Read Online The Hellion and The Heartbreaker by Jennifer McNare - Free Book Online Page B

Colin’s sister.  Instead, he bestowed upon her
his most charming smile.  “Shall we?”  Just because he couldn’t take
her to bed, didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy her company, he thought once
again.  “That is, unless you would care for something to eat before we
go?”
    “No, I’m not hungry,” she replied quickly.  She wasn’t
about to waste one minute on something as trivial as food, not when she had
Alec Weston all to herself.
    “Good, because I’ve got something to show you.”
    “You do?  What is it?” she asked curiously.
    “You’ll have to wait and see,” he said mysteriously.
     
     
    She tried to coax the secret out of him once they had donned
their coats and gloves a short time later, but he wouldn’t even give her a
hint.  Their banter was playful and easy, and Scarlett was in heaven.
    As they made their way to the stable, their booted feet left
two sets of tracks in the freshly fallen snow.  They had gotten about an
inch, just enough to cover the area in a brilliant blanket of white.  It
was lovely.  They could see their breath as they walked, but the air was
still and the cold was easily bearable.  They moved along in companionable
silence for a time, simply enjoying the beauty of their surroundings.
    When they reached the stable, Alec grinned and asked her if
she was ready to see what he had brought.  She nodded eagerly, as a
sneaking suspicion suddenly entered her thoughts.  It was unusually quiet
as they entered the building, the only sounds the restless movements of the
horses within their stalls.  It was Sunday and most of the McPhearson
staff had the day off, including the majority of those that worked in the
stables.  At present, there didn’t seem to be a sole around.
    “Close your eyes,” Alec commanded softly.
    Scarlett did so instantly and without question.  When
she felt him reach for her hand she nearly swooned, despite the blasted gloves
that prevented her from experiencing the touch of his bare skin. 
    Gently Alec pulled her forward and they walked side by side
down the immense corridor, passing a dozen or more stalls before they
stopped.  He released her hand, and then reaching to lightly grasp her
shoulders, turned her slightly.  “Open your eyes,” he said.
    She did, and saw at once the glorious stallion Alec had
purchased when she was a child.
    “Remember him?”  “Alec asked, reaching out to fondly
stroke the stallion’s proud head.
    Scarlett smiled up at him in response.  “I certainly
do.”  How could she not?  “I was terrible,” she admitted, “and he’s
still magnificent.”  Reaching out her gloved hand, she stroked his head
and then brushed her hand along his powerful neck.  “I think he likes the
attention,” Scarlett noted, as the huge animal nudged against her hand.
    “Brutus loves the ladies,” Alec told her with a playful wink.
    As does his owner, Scarlett mused, well aware of Alec’s
reputation as a rake.  Over the years she had read every paper and gossip
rag she could lay her hands on, searching for any mention of Alec.  It had
proven a worthwhile endeavor, as his name had been mentioned often, though frequently
in connection with one woman or another.  She had gleaned quite a bit of
information from her brothers as well, though she had been much more indirect
in that regard.  She didn’t mind his reputation however, for Bethany had
once told her that reformed rakes were rumored to make the best husbands. 
Standing close enough to inhale the delicious aroma of Alec’s cologne, Scarlett
hoped wholeheartedly that it were true.
    “Would you like to ride him?”
    Turing to face Alec, Scarlett’s eyes widened in astonishment. 
“Are you serious?” she breathed, truly surprised by the offer.
    “Of course.”  Scarlett’s blinding smile nearly caused
his heart to miss a beat.  Though he had surprised even himself at the
impetuous offer, for he had never let anyone else ride Brutus before today,