No Other Love

By Jean Adams

Lucas Nelson, a man brought to his knees and publicly humiliated by his last two girlfriends, now believes he is unlovable. So when he finds himself falling in love with Jenna, whom he can't seem to avoid, he knows he's in trouble. Having worked hard to improve herself, Jenna Blake has made it clear she's not interested in a relationship with an ordinary man. She wants a big, white wedding to an aristocrat, like the Earl of Kendal. Nothing must be allowed to get in the way of everything she's worked for, not even true love. Will Jenna give in to her desires? Or will the earl and his aristocratic trappings win her hand?

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Apr 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781628302462

Jean Adams

Jean lives in the North Island of New Zealand, but she originally came from England. She loved the movies when she was growing up. That's probably where her love of storytelling started. In fact it didn't stop there. A few years ago, she went to Cornwall (her most favourite place in the whole world) and sat spellbound amongst the other kids while the resident storyteller at King Arthur's Castle at Tintagel told about Cornish folklore. She once worked for an airline (several actually) and was lucky enough to travel for next to nothing - France, Spain, Portugal, India, the USA, Barbados, Australia, and of course, back to the old country. After realizing that there was a serious lack of support for budding writers in my area of the world, she founded Romance Writers of New Zealand in September 1990.

Book preview

Inc.

No Other Love

by

Jean Adams

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

No Other Love

COPYRIGHT © 2014 by Jean Adams

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Diana Carlile

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Champagne Rose Edition, 2014

Print ISBN 978-1-62830-245-5

Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-246-2

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

Dedicated to the sexiest man on the planet.

Praise for Jean Adams

YESTERDAY’S DREAMS

Romance, drama and love. What a great recipe.

~The Romance Reviews

~*~

THE FIRES OF PASSION

Jean Adams creates hot, earth-shattering love scenes.

~Long and Short Reviews

Chapter One

Jenna Blake stepped out of the Europa World Airlines office and turned her face to the sun. Even after four months the vibrancy of Los Angeles still excited her, reminding her for the nth time she’d done it. She was really here. She could barely resist pinching herself.

A sudden thought crossed her mind. Had she left her cell phone in the office again? Oh, Lord!

She came to a dead stop in the street to check her purse. Thankfully, the phone was there, albeit balancing precariously atop everything else in her cluttered shoulder bag.

Unable to avoid an inevitable collision, a man walking directly behind knocked her shoulder sideways. The cell phone slid off the clutter in the bag and landed on the sidewalk with a metallic clatter.

Oh, I’m so sorry. She reached out and grabbed for his arm.

She sucked in a sharp breath as she looked up into his face. He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Not handsome in the pretty boy sense, but she’d discovered her idea of handsome wasn’t the same as everyone else’s. He was about thirty-two, she guessed, slim and neatly dressed. Her hand still rested on his arm, as though held there by a giant magnet, but she managed to pull away.

He frowned under a mop of thick, jet-black hair that fell over his forehead. Roughly, he pushed it back with one hand while firmly gripping some papers under his arm with the other. Ma’am, don’t just stop like that, he berated, his voice deep. In the middle of a busy sidewalk.

Trust me to trip up the best-looking man I’ve seen in a while. Gorgeous brown eyes.

No. Sorry. I’m so sorry.

She was so busy gazing at the angles and planes of his beautiful, lean face all thoughts of the phone, or any damage that might have been done, temporarily fled her mind.

He glanced down to the phone at her feet then back at her, and, in one fluid movement, bent to retrieve the fallen instrument. Here, he said, handing it to her. Hope it isn’t broken.

Long, slim fingers briefly brushed hers as he handed her the phone. She managed to suppress a gasp as his touch sent a tingle of awareness along her arm. Her breath caught in her throat. Thank you.

Another quick glimpse of his mesmerizing brown eyes sent her stomach into a nosedive. They were deep and rich, reminding her of swirling pools of hot chocolate. At the same time, there was a sadness about them. She wanted to run her fingers through his thick black hair, rub his temples, soothe away any sorrow or tension.

Good grief. Where did that thought come from?

Neither could she help noticing his mouth and the sensual upward curve of the full bottom lip. She wanted to stand on tiptoe, reach up and kiss it.

Jenna found herself wanting to linger with him here on this sidewalk, just the two of them. It was like one of those breakout cameos she’d seen in the movies, where two people are aware only of each other while all else is going on around them like a hazy blur.

It seemed he didn’t want to move either, but that was probably her imagination working overtime.

She had to say something. She couldn’t just stand there staring at him.

I—I’m glad you didn’t drop your papers.

So am I, he replied gruffly. I’d hate to lose anything.

Are they important? How inane.

They are to me. Just be more careful in the future.

I will. Promise. She offered what she hoped was her sweetest smile.

You British?

Yes.

Hmm.

Singularly unimpressed, he didn’t return the smile. Instead, he gave her a curt nod, turned abruptly and went about his business.

Jenna remained where she stood, her heart in her throat. She watched him walk away, feeling as though she’d briefly found, then lost, something she never really had. He looked very dashing in dark brown jacket and silver gray trousers. She didn’t even know his name. Maybe it was just as well. She wasn’t here for romance, however tempting the man might be. But, she couldn’t shake off the strange sense of connection she’d felt toward him.

The man with the chocolate-colored eyes and long, lean frame strode away, easily head and shoulders above most people.

Jenna let go a sigh, tucked the phone safely into a side pocket of her purse, and started on her way again, unable to stop her thoughts from straying back to the sad eyes. What if the sadness hadn’t been just an expression in his eyes? Maybe he’d just been given some bad news.

Hey, Jenna, a man’s voice broke into her thoughts.

Glancing in the direction the voice had come from, she spotted Bill Price standing outside her favorite lunch bar. Bill worked for another airline and had befriended her when she’d first arrived in Los Angeles.

Hi, Bill. She smiled and waved back as she moved to join him.

At the same moment, the sad-eyed man stopped in front of Bill and the two men shook hands warmly.

Good heavens! There’s a coincidence. Not that I believe in coincidences.

Well, now at least she could add a name to the man. She slowed her pace, but Bill beckoned. Her heart thumped out of control as she walked toward the two men.

Well, well, well. The other man’s brown eyes perused her down the strong blade of his nose, as though she were something he’d found on his shoe. One dark eyebrow cocked in her direction then he turned away to address Bill.

If looks could kill. Affronted by the cool reception, she couldn’t stop the haughtiness of his expression denting her pride.

Bill held out his hand as she approached. Hey there, beautiful. He placed a light kiss on her cheek and grinned. Whatcha doin’?

I was just about to buy some lunch, and thinking about all the jobs I’ve got lined up this afternoon.

Why don’t you join us for lunch? Jenna, meet Lucas Nelson, a very good friend of mine. Luke, this is Jenna Blake. She’s here from the UK on a six-month posting.

So this was the Lucas she’d heard people asking after at the country club. Jenna laughed and held out her hand to him. Pleased to meet you again, Lucas.

Again? Bill said, surprised. You two already know each other?

Lucas lifted one black eyebrow. Kinda. We just ran into each other. He said it without the slightest hint of amusement.

Literally, Jenna quipped.

Lucas took her outstretched hand in his grip. It was warm and firm and strong, but no warmth reflected in his sour expression. Likewise.

Once again, when their hands touched, Jenna felt a powerful connection sizzle along her arm. Further perusal of his expression told her,that, despite his good looks, sadness was very apparent in the dark, brooding depths of his eyes.

Jenna made herself a promise. By the time this lunch was over, she’d coax a smile from that sensual mouth.

The ever-cheerful Bill hooked his arm through hers and grinned. We’re going to have a sandwich and coffee in here. That okay with you?

Great. Thanks, I’d love it, if Lucas doesn’t mind, she answered hesitantly. Why did he make her so nervous?

Lucas held the café door open for her. "Why should I mind?" he asked a little too quickly. His deep voice rumbled up from his chest, but there was still no hint of a smile.

Bill indicated a table by the window and led the way toward it.

No reason. But this meeting could’ve been private. I wouldn’t want to be in the way. She shot a surreptitious glance at Lucas under her lashes, but there was nothing to suggest warmth or friendship in the stoic expression.

You won’t be, Bill put in with a hasty grin. In fact, I hope I can enlist your help.

Lucas tutted irritably, rolled his eyes and placed his papers on the table.

Judging by his reaction to Bill’s comment, Jenna’s curiosity took a quantum leap. Maybe this would be her in. Oh? How?

I’m trying to persuade him to come to the dinner dance tomorrow night. It’s the country club’s twentieth anniversary. He hasn’t been out of late. Months in fact.

The corners of Lucas’ mouth turned down, vexation coloring his voice. It’s no big deal.

Jenna didn’t miss the note of irritation.

Her gaze searched Lucas’ face, but it remained unreadable. Perhaps he’s happy that way.

Lucas shot a glance at her, then gave his friend an arrogant stare. Finally, someone who gets it. Not everyone has to kick up their heels every weekend to have fun.

Bill laughed. I get that too, but tomorrow’s a special night. One night out isn’t going to do you any harm.

Don’t be so bossy, Jenna shot back with a cheeky smile in an effort to get on Lucas’ good side. Although why she felt the need, she had no idea.

Lucas himself added nothing more to the conversation.

Jenna studied him under her lashes. Despite the gruffness of his voice, his rugged good looks were like a punch to the stomach. He really was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Okay, so most women liked tall, dark, handsome men, but not all men had what Jenna called the wow! factor. Not too many of those around. This man oozed wow! as far as she was concerned and had sex appeal by the truckload. Trust her to cross paths with one just when she wasn’t ready. There was no room in her life right now for wow! factor men. Not now she’d come this far along her career path. Still, it was good to know there were some out there, for when she was ready to start her search.

I’ll get these. Lucas’ deep voice cut into her thoughts. What will you have, Miss...uh? Sorry, I forgot you name.

Don’t add insult to injury. Blake. Jenna Blake. She smiled at him in the hope of coaxing a small one in return. Still no crack in that wooden face. May I have smoked chicken and avocado on brown? And a latté?

Sure. Lucas gave her a curt nod, and without another word moved toward the counter.

Miffed by his indifference, Jenna leaned across the table. What’s up with your friend? He doesn’t seem very happy.

Bill’s mouth turned down. Long story. Don’t take it personally. Let’s just say he’s coming out of a very bad relationship. He’s got a downer on women at the moment. He edged a little closer. It’s been more than six months. I figured he should be over it by now.

It depends how badly he was hurt. He might need longer. Don’t push him into something he’s not ready for.

Bill shrugged then took in a deep breath. I can tell you he lost his business. Lost his girl at the same time. I strongly suspect the two are connected, but he refuses to talk about it. He just shuts down.

He must have loved her very deeply to be affected that much. She cast a swift glance in Lucas’ direction.

What kind of woman had that much power over a man like him? Then again, if he was always this rude maybe she’d had good reason. Yet, despite his offhandedness, he had real charisma. The punch to her stomach confirmed that. He looked so together and in control. Standing at the counter, he took a wad of notes from his pocket. The woman at the cash register flirted with him. He didn’t even notice.

The man in question came back carrying a tray and quickly divested it of the contents. Here you are, Miss Blake. He placed a plate on the table in front of her.

She glanced up quickly. Jenna, she reminded him, slightly irritated.

He ignored it, but hesitated briefly. And a latté.

Tension rolled off him in waves and Jenna tried desperately to think of something intelligent to say.

Luckily, Bill came to the rescue. Jenna’s here working with Europa Airlines.

Yes, I recognized the airline uniform, Lucas supplied with indifference, and took his seat without acknowledging her further.

It’s a wonderful job, she began awkwardly in an effort to defuse the tension. I work in the ticket office, but I also get to travel a lot.

You like traveling? The question held the same note of indifference as every other utterance Lucas had made to her. He took a bite from his sandwich.

I love it. I’m on the airline’s overseas posting program. Los Angeles is my first port of call. Next stop, the world.

That’s nice.

Good grief! This was like pulling teeth. It didn’t help that when Lucas spoke, it was to Bill, not to her. Neither did he acknowledge her in any way. His complete disinterest punched a deeper hole in her pride.

Pity, because his mouth really was delicious. She watched him surreptitiously as he chewed his sandwich. A passionate, full bottom lip that, even though he didn’t use it to smile, quivered as though he might burst out laughing at any moment.

He eyed her briefly. So what do you get out of it?

Caught out staring at him, she took a deep breath. Well, I get to see places that, as a girl, I could only dream about. I get to meet interesting people I might otherwise not have met.

Who in particular? Bill put in, obviously doing his best to keep an awkward conversation alive.

Jenna caught on quickly. Well, for example, there’s Roger Cumberland, the Earl of Kendal. She laughed self-consciously. He’s even asked me to marry him. Twice. Why did I say that? She hurried on to hide her inane comment. But I’m not ready for marriage. Too much world to see. Interesting man though. He was telling me about his experience in the Arctic Circle.

Lucas turned his head away, derision written all over his face. Oh, excuse me.

Bill eyed his friend with disgust before turning back to Jenna. Hey, sounds like an interesting guy, he said, as though allowing his natural exuberance to cover his friend’s intended barb.

Jenna, too, flashed Lucas a look of irritation, but kept her comments to herself. And I issued a ticket to Craig Jordan the other day.

Bill grinned. Well, this is the land of movie stars. I’ve met him, too. He travels a lot.

And what was he telling you? Lucas asked. His voice dripped sarcasm, yet there was a note of amused interest she couldn’t quite explain.

Refusing to put up with his rudeness any longer, Jenna replaced her cup noisily into the saucer and turned to face him, eyes blazing. That no matter how rude people are, be patient with them. What they’re really doing is covering something that goes much deeper. A perceived inadequacy, maybe.

An expression of mild surprise flickered over Lucas’ face. He pursed his lips and Jenna knew she had stopped any further comments in their tracks. For one brief moment they caught each other’s gaze. If she didn’t know better, she’d have said he was ready to burst out laughing any minute, but he turned his face away. After that the conversation deteriorated to small talk, mainly between Bill and herself. Lucas barely entered into the discourse.

After about half an hour of being virtually ignored by Lucas, Jenna checked the slim gold watch on her wrist. Well, time I was going. I’m off home.

Bill put down his cup. Half day?

Yes. I’m working tomorrow instead, so I have to get my weekend chores done this afternoon. I was going to take something home for lunch, but since I’ve already eaten—

I have to go too, Lucas put in hurriedly. I just picked up a big project. The client wants it yesterday, so I need to make a start as soon as I can. Gotta get the bus home, dammit.

Where’s your car? Bill inquired.

In the garage. It won’t be ready till late this afternoon.

Jenna goes your way. Why doesn’t she give you a lift? Bill turned to her. Jenna?

She shrugged and pulled a couldn’t-care-less face.