Stranded With The Scottish Earl by Anna Campbell Read Free Book Online

how the land lay and take my cue from that. I could find an inn in the neighborhood and call on you, if
    necessary.”
    “Only if you were interested,” she said snidely, at last shifting a few inches away for the sake of her pride. “The weather’s
    played into your hands. You have ended up staying.”
    “Lucky me. Given how I’ve fallen under Cinderella’s spell.”       
    She gave a dismissive sniff. “The Fairy Godmother is the one with the magic power.”
    “Not from where I’m sitting.”
    Charlotte told herself that he was only trying to get around her, and she shouldn’t succumb to his flattery. But that was difficult when she met his
    glittering cobalt gaze. “You’re too kind, my lord.”
    This conversation verged too close to flirting for the good of her defenses. Sparring with a handsome man who regarded her with such blatant admiration was
    dangerously enjoyable. She told her unruly heart his sincerity was a seducer’s trick. But her unruly heart refused to believe Lord Lyle anything but
    genuine.
    Those expressive black eyebrows rose. “Very polite, Miss Warren.”
    Charlotte couldn’t blame him for deriding her formality. After all, not too long ago, she’d stuck her tongue into his mouth. She struggled to
    bring this discussion back to earth. “I’m sorry you’ve had a wasted journey. But I decided long ago that marriage and I won’t
    suit.”
    He looked interested rather than offended. “I wouldn’t say it’s been wasted. So far it’s been grand entertainment. I’ve a
    mind to stay on to watch the Easter play. After this intriguing prologue, the performance promises to raise the roof.”
    Stung, she rose from where she sat on the bed and regarded him with reviving temper. Temper rooted in shame. “You’re no gentleman to mock my
    poor behavior.”
    “I’m not mocking you, Charlotte.” His smile was wry. “If you’re susceptible to me, I’m equally susceptible to
    you.”
    “Oh,” she said, deflated. “Then that’s a problem.”
    “Not if we’re contemplating marriage.” He leaned back on his hands with a casual air that pricked at her.
    “We’re not,” she said, even as her stomach lurched into a sickening slide.
    All laughter drained from the eyes leveled unwaveringly upon her. His languor hardened into alarming purpose. “I am.”

Chapter Five
----
     
    Thank God Lyle wasn’t a vain man, or Charlotte’s horrified expression might have crushed his hopes.
    “You’re not,” she snapped. She stood as straight as a ruler and folded her arms beneath those bonny breasts.
    He rose from the bed and stepped close enough to tower over her. “Indeed I am, Miss Warren. I think you’d make a bonny wife.”
    She regarded him doubtfully. “You don’t look insane. “
    “Thank you,” he said and burst out laughing at her disgusted reaction. “I thought I should place my cards on the table.”
    “Well, it’s a losing hand,” she retorted. She spread her hands in bewilderment. “You don’t know me.”
    He studied her. Her luxuriant hair caught the firelight, glinting gold. Her slender body promised strength and sensuality. Her eyes glittered with temper
    and intelligence—and wariness. The wariness bolstered his optimism. “Don’t I?”
    She frowned, although the color in her cheeks told him she, too, remembered their kisses. “No, and I can’t imagine that what little you do know
    justifies this mad conclusion.”
    She sucked in a breath, and he struggled manfully not to notice how her bosom swelled. Even so, his hands curled at
    his sides as he recalled shaping his fingers to her flesh. The taste of her still fizzed in his blood.
    “I lied to you,” she said with a belligerent edge.
    He hid a smile. “I lied to you.”
    “I’m domineering and used to getting my own way.”
    “I like a woman who knows her own mind.”
    “I’m stubborn and opinionated.”
    “If I’m contemplating a lifetime with a lassie, I want her to show a bit of