Mistletoe and Magic (Novella): A Loveswept Historical Romance Read Free

dreams! Penelope knew it instantly. Why had she never noticed how handsome he was, that his eyes were a compelling deep green, his chin firm and square, his mouth a sensual promise? He really was a magnificent specimen of a man, she mused, even though he was known as a rogue and one of New York’s most eligible bachelors. Wealthy to boot, he was popular with the ladies, though he seemed to have no intention of settling down with just one. He enjoyed women, had a zest for life, and was used to having his own way.
    This man was her destiny
.
    She couldn’t stop the shiver of excitement that raced through her.

Chapter Two
    He had his work cut out for him. This realization dawned, for even as Jared came to his senses, another man claimed her hand. Helplessly, Penelope was drawn onto the dance floor. As she started to take her place, Jared stepped firmly between her and her companion.
    Penelope gasped. “Sir, what do you think you are doing?”
    “I believe it’s called a waltz,” Jared said smoothly, bowing back to her as if there had been a prior agreement between them.
    “I beg your pardon, sir!” Neville Johnston, Penelope’s partner, turned an interesting shade of red when Jared took her hand as if the man wasn’t even there and claimed her for the dance. “But this is really too bad of you! I sought my dance hours ago—you can see my name on the card … I had to wait …”
    “I’ll make it up to you.”
    Something in Jared’s eyes sent the poor lad sputtering as the attorney swept Penelope into his arms. Seeing the sympathetic glances around him, Neville had little choice but to storm off the dance floor and retreat to the wall, where more than one young lady was ready to console him.
    “Mr. Marton, that was extremely rude!” Penelope admonished, her eyes twinkling with laughter. “Mr. Johnston is a nice young man and you embarrassed him.”
    “I know. And I really will make it up to him. I happen to know he is very enamored of Miss Eggleston. I will put in a favorable word, since she is the sister of a good friend.” Jared pulled her close to him, and she could feel the strong length of his body against her as his hand pressed gently against her waist. When he looked down at her, he whispered in a seductive voice, “But I hope you get used to me cutting in, Miss Appleton, for you see, I intend to make you my own.”
    Penelope hid the excitement his words engendered and tried to appear indignant. “Why, that’s awfully forward of you! If I recall, I didn’t even agree to waltz …”
    “We are dancing, though, are we not?” He grinned, sweeping her across the flooras if to make a point.
    She had to laugh. Even if she hadn’t known that Jared was her destiny, she would have been impressed by his confidence. When she looked up at him, she realized he was studying her, his eyes caressing every feature as if to remember her always.
    “I have to admit, Mr. Marton, you confuse me,” she said as he whirled around another couple with a flourish.
    “How so?” Lightly, he traced the curve of her spine with his fingers, making her feel warm and tingly.
    “When we met last year, you didn’t seem to notice me at all. And even now you haven’t complimented me.” A practiced flirt, she looked at the floor and sighed as if disappointed. “Most gentlemen would try to win my favor by telling me how fine my eyes are or how golden my hair. So I suppose you don’t find my looks to your liking?”
    She waited for the protestation, his apologies, and a rush to expound upon her beauty. So she was even more puzzled when he slowed the dance and tipped her face up to his.
    “You will find I am not as other men.” Jared’s eyes met hers and the teasing quality was gone. “And when I beheld you across the room this evening, I saw much more than your beauty: I glimpsed the woman within.”
    Penelope gasped in stunned surprise and for a moment, her heart stopped. For the first time in her life, she realized