Don't Tempt Me by Barbara Delinsky Read Free Book Online Page A

opinion has no role in the outcome of our research. I hire experts in every pertinent field. It is their job to face a situation, analyze it in the most thorough possible way, then present
the alternatives, along with their own recommendations. No one man can ever make a decision in any project.”
    â€œBut you are against military buildup?” the youngest lawyer persisted. A glance across the table could reveal the thinning of his father’s lips.
    Sloane was undaunted, his eyes now black, rich in conviction. “On principle, I am. If, however, I were a small, newly emergent nation, struggling for survival, and I was surrounded on all sides by significant military might, you can bet I would arm—arm quickly and as powerfully as I could. The name of that game is survival.”
    Justine gasped at the eloquence of his expression. She, too, was against armament, yet she had to agree with Sloane’s premise. Lord only knew how hard she had fought for some of her cases, those in which she honestly believed that an injustice was being perpetrated. In some instances it came close to the survival of her client.
    â€œAnd I think we’re ready for coffee and dessert,” interrupted Dan, striving to ease the intensity which now held the group at sharp attention.
    Justine passed up dessert, opting for a cup of strong and steaming black coffee instead. Though the talk lingered on less emotional issues, her thoughts focused on the man beside her. She noted his hand, easily toying with the unused fork by his place setting. Dark hairs emphasized its manliness, corded lines its strength. Paws. The fox pinions his victim with his powerful paws. What might it be like to be pinioned by those hands? Fingers long and straight, nails well trimmed and buffed, palms large enough to encompass her shoulders completely. Justine wondered if they would, then chided herself for her foolishness. After all, despite the intimacy of that small blue Mazda, Sloane had driven her here as a service. She was a lawyer in the firm which now represented his concerns—that was all. Once again she asked herself why she had been invited along tonight. Ironically, she found that she
no longer cared. It was enough that she had the opportunity of learning more about this man. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
    When the group stood to leave, she presumed she’d find a cab outside to return her to her apartment. When Sloane took her hand and tucked it smoothly in the crook of his elbow, she looked up questioningly.
    â€œI can drop Justine off at her place,” he announced to the group as a whole, though his downward gaze singled her out.
    A warning bell jangled in her brain. “Oh, that won’t be necessary. I can very easily take a cab.” The eyes of the others were on her; her eyes held Sloane’s.
    His smiled softly. “It’s no problem. After all, your briefcase is still in my car.”
    The rose flush which lit her cheeks betrayed the fact of her forgetfulness. Her notebook … now the briefcase. Would he suspect that she had done it on purpose? Had she … subconsciously, of course? She was given no time to consider the possibility, for with leave-taking underway Sloane led her outside, retaining her hand until she was safely stowed in his car once more. Only then did the thudding of her heart pose second thoughts as to the wisdom of this vehicular convenience. But the car moved out into the traffic and she had no out. Softly, she gave her address to the handsome driver, and they were on their way.

CHAPTER 3
    Whereas the drive to the restaurant had been filled with talk, the return trip was noticeably devoid of it. A watchful silence filled the air, charging the confines of the small car with a growing anticipation. Justine’s senses were alive, aware of every vital aspect of the outwardly relaxed man beside her. Only the pulse of a nerve at his temple told of an inner working that