been rude to a woman, either. Candace would be the exception.
Whatever he did, it needed to be done quickly. There was no time to waste. Ellie couldnotwalk in on this.
“I’m happy that you think so highly of me”—he grasped her hand to remove her touch—“but I must insist that I’m a changed man. I am looking forward to my upcoming nuptials. Miss Middleton will make me deliriously happy.”
“You cannot be serious.” Candace tilted back her head and laughed, sounding sultrier than the last time. “My dear Vincent. What has happened to you?” She pressed her bosom against his chest. “Where is the man I used to know? He would have never allowed a woman inside his heart, not to mention one that could trap him into marriage.”
“She didn’t trap me,” he snapped. “I was the one who pursued Miss Middleton.”
“Oh, please.” She shook her head. “You cannot lie to me. I know you too well.”
Panic rose higher within him. This wasn’t working. He needed to get her out of the house immediately.
“Candace, what would it take for me to convince you to leave? Tonight isnota good night for this.”
“But it is. Your sisters are gone. It’s just you and me.” She leaned up and kissed his chin.
His irritation grew. “How did you know my sisters were not here?”
“Vincent, Vincent…” She sighed and rested her head on his chest. “How many times must I remind you that I’m a woman who gets what she wants? I want you, therefore, I’m going to pay someone to keep watch over your manor and know personal details about your life.” She tilted her head back to look into his eyes. “How else will I be able to make a bargain with you, otherwise?”
“Candace, I told you before that I wasn’t interested.” He tried to push her away, but the insistent woman wouldn’t budge. “Know this now…I’m marrying Ellie, not you, and there is nothing you can do to change it. I’m eagerly awaiting our wedding day.”
“But, my passionate man, I can give you so much more. Not only do I have lots of money, but I can assure you that your nights will be filled with cravings you’ve never experienced before.”
Arrogant woman!“I will only tell you one more time before I physically pick you up and throw you out. Candace, my answer is no. My answer will never change. Leave my house. I don’t want you. Not now, not ever.”
She pouted. “Give me a chance to change your mind. I’m sure you won’t regret it.” She slid her hands up his arms, hooking them around his neck. “If anything, let’s get together for old times’ sake.”
The moment she placed her mouth over his, he knew it was wrong. He had no feelings for this woman. Well, except for anger and frustration, but nothing of desire. Ellie was the woman he wanted. His roughish days were gone forever now, and he looked forward to his life married to her.
Turning his head, he broke the kiss. “It’s not going to work, Candace. I’m in love with Ellie.” After the words had left his mouth, his heart raced with happiness, confirming the truth behind the statement.
“Love?” She cackled loudly. “Vincent, my dear, you cannot be serious. How could you be in love with your best friend’s fiancée? Why…it’s just not done.”
He rolled his eyes, gritting his teeth. “Adam is dead. It doesn’t matter now.”
“But it will always matter in your heart. Do you honestly think you could live with Miss Middleton knowing that she was in love with Adam Haddington first? I think not. You are the man that needs a woman to love him first. Don’t you think she will be comparing you to her deceased fiancé the whole time you are together?”
His head argued with his heart. Candace was wrong. It didn’t matter if Ellie had loved Adam first. However, deep down in the recesses of his conscience, he knew he’d always feel guilty for sending his friend off to battle.
“Let me love you,” she whispered as her lips hovered near his. “You will never have to feel guilty being with me.”
*
Ellie couldn’t believehow smoothly things were working out for her. It was as if the stars and the moon had aligned just right to make everything happen just the way she wanted.
