A Bluestocking Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

envisioned. Frustrated by her obstinate behavior, Simon glared at her. The sooner he made her understand he intended to keep her away from Anthony, the better.
    “Name your price, Miss Beecham. I’m sure I can afford it.”  
    “I don’t want your money,” she snapped. “And I don’t want to marry Anthony.”
    “Are you saying he’s unsuitable?” he asked with a sudden sense of amusement. He felt his mouth quirk as he stared down into a pair of sapphire eyes that glittered brightly with anger. Would passion make her eyes sparkle as brilliantly?
    “Anthony is little more than a boy,” she said with a sniff of disgust.  
      “Agreed. But I’m not a youth,” he drawled as an idea took shape in his head. “Perhaps alternative arrangements could be made.”
    “Alternative…you’re despicable,” she snapped as she tried to move past him.  
    Simon immediately braced one hand on the bookshelf behind her to block her path. For the first time he was beginning to enjoy himself. If she wanted to play games, he was more than willing. In fact, he was certain that playing with Ivy Beecham would be an exceedingly pleasurable diversion. He tilted his head to study her profile as he trailed his forefinger across her cheek.
      She slapped his hand away, but he noticed her breathing had hitched slightly. That boded well for the future. He’d been without a mistress almost a year now, and Ivy appealed to his carnal nature in a way that surprised him. Yes, Ivy Beecham was proving to be not only intriguing, but exciting as well.  
      “Despicable?” His gaze locked with her angry glare, and his mouth curved in a mocking smile. “Then I’m in excellent company, my sweet Ivy.”
    “I am not your sweet anything,” she bit out fiercely. “I find you contemptible.”
    “Do you,” he murmured.
    Simon bent his head toward her. He could almost feel the tension seizing control of her body. It was like an electric pulse between them, and it set his heart racing. He was so close to her as to feel the warmth of her sweet breath against his mouth. The urge to capture her lips in a slow, leisurely kiss made his body stiffen with a need for satisfaction. Tempering the impulse, Simon brushed a wisp of hair off her cheek, and it pleased him to see a small shudder ripple through her.
    “You’re quite lovely, Ivy. I can see why Anthony finds you so captivating.”
    “I…I didn’t give you permission to use my name,” she said in a breathless voice. The husky sound tightened his groin muscles as he fought to keep from pinning her against the shelf of books and crushing her mouth beneath his. Damnation but the woman was a seductive mix of experience with an elusive sense of innocence.  
    “Ah, but I like how the sound of your name rolls off my tongue,” he said with an honesty that surprised him. “I’m beginning to realize why my nephew is so fascinated by you. Seducing him must have been quite easy for you.”
      “I did not seduce Anthony,” she gasped.  
    The way her blue eyes widened in horror made him even more appreciative of her acting talent. God, but she would be magnificent on the stage. Even more magnificent in his bed. Once more, she tried to dart past him, and he immediately blocked her path by caging her against the shelves with his outstretched arms.  
    “Come now, Ivy. I’ve been watching you all morning, and it’s understandable why men find you so fascinating.” Lowering his head, he brushed his lips across earlobe. “Even I am quite willing to be seduced by you.”  
    Delicate pink lips parted in a soft gasp, and again he had to restrain himself from stealing a kiss. This was neither the time nor the place to dally with her. Not when he was certain he would want much more from her when he finally did kiss her. No, Ivy Beecham was going to be his—one way or another. That decision had been made for him the moment he’d heard that siren’s voice of hers. He just hadn’t realized it at the