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“No. In fact, I find that word rather… unappealing.”

“The word? Or the meaning?”

He chuckled. His low voice did unconscionable things to Jo’s nether regions. Butterflies fluttered inside her stomach, and she felt decidedly uneasy.

“I find it quite crude, don’t you? Although the prospect of it is quite appealing, especially with you. But perhaps we should start with a friendship.”

Now it was Jo’s turn to laugh. “A friendship? Between an actress and a viscount?”

“Why not?” He shrugged.

“Because you would want more.”

“And you wouldn’t?”

Jo bit her lip and shook her head. “I wouldn’t.” Even if she would want it, she wouldn’t allow it.

Lord Gage reared back as if she’d hurt him, his facial features theatrically offended. “You wound me.”

Quite the charmer. “I am certain you will survive,” she countered with a smile.

His gaze turned serious for a moment before he quipped, “Perhaps. But will I want to?”

Jo let out a chuckle. “I must admit that you possess a great deal of charm, my lord. But no charm in the world will be enough to persuade me to enter into a… friendship with you.”

Lord Gage twirled her again, blurring their surroundings, muddying her senses. “How can I change your mind?”

She had to collect her wits before she could answer. Jo smiled sadly. “You can’t.”

He heaved a sigh. “Well, at least I tried.”

“You did,” Jo agreed. “And an admirable effort it was.”

* * *

It was a good thing that she’d rejected him, Richard thought as he escorted Miss Claremont from the dance floor and bowed low. He couldn’t afford entanglements now. He would be wed soon.

But instead of relief, he felt as though a noose was tightening around his neck. Perhaps this little indiscretion with the actress was his rebellious nature trying to get out one last time before he officially shackled himself to a respectable lady.

A lady he had never met. A lady he might not even like.

He grimaced. What did it matter? Plenty of people married out of convenience. Plenty of people grew to adore and respect each other in marriage. And his future bride’s father, Mr. Fowley, was his father’s good friend.

He was a gentleman.

He was also in financial trouble. Without dowries and money for the season, his daughters were unmarriageable.

Richard was saving his father’s friend, and he was solving his own problem all in one fell swoop. He should forget about Miss Claremont, her marble white skin, her thick chestnut hair, her unapologetic boldness, and her exuberant delight at everything.

He was promised to another and she…

He glanced up to see her watching him. He raised a brow, and she instantly turned away, her cheeks heating.

She was clearly interested in him.

Richard heaved a sigh. He needed to get it over with and just tell his sister about his impending betrothal. He needed to start acting as a bridegroom.

He sneaked another peek at the delectable actress.