Charlotte found herself puzzled by Robert. Since the day they met, she made it clear that she would never agree to a match between them. And still, here he was, opening up to her about his family as if they were the oldest of friends.

“George told me you took him out riding yesterday,” she quickly said.

“I did. I was happy for the company. Why? Is he not permitted to ride?”

“No, I was glad to see some color in his cheeks. I often worry about him.”

“Does your father share your concern?”

“My father worries for nothing but himself and his own amusements. Which is why he’s determined to have me married and gone from the estate as soon as possible.”

Robert assumed as much. He had only ventured to Greenspeak last week to discuss a property line with Lord Destonbury when the man insisted Robert seek out his daughter, who he mentioned was of the perfect age to be married.

“Is that why you’re so opposed to me?” he then asked. “To spite your father?”

“I need to stay at Greenspeak for George. I will not leave him here alone.”

Robert looked at Charlotte with a hidden smile. So that’s why she wanted no part of him. She was protecting her brother. He wasn’t surprised. He was in awe of her. His little lioness.

At that same moment, Charlotte stole a glance up at Robert. She couldn’t deny she felt a certain attraction to him. How could she not? Gazing off into the distance, he looked impeccable but completely masculine in his blue tailcoat, brown buckskin breeches and Hessian boots. She forced herself to turn away as a flicker of heat began to spread through her chest and stomach and beyond.

Inexperienced as she was, Charlotte could sense what was beginning, and she had no doubt that wanting a man like Robert Westmond would cost her far more than she was willing to pay...

I pull my fingers away from the keyboard, dizzy and a little out of breath. I’d like to think it was solely due to the excitement of making headway with my story, but I know it’s not just that. My night with Ryan is still buzzing around me. There’s no mistaking it now. I’ve linked him to this novel, and I won’t be able to have one without the other. As if my writing process wasn’t painful enough.

And with the way things left off tonight, I’m sure he’s going to do whatever he can to stay away from me. But it’s also becoming increasingly obvious that if I’m going to finish this book by my deadline, I can’t afford to stay away from him. It’s going to be a battle only one of us can win, and that person has to be me.

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