Double Down by Desiree Holt Read Free Book Online Page A

“But since you’re obviously tied up”— he smirked—“I’ll find a client to harass instead.” He paused at the door. “Tell Lee Sullivan I said hello.”
    Branch resisted the urge to throw something at the door as it closed.
    *****
    Lee nodded at the waiter who held her chair for her, settled into it, and looked across the table at Branch Colby. “I always enjoy this place. I’ve never had a bad meal here.”
    “Neither have I. They’ve got a great menu, too. No matter what you like, you can find it here.”
    “I agree.”
    She let her gaze drink in his appearance. He was just delicious. There was no other word for it. And when she inhaled, she caught the subtle hint of his pine-scented cologne even over the blend of aromas from the various foods being served. Looking at him she got the same feeling she’d experienced at the picnic, almost a punch to the gut. There was something so electric about him, so erotically mesmerizing. And dark. She sensed a darkness in him that attracted her as much as anything else. But she wasn’t so sure she wanted to explore it, either.
    His business attire tonight was in sharp contrast to the casual clothes he’d worn at the picnic, but not less effective at accenting his appeal. His white shirt was in stark contrast to his tan, the dark brown of his tie and his business suit making the color of his eyes darken to onyx. She wondered idly if there was anything he wore that didn’t make him look mouthwateringly appealing. And then she wondered how he’d look with no clothes at all.
    Her nipples contracted painfully, and the pulse in her cunt set up an insistent throbbing.
    Stop it!
    The last person she should be entertaining erotic thoughts about was the man sitting across from her. She would bet a year’s salary there wasn’t one submissive drop in him. And, since she could say the same about herself, she could forget about any sexual overtones and get on with the business of the meeting. If only the air between them didn’t crackle with unwanted electricity.
    “I thought a bottle of wine would be nice. You okay with that?”
    “Yes, please. That would be nice.”
    A glass of something white would probably ease her unexpected attack of nerves. She was just having dinner with him, for god’s sake. What was the matter with her?
    He picked up the wine list the waiter had left.
    “We should probably decide what to eat first so I’ll know whether we need a red or a white.”
    “Oh. Well, you may be disappointed, but I can’t drink red wine. Gives me migraines.” She grimaced. “Annoys the hell out of people when I tell them that. I’ve heard every lecture possible about not pairing a white with any kind of meat.”
    He reached across the table and took one of her hands in his. “I personally think people should drink whatever they like. The hell with what their meal is.”
    “That’s certainly refreshing.” As casually as possible, she withdrew her hand from his. “I like a Riesling, but I’m open to anything.”
    Wait. Maybe she shouldn’t have said that. Would he take it the wrong way? Why did she have to be so careful of everything she said to him, as if they were engaged in some kind of verbal game?
    You know. Just admit it.
    She shoved the devil from her shoulder.
    “Riesling it is.” He closed the wine list and studied her.
    The sharpness of his gaze made her acutely aware of the fit of her dress, the rise and fall of her breasts beneath the soft fabric, even the way she held her hands on the table. Although his posture appeared relaxed, he still made her think of a jungle animal, a panther perhaps, poised and ready to strike its prey. She did not intend for it to be her.
    “Do I have a speck on my face?” She brushed a hand over her cheek. “Is my lipstick smudged?” She hoped not. She’d taken great care to check it before she got out of her car.
    “No, not at all.” His smile could have melted butter. “I was just thinking how beautiful you