Blake's Pursuit by Tina Folsom Read Free Book Online Page A

his grip around the handle. He didn’t look at her when he said, “Why don’t you take Hannah’s computer and tablet?”
    “Yeah, sure.” Her voice trembled as much as her hands as she grabbed the small bag with the electronics and moved away from the car.
    “Listen, Lilo…”
    She stopped walking, but didn’t turn around.
    Maybe it had been a bad idea to bring her here. Perhaps he should have brought her to a hotel. “You don’t need to be afraid of me.”
    Silence greeted him. Then a sigh. She turned slowly and lifted her eyes to look at him. “You saved me from that intruder. You took me to the police like I asked you to. The policeman knows who you are.”
    Shock coursed through him. Had she somehow guessed that he and Donnelly knew each other?
    “I mean, he took down the details of your drivers license. And there were cameras in the police station. If something happened to me, they would come looking for you.” She shook her head. “No, I’m not afraid of you.”
    “Then why are you shaking?”
    “I’m shaking because I’ve never been in a situation like this. I’m scared.”
    Slowly he walked toward her, set the suitcase on the floor, and gently drew her into his arms. She didn’t protest, and for a long while he simply held her, feeling her body’s warmth caress him. The brave woman who’d fought against her attacker and verbally sparred with him earlier tonight, now felt fragile and vulnerable. And with it, his protector instinct surged.
    He ran his hand over her hair. “Everything will be fine.”
    “Thank you,” she murmured into his chest, and the vibrations of her voice made his entire body tingle and awaken a desire he knew he couldn’t act upon.
    With regret, he released her from his embrace. “Let’s get you settled. You need to rest.”

8
     
    She hadn’t told him the entire truth.
    Yes, she was scared for her friend, but the reason she’d been shaking was because she was scared of her reaction to Blake. She’d never felt this kind of intense physical attraction to any man, particularly not to one she knew nothing about. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever for her to be drawn to Blake like a moth to the light, especially considering her trust issues.
    As she followed him up the stairs into the house, she couldn’t help but admire his strong legs and flexing butt muscles. Damn, he filled out a pair of pants like nobody she’d ever seen. He was the epitome of strength and power. And he had a soft side, one she hadn’t expected. His embrace had been comforting and gentle. And just about as platonic as it could be. Which drove home another reality: the first man she was interested in since her last relationship two years ago, wasn’t interested in her.
    Lilo stepped into the hallway as Blake flipped the light switch, illuminating a large entry hall with a mahogany staircase, a long hallway, and an open arch leading into the living room.
    “Wow.” The word just slipped out.
    Stunned, she let her eyes roam. She’d known that San Francisco was famous for its architecture, but she’d never actually been inside one of the gorgeous mansions portrayed in movies and on TV. The period detailing was intricate and beautiful. It lent the house instant warmth. This was a true home.
    “You actually live here?”
    Setting down her suitcase, he nodded and pointed to the living room. “Sorry, it still looks a little bare. But I only bought the place two months ago and I’m still waiting for a few more pieces of furniture to be delivered.”
    “It’s beautiful. I suppose being a bodyguard pays well.” She wanted to slap her hand over her mouth, but it was too late. It wasn’t polite to talk about money, but she couldn’t imagine how a man of Blake’s age—he had to be in his early thirties—could afford a mansion like this.
    “Well, my salary didn’t pay for this,” he said, suddenly looking at his shoes as if embarrassed. “I inherited a trust fund from my family.” He