Read Online More than Passion by Jomarie Degioia - Free Book Online Page A

him in with her eyes. “You look so handsome,” she answered softly.
    He flashed her a dazzling smile and turned her to face the minister. Reverend Grey began the ceremony. When he recited Geoffrey’s full title during the exchange of vows, Becca went still. It couldn’t be! The minister had to repeat the words to elicit a response from her.
    “Rebecca Kingsley, do you take Lord Geoffrey Michael Kane, the Earl of Kanewood, Viscount Darlington ….”
    Geoffrey was an earl? She stared at him, taking in his ordinary clothes and open countenance. No. There was nothing ordinary about Geoffrey. He was clever, and handsome, and he made her laugh. He made her dream.
    “Becca?” Geoffrey asked, his voice soft yet holding a note of worry.
    She looked at him and saw that certainty once again. She nodded and whispered her vows. The rest of the ceremony was a blur. Geoffrey accepted her, promised to honor and cherish her, and turned to her expectantly. She blinked up at him, confused. He smiled then and bent his head to hers. He kissed her tenderly, sealing their union. Peter and Emmy clapped enthusiastically.
    Thomas stood perfectly still, shock clear on his flushed face. “An earl?”
    A short while later, Geoffrey and Becca stood together, greeting the wedding guests. Word of Geoffrey’s title spread quickly.
    “Congratulations, Lord Kanewood,” those gathered said. “Lady Kanewood.”
    Becca blinked as people she’d known her entire life used her new title. Geoffrey was an earl? He never should have married her. She’d do something to embarrass him and make him regret their hasty marriage. Her heart twisted at that thought.
    Geoffrey leaned toward her. “Whatever is the matter, Becca?”
    “Nothing, Geoff … my lord … I’m sorry, I don’t know what to call you.”
    He smiled down at her. “Geoffrey, love. Just call me Geoffrey.”
    She relaxed then, seeing once more the Geoffrey she’d known before learning of his title.
    Her lips curved in a small smile. “Geoffrey.” She breathed.
    The feast the cook had spent the last two days preparing was served in the dining room. Becca and Geoffrey, however, planned to take their wedding supper in the privacy of his room. With expressions of gratitude to the wedding guests, they ascended the stairs.
    A small table had been set up in the room. It was beautifully set, with the candle glow reflecting off the fine china. Geoffrey pulled Becca’s chair out for her and she sat. He took the chair opposite her and reached for her hand. She felt his fingers grasp hers and kept her eyes downcast.
    “What is it?”
    She looked at him then, her eyes stinging. “You never should have married me. You’re an earl and I’m—”
    “You’re the woman I wanted to marry. That hasn’t changed.” He stared at her for a long moment. “Don’t you believe me?”
    She looked deeply into his eyes again and saw his sincerity. He’d been so sure, even as she’d wavered. From the beginning, he’d been set on making her his wife. She would borrow a bit of his confidence and believe him. Believe in herself. She smiled then, and nodded. His eyes bright, he brought her hand to his lips. They set about their wedding supper, pausing every now and then to touch or kiss.
    With their meal only half-finished, Geoffrey stood. He pulled Becca up from her seat, a wicked smile on his face, and Becca’s heart raced. He wrapped her in his arms, bending his head to capture her lips. She opened up for him, welcoming his probing tongue. He groaned softly, running his fingers through her hair. Pins scattered everywhere, her thick locks loose and free.
    He pulled back, running his gaze over her face. “My God, Becca,” he said in a low voice. “You’re so beautiful. And you’re mine.”
    Her breath caught at the possessive gleam in his blue eyes. He kissed her again, running his hands over her back. She reached up, twining her fingers in the thick waves at the nape of his neck. He couldn’t manage