Lynna's Rogue by Kitty Margo

led him up the steps.
                  Immediately upon entering the house , Joshua noticed the striking transformation. New furniture had been brought in to replace the worn antiquated relics. The dull, faded wallpaper that had hung for as far back as Joshua could remember had been painted over with a cheerful yellow. Flimsy, feminine, ruffled curtains hung at the windows. All of the old had been replaced by sparkling new as Beth and Samuel had lovingly restored the house to life after the many years of sad neglect.
                  “It doesn’t look like the same house , does it?” Beth came to stand behind him as he fingered the white lacy curtains. “What do you imagine Papa would think of the place now?”
                  “He would be extremely proud that you married a good man and have made a charming and comfortable home for him.” He took her small hands in his and gazed lovingly into her eyes.
                  “Oh, how I have missed you, Joshua,” she whispered, hugging him close.
                  “If you two would rather be alone,” Suzanne whined, her jealousy overriding her common sense. “My brother and I can go back outside.”
                  “ Don’t be ridiculous, Suzanne!” Beth gave her sister - in - law a quelling glance. “Joshua is the brother I never had.”
                  “Well, I do hope you will not be inclined to feel sisterly toward me,” Suzanne purred, thoroughly embarrassi ng her brother and his wife , evidenced by Beth's reddening cheeks and Samuel's disconcerting frown.
                  Deciding to ignore her brazen remark, Joshua took a seat on the plush sofa and stretched his legs to relieve the cramps from the long ride. Much to his surprise , an overzealous Suzanne plopped down beside him, actually, almost on top of him. Now he remembered what he didn’t particularly take a shine to about the frivolous female. She was too forwa r d.
                  Joshua was of the opinion, with most Southern men, that women should be seen and not heard except behind the closed doors of a bedroom. He had a definite aversion towa rd overbearing women. Suzanne's perfume reminded him of the night of a Christmas Ball when she had made it known, loud and clear, that Joshua was her intended catch of the day. If he remembered correctly, she had been visiting her brother then also.
                  Always the quick study, Joshua had been shrewd enough to realize within mere seconds of making her acquaintance that her innocent demeanor was little more than a facade. He had also been quick to recognize her interest in him and had wasted no time in asking the flirtatious vixen to dance. No sooner had they reached the dance floor than she proceeded to rub her soft body against his in a most seductive and inviting manner , oblivious to the stares her actions were generating.
                  “You dance divinely, sir , ” she had whispered softly against his ear as her tongue darted out to caress his earlobe.
                  Momentarily taken aback by her forward behavior , Joshua had drawled, “That ’ s not all I do well.” Then, n ever one to resist the charms of a wil ling female, he had crushed her against him .
                  “Why not let me be the judge of that ? ” had been her heated reply, not at all put off by his boldness.
                  Joshua had then escorted the shameless debutante across the dance floor, through the open French doors, and outside into the starry, moonlit night , fully intending to find a secluded spot and give the amorous lady what she so desired. Leading her through the garden gate , he took her in his arms under the sweeping branches of a weeping willow tree, somewhat shocked by her passionate response. She had behaved as a woman star ved, her hands moving through his hair as she moaned deep