Read Online Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance by Katie Rose - Free Book Online Page A

shrugged, falling back on her years of gently discouraging suitors whose advances were not wanted.
    “I am sorry, but I’m just not … attracted to you in a romantic fashion.”
    “Really?” Jared asked. He didn’t seem at all disturbed, and Penelope grew even more nervous when he tipped her chin up to him. “I can see I have to convince you. Do you know where we are standing?” When she shook her head, he smiled. “We are beneath the mistletoe. I think it’s time I put that tradition to good use …”
    Penelope gasped and his mouth covered hers in a heated kiss. She tried to resist, but when he put his arms around her, gathering her into his embrace, she melted like the wax of a Christmas candle. As if of their own accord, her arms rose to enfold him and her fingers sank into his thick, dark hair.
    Penelope had been kissed before, polite gentlemanly pecks on the cheek, but they were nothing like this! Expertly he parted her lips with his own and groaned, holding her tightly against him as his tongue teased hers. Desire shot through her, hot and vibrant, and her heart pounded as every cell in her body seemed to come alive.
    “My God, you are sweet …” he whispered as his lips moved from her mouth to her ear.
    Penelope surrendered completely to the intoxicating heat and excitement he generated within her. His hand stroked her back, making her long for more of his touch, while he placed hot kisses along her neck and throat. The intensity increased when he pressed up against her, and she gasped, her own body responding to the pressure of his closeness.
    When his mouth finally eased from hers following a final kiss, Penelope stared at him in naked wonder. He would never forget the look on her face as she pressed the back of her hand to her lips. Her eyes grew wide and shining as she gazed at him, struggling to regain whatever sanity she’d once possessed. He gave a satisfied smile as he slowly eased her out of his arms, although he couldn’t resist caressing a curl that had fallen loose in their passion and now fell upon her shoulder.
    “I think I proved my point.” When she continued to stare at him in bewilderment, he smoothed the curl and slid his hand down her arm. “No woman kisses a man like that if she’s indifferent to him.”
    She could say nothing, could offer no retort. She couldn’t make sense of what had just transpired, especially her own acquiescence.
    “Miss Appleton, I leave you the library.” He bowed and quit the room, giving her time to gather herself.
    Penelope sank into a chair by the fire, her thoughts swirling. He was right—she cared for him, deeply it appeared! She had fought it with every fiber of her being, but it couldn’t be helped.
    And it wasn’t just his kiss, although that promised an excitement she’d only dreamed about. It was everything. He was handsome, funny, and kind. He’d bought her wonderful gifts, and even when she gave them away, he persisted. When she thought of him playing with the children at the orphanage, a warmth blossomed in her heart that she couldn’t contain. And he’d made her aunt the happiest she’d seen the elderly woman in years.
    He loved her. He had shown it to her in every way possible, though she hadn’t wanted to see. But when he kissed her, she could no longer hide from the truth. She felt gloriously happy and scared to death at the same time.
    Tears stung her eyes as she thought of her vision and the newspaper headline. She felt as if she were tumbling headfirst down a cliff and there was nothing she could do to stop the fall. Glancing upward, she shook her fist at the beautiful sprig of mistletoe dangling from a bough.
    Mistletoe kisses indeed!

    The next afternoon, Penelope arrived at Jennifer’s house in order to care for the couple’s child while they went Christmas shopping. When she entered the dwelling, she removed her cloak and was nearly bowled over by her adorable nephew.
    “Michael!” she laughed as the toddler