Kipp Llewellyn, the proverbial poor little rich boy, can have whatever he wants, except the one thing he wants most: his father’s love. When the opportunity arises to obtain it, Kipp jumps at the chance, even though it means breaking a date with “Ham,” the man he’s sure he’s falling in love with. However, the opportunity turns out to be an arranged marriage with his father’s biggest competitor. Even worse, Kipp discovers his proposed groom is Hyde Wyndham, the man of his dreams. Having lived in a gilded cage his entire twenty-one years, Kipp refuses to settle for anything less than love and walks away from both his father and his future husband. Hyde didn’t achieve his position in the financial world by taking no for an answer, however, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Kipp realize he’s wanted for himself, including wooing the young man he intends to marry, prenuptial agreements be damned. He’s certain he’s succeeded, until Kipp learns something that puts an insurmountable barrier between them. Will Hyde be able to overcome Kipp’s doubts, and will Kipp realize that some things are worth the sacrifice?

Two Lips, Indifferent Red

“Not for me.” He looked me up and down, grinned, and licked his lips. I could feel myself blushing,


It was my turn to lick my lips, so I did. I walked up to him, folded my arms behind my back, and tilted my head back. I smiled a little and closed my eyes.


His lips were warm when they touched mine.


“Ohhhh!” I slid my arms around his neck, but as much as I wanted to hold on for dear life, I forced myself to keep my grip loose.


He took advantage of my parted lips to slide his tongue into my mouth. He tasted of coffee.


“Ah-heh-hem. Pardon me, but I’m here to collect the breakfast trays.”


My eyes flew open and I tried to step back, certain Hyde would be dismayed to be caught making out like a horny teenager, but he wouldn’t let me go. I buried my head against his chest but stole a look to see what was going to happen.


He raised his head and looked toward whoever had entered the room. “Go away.”


Chapter 43