A Decent Proposal by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page A

next time she saw him but hadn’t realized she’d be alone with him quite so soon. But now was as good a time as any. “I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you’re doing for my dad. I didn’t expect you to buy dinner tonight and I appreciate that so much. If you’d like I can reimburse you—”
    â€œOf course not. Why would you think that?”
    â€œI didn’t mean to offend you. And I don’t want to take advantage of you. You’re doing me a favor so I feel as if I should take the financial responsibility.”
    â€œNo.” He shook his head. “For so many reasons. But I sincerely meant what I said about it being my pleasure. I like your father. And he’s a lucky man. Loretta is a wonderful woman. So I’m happy to give their happy ending a nudge.”
    How sweet was that?
    She leaned into him just a little. “And I mean it when I say how appreciative I am for your participation.” She thought about his moves from the moment he stared at her when she walked in, the kiss on the cheek, meaningful glances through dinner. Meeting his gaze, she said, “You’re very good at this. The pretending, I mean. Should I be worried?”
    â€œI’m getting whiplash. You went from appreciative to worried in a nanosecond.”
    â€œDon’t get me wrong. I’m thankful for your talent but it makes me think you have practice.”
    â€œNo.” He laughed. “Just chalk it up to negotiating skills put to another purpose. I pay attention to details. I’m results-oriented and logistics are my strong suit.”
    â€œWell, you’re playing your part to the hilt. That’s really unexpected.”
    â€œCall me an overachiever.” He stopped suddenly and looked down at her, something dark and exciting drifting into his eyes. “But consider this—did it ever occur to you that I’m not playing?”
    She wasn’t able to completely absorb the meaning of his words before he lowered his mouth to hers. The touch was soft and sweet. Seeking and seductive. His hand moved over her back, fingers brushing the bare skin. Shivers slid up and down her spine and her nerve endings started to dance. Heat balled in her belly when he put his arm around her waist and settled her more firmly against him.
    It wasn’t supposed to happen, but she kissed him back. She couldn’t stop herself, didn’t want to. Had she unknowingly given off vibes? Somehow let him know how attractive she found him? Whatever the reason, she was enjoying the heck out of this.
    When he pulled back and looked at her, she could hear and see that his breathing was unsteady. She would have taken a great deal of satisfaction from that fact except hers was ragged, too. That wasn’t good.
    They stared at each other for several moments and she knew she had to say something.
Keep it light,
she thought. “That was a nice touch. Like I said, acting is your strong suit. But I’m surprised that you kissed me.”
    â€œThe fact that you’re a beautiful woman doesn’t explain my motivation?”
    Oh, how she wanted to be flattered, but it wasn’t wise to go there. “It would, except that you’ve been seen with some of the world’s most beautiful women.”
    â€œBut none of them can keep the engine in my car purring like a kitten. And I don’t mean that as a double entendre. You are a rare, unusual and special woman.”
    â€œThank you.” With every fiber of her being she wanted to believe that. “But remember we have to keep our eye on the ball. There are lofty goals at stake.”
    â€œIt’s never far from my mind.”
    â€œGood. Then you understand when I say that you can’t be kissing me for no reason.”
    â€œMaybe I had one.” He indicated the light just beside them that made their every move visible to the people milling around the lodge patio not far away. A