Desire and Duty — Marie Medina

Gwynn thinks all her friends have gone mad when they begin insisting that Orman, their lord's steward, is interested in her.

Orman's been in love with Gwynn for months, but he's kept his mouth shut because he fears rejection.

When it becomes obvious everyone knows about his feelings except Gwynn, he sees that he has to act. He's always done his duty and ignored his own needs, but now that he has a chance to win Gwynn's heart, his desire refuses to be denied.