The Widow and the Wastrel

He both attracted and intimidated her.  At their first meeting Elizabeth had thought Jed Carrel insulting and arrogant, though she couldn’t ignore the turbulent emotions his kiss had aroused.  But she had been only seventeen then and about to marry his brother, Jeremy.  Then Jed set off to live his own life abroad.  Elizabeth was a mature woman now—and a widow.  Jed had unexpectedly returned.  Why?  “As a woman - " Jed’s voice was caressing " - you’re even more desirable than you were as a girl.”

His kiss was warm, drugging her senses.  “Damn,” Jed muttered softly.  “Liza - "  She hated his calm, controlled voice.  “Please,” she whispered.  “I don’t want to talk.”  “A few minutes ago you called me contemptible and disgusting.”  His low voice was cynically amused.  “Am I supposed to feel honored now that you want me to make love to you?”  “Don’t be cruel,” Elizabeth murmured, shame creeping in to steal her pleasure.  “I’m sorry, Liza” he said in a gentler yet firm tone.  “I thought I’d stopped wanting you, but I haven’t.  The bitterness hasn’t gone, either,” he ended grimly.  “I don’t understand.”  She gazed at him bewilderedly.  “I know you don’t.”  The glint in his eyes was ruthless.  “Maybe someday…” He was withdrawing from her, emotionally as well as physically.  “Good night, Elizabeth.”