A Most Inconvenient Wish Read Online Free Page A

me.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIt won’t happen again.”
    He almost smiled at the lack of conviction in her voice. She wasn’t going to be able to hide from him any longer. Her reaction to him was of equal strength to his reaction to her. Yes, she would make a very passionate wife. “Yes, I think it will. I think it will happen a great deal from now on.”
    â€œDon’t be coarse.” She turned away and stared at the rain. “A gentleman wouldn’t say such a thing.”
    â€œYou claimed I wasn’t a gentleman, remember?”
    â€œAnd you’ve made my case for me.”
    Ian was quiet for a long moment before saying, “Don’t forget what you wished for at the Fairy Steps.”
    She did not respond, her eyes flashing her anger.
    He pulled her closer. The rain was easing now. Her hair fell in wet clumps around her face. “You wished to be stuck with me for life.”
    â€œYou don’t believe in magic.”
    â€œBut you obviously do. I really didn’t think you were the type.”
    â€œI don’t think I take your meaning, sir.”
    â€œNeither of us are the type to leave important decisions up to fate or fairy magic, Sophia. But in this instance I think I’ll make an exception. What are you going to do to prevent the wish from coming true?”
    She said nothing, her jaw tight, her lips pressed together. He could see her trying to come up with some sort of tart reply to his question. She turned and stomped toward the house.
    He laughed. He easily caught up with her again.
    â€œDid your inopportune wish foil some grand plan to marry a certain earl who is arriving tomorrow?”
    The stiffening of her body was his answer. She had planned to wish for a proposal from Bateman.
    â€œThis should be entertaining to watch.”
    â€œYou will not be here to see it.”
    But he’d been invited by Bateman himself. The man probably needed money. Funny that he should come to the son of his old steward to fix his problems. “Mrs. Matthews has invited me to stay to even out the numbers of the party. Looks like the wish is working already, doesn’t it?”
    * * *
    Sophia barely contained the urge to turn around and knock Ian McDonald on his bum. She wanted to hit him so badly she could hardly control herself. Hateful man! She turned and threw his coat at him. It hit him in the face. Good.
    He ruined everything.
    What had possessed her sister to invite this scoundrel to the party? Evening numbers? Seriously? She’d have a chat with Anne about not consulting her before changing the guest list that she’d very carefully put together.
    â€œYou didn’t answer my question,” he called out after her.
    â€œI have no intention of discussing this further with you, Mr. McDonald.”
    Oh, how she wished she could give into the urge to rescind the invitation, but it would only lend credence to his remarks and that she would not do. Sophia was determined that things would be done in a proper manner and no one would change that.
    McDonald caught up with her near the rose bushes. They were in sight of the house. She could see Anne watching them through a window.
    â€œHave you let Bateman kiss you?” Ian’s voice was low and harsh.
    â€œOf course not. He wouldn’t take such liberties,” she spat as she lifted her gown from the higher grass.
    â€œThen he’s not in love with you.”
    Sophia smiled up at him. “A man doesn’t have to be in love to take advantage of a lady. Look at you—you hardly tolerate me, but you had no problem pawing me a few moments ago.”
    There was the old, familiar tick of his jaw as her jab hit home.
    â€œYou don’t deny it?”
    â€œYou were a willing participant, Miss Townsend.” He ground out the words.
    â€œPerhaps, but let me ask you another question: Did you kiss me because you have feelings for me or was it simple lust?”
    Ian said