Improper Nights — Leslie Dicken

When Lenora Blakely learns she must marry a man more than twice her age to pay off her father's debts, she doesn't expect his nephew to make her weak at the knees with a brief stroke of his tongue to her palm. Soon, Lord Blackford's flirtations provide her with a means to experience the pleasure of a lover's touch before she marries. But what begins as a tempting challenge quickly leads to a series of improper nights filled with overwhelming passion. As the time for her wedding draws near, will Lenora be able to follow through on her promised duty?

11,000+ words

Excerpt:

Her mare sniffed out a nearby stream, and Lenora let her wander over for a drink. The cooler air slipped over her skin the moment they were in the shade.
But she was not alone.
Lord Blackford sat on his horse a few yards away. He was so handsome, so charming, so dangerous. Her mare whinnied, greeting his stallion.
He looked up and noticed her.
Lenora gasped at the stark need so obvious in his eyes. The parting of his lips ushered a wave of heat through her blood. He licked his lips and awareness fired up every nerve. Tingled raced down her legs and curled her toes.
She nudged her horse down the stream toward him. His lure was inescapable.
"You should stay away from me," he said the moment she was beside him.
"Why?" She stared at his lips.
"Because you are to marry my uncle."
"And?"
He drew in a deep, shaking breath. "And I want you."
Lenora reached across and placed her hand on his thigh. The muscle tensed beneath her fingers. "I thought about you after you left last night."
His eyes closed. "No. Don't tell me."
"You brought my body alive and left me wanting." Her fingers pressed into the fabric, slid ever so slowly upward. "I've felt so strongly, wanted so deeply."
"Lenora..."