The Duke's Blind Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page A

only now they were worse—darker and lonelier. How had she exhausted his defenses and become important to him? He didn’t want to want her. But he did. Oh, yes, very much, and not just her body. While his desire for her still hummed through him, he also wanted the sunshine that came with her and the fragile optimism she’d stirred. He’d sworn never to believe in hopeful expectations, not ever again.
    Her sweet lemony fragrance still lingered in the room. She’d tasted of strawberries and cream. The memory of her luscious curves and downy skin would haunt his dreams.
    Thank goodness he couldn’t carry her down the corridor, up the stairs, and lay her across his bed. Pain and despair ripped across his chest.
    She’d made him feel again, taken him out of his protective cover, and he didn’t know what to do now. Damn her .
     
    * * * *

    Ellie couldn’t forget the wonderful feelings Rafe had aroused in her. She wasn’t able to blank him out of her mind and go on as if nothing had happened. As though mocking her, the last few days had been sunny. She wanted to go riding, but she knew her weakness would take her back to him. He didn’t want her and, as he said, didn’t need her. She mustn’t keep throwing herself at him. Plus, there was the ever-present danger of getting caught. Yet the temptation weighed on her every day.
    “Eleanor,”—her mother walked into the library where Ellie tried, in vain, to read—”the weather is beautiful. I’m surprised you’re not outside.”
    “I’ve been thinking about going for a ride.”
    “You should. With so much rain lately, you don’t want to waste the few good days.”
    Ellie glanced out the window. She feared the joy beginning to bubble inside her. A picnic lunch, a sunny day, and Rafe not that far away. Her worn-down resistance melted.
    “You’re right. It’s a perfect day, and I’m wasting it.”
    Ellie raced up the stairs, calling to Trudy as she went. She changed into her green riding habit then rushed to the kitchen and asked cook to help her pack a picnic lunch. After cook finished, she thanked her, took the package, grabbed a bottle of wine at the last minute, and sped to the stable.
    Her mare was frisky and as ready for an outing as she was. In a short time she’d arrived at Rafe’s lodge.
    When Booth opened the door, he frowned. “Miss Upton, he will be very angry. Please go home.”
    “No, Booth. He needs to get outside in the fresh air. Go have his horse saddled. I’ll convince him to join me for a ride.”
    “You are stubborn, Miss Upton.” He looked askance. Then added, “I’m afraid he’ll hurt you.”
    “Don’t worry about me, Booth. I know what I’m doing.” I hope .  
    Booth shook his head but started out the door. “He’s in the dining room,” he added before he left. “The last room on the right.”
    “Thanks.” Ellie marched down the passageway ready to do battle, if necessary.
    The aroma of coffee, ham, and sweet rolls filled the air when Ellie stepped inside the room. Rafe, coffee cup in hand, turned toward the door.
    “Booth?”
    “It’s Ellie.”
    He slammed his cup on the table, sloshing coffee on the white tablecloth. “Didn’t you have enough of my foul humor last week?”
    “Apparently not.” She didn’t wait to be invited to join him. “The ham and sweet rolls smell divine.”
    “Help yourself. And when you finish, go home.”
    Ellie, ignoring his comment, walked to the sideboard and placed two sweet rolls on a plate. She’d eaten little the last few days and needed fortification to enact her plan. She sat across from him and poured a cup of coffee.
    “Comfortable?”
    “How did you know I’d sat down?”
    He ignored her question and asked, “Why are you here?”
    “Today, we’re going to start on a program to get you outside and more independent. I think it might improve your mood.”
    “I don’t recall agreeing to any of your plans.”
    “Just believe I know best.”
    “A baby is going to