A Laird for Christmas by Gerri Russell Read Free Book Online Page B

sweetness…”
    Margaret bristled.
    Jane swallowed. She could imagine the sensation would be dangerous. Despite the years that had separated them, she could still remember the pleasure of his touch and his kisses. “Thank you, Nicholas. That was certainly a memorable gift.”
    He gave her one last heart-melting smile before he bowed and returned to the others.
    Margaret relaxed as he moved away. “That looks unusual,” she whispered from beside Jane.
    “Have a taste.” Jane offered the chocolate to her aunt.
    Her aunt placed a small shaving on her tongue and groaned. Jane smiled as Margaret’s reaction echoed her own. They both found the treat delicious.
    Just like Nicholas. Everything about him was delicious, it always had been. But then again, she had had similar feelings about all the men who had come to greet her. All the men, that was, except Bryce. Suddenly the sweetness lingering in her mouth soured. Bryce was the fly in the ointment, for certain. He would try to stop her from choosing anyone else as her husband.
    Jane’s gaze fell to the shavings of chocolate that remained on the parchment. She folded the parcel back into its original form. Perhaps she would save these precious treats for the moments when she needed a bit of rejuvenation. The thought pulled up the corners of her lips as she straightened. She had five suitors to choose from and one suitor to send home. Bryce had no idea of her true mettle. But before this contest was through, he would.
    “Are you ready to meet Colin?” Margaret asked. “I saved him for last. I found the young man to be quite pleasant. His quick thinking in the face of my accident saved my life.”
    Jane smiled. “Aye. I am so very grateful for your safety. Bring the man forward so I can thank him properly.”
    Margaret nodded. “It is with great pleasure that I call forth our final suitor, Colin Taylor.”
    As Jane watched the stranger approach, she could not stop a small shocked breath. She had imagined the man who had saved her aunt to be asimple countryman. There was nothing simple about Colin Taylor. He was sinfully male, with the sculpted physique of a warrior. He had wide shoulders, well-developed arms, and a tight, muscular chest that filled out his fine muslin shirt. Dark breeches were tucked into black boots. His dress was simple, yet the impression that he was lean and powerful was undeniable.
    The man was nothing short of gorgeous. He would certainly leave an impression on her heart if she gave him a chance. He was the type of male women dreamed about in dark fantasies but knew did not really exist. Dark brown lashes swept his golden skin beneath arched brows and a silky fall of honey-colored hair. His jaw was angled and strong, with a slight cleft in his chin. Her heart raced and her palms felt clammy as she continued her visual exploration of his lips—pink and firm and sensually full. His eyes glittered like shards of silver, and his pupils were dilated with a touch of amusement and unmistakable masculine interest.
    “Good morrow, Lady Jane,” he said with a thick brogue that sounded roughened, as if by too much whiskey and peat smoke. “I am delighted to meet you and honored to be here among your guests.”
    Jane smiled. Handsome and polite. It was a good start. “I must first thank you for saving my aunt the other day.”
    He nodded.
    Jane continued, “It is a pleasure to have you here.”
    “Nay, the pleasure has not yet started.” He turned and signaled three men with instruments forward. They gathered in a half circle and the two men with a lute and a cittern tuned the strings a moment before they joined the flute and started playing. “The song is called ‘The Outlandish Knight.’ My gift to you is a dance.” He extended his hand to her. “Dance with me, Lady Jane,” he said, his voice smooth, compelling.
    With a smile, she accepted his hand and he pulled her out of her chair to him, uncharacteristically close for such a dance. But before