Scoundrel of My Heart (Once Upon a Dukedom, #1)

by Lorraine Heath

As his laughter circled her, she’d never treasured any sound more and feared she might never have another moment such as this, when she felt so loved and loved so much in return.

“Someday, Your Grace, I hope you will find a woman for whom you willingly drop to your knees without hesitation. But as she is not me, my answer to your lovely proposal is no, I will not—I cannot—marry you.”

The duke glanced back over his shoulder. “A foolish whim on my part. I was waiting for her to look at me with as much yearning as she’d directed your way that day in the park.”

“How long have you loved me?” He closed his eyes, and she watched the muscles at his throat work as he swallowed. His sigh was carried off by the breeze. Finally, he opened his eyes and captured her gaze. “Forever.”