Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato Page A

for breakfast before the pastries had even had a chance to cool. And how, when only four remained, it had been necessary to make a new dessert.
    “All that for me? Now I truly do feel the scoundrel.”
    Reaching up, he surprised Lorena by skimming his knuckles down her cheek in a caress soft as a whisper, gentle and affectionate, with a look that thanked her for her troubles. He gazed into her eyes, holding her spellbound and causing their surroundings to fade, until there was nothing but the earnestness of his handsome expression and a sudden flutter of her heart.
    His stare lingered. Perhaps propriety demanded she turn away, yet she could not. She stood transfixed, and it wasn’t until Brogan dropped his hand and stepped back, as though remembering himself, that Lorena was able to recover her voice.
    She felt a necessity to lighten the mood with a smile. “I daresay, if it weren’t for my family’s gluttony, you may have had the opportunity to sample my cranberry tarts.”
    “In fairness to your family, Miss Huntley, if you recall, I devoured your chocolate custards with equal piggishness.”
    She laughed at his frankness. “I do. And, Brogan, please do call me Lorena.”
    “Lorena,” he whispered flatteringly, while behind him another male voice called to her in a slightly whiny yet sharper pitched tone.
    “Lorena!”
    The interruption took them both unawares, and Brogan spun toward the intruder, placing himself before her as if to shield her with his body, though there was hardly need. Lorena knew George’s voice and stepped out from behind the captain.
    “What is it, George? What’s the matter?”
    She had her answer the instant she saw his face. His jealousy was evident. He made no reply, but eyed Brogan disapprovingly, absorbed in his own misplaced possessiveness.
    Brogan stared stonily back. At length, he gave the shipwright a slight nod of greeting. “Mr. Louder.”
    “Captain,” George returned. “I’ve come to escort Miss Huntley back to the house. Mrs. Culliford has a meal prepared and the family is gathering.”
    How did he know to find her here? Lorena wondered, doubtful George spoke the truth. Oh, Mrs. Culliford was indeed preparing a celebratory meal, but Lorena did not expect it would be served this early. It unnerved her to think she had been followed, that George was spying on her.
    “That won’t be necessary, George,” she said. “You may inform Mrs. Culliford I shall be along directly.”
    “Aye, Mr. Louder, I am quite capable of escorting Miss Huntley myself,” Brogan said.
    George stood resolute, disdain etched plainly on his thin, angular face and in the sharp glare of his dark eyes. “I am sure you are capable of a great number of things, sir, and given your reputation, a man used to taking what he wants. It is your familiarity with Miss Huntley which raises concern.”
    “George!” Lorena rebuked.
    “You distrust my character?” Brogan asked George coolly.
    Lorena burned with embarrassment and silently willed the shipwright not to provoke Brogan further, but George dismissed the question with a sneer and in a manner more insulting than any answer he could have given. He turned his focus on her.
    “I had always thought you a smart girl, Lorena,” George chided. “I gave you warning, and then no sooner do I find you here in a shocking dalliance with this flirtatious fellow.”
    “Clearly, you do not approve of me, Mr. Louder.” Refusing to be ignored, Brogan advanced on the slighter man with an authority that caused George to retreat several paces. “However, if you have some grievance, I expect you should address it to me and not Miss Huntley.”
    George retreated another step, then steadied himself and straightened his lace cravat. “I have come merely for the lady. I have nothing more to say to you.”
    “And yet you have plenty to say behind my back, I hear.”
    She should intervene. She should step between them and demand an end to this ridiculous quarrel, but