Forbidden Fruit by Anne Rainey Read Free Book Online Page A

didn’t know what to say to that, so she stayed quiet. He kissed her cheek, then pulled his cock free and left the bed—to dispose of the condom she assumed. When he came back, she was half-asleep already. Had it not been for his next words, she would have drifted into a cozy little REM state.
    “Tomorrow, we’ll talk.”
    And so, Ava’s pleasure bubble popped.
    Forbidden Fruit: Chapter 5
    “There it’s gone. But the next time you have a rat or a field mouse,” she said, rolling her eyes, “you don’t need to call me, just get a cat and let nature take its course.”
    Luke scowled, looking all the more adorable for it. “Look, I could give a flying fuck about the mouse. I wanted to see you, Ava.”
    Her stomach bottomed out. Here it comes. The big let down.
    Luke was already regretting their night together. This was exactly what she’d been trying to avoid.
    In an effort to dodge the uncomfortable morning after discus-sion, she’d slipped out of his bed and walked barefoot the few blocks back to her house in the wee hours of the morning. She’d used that time to give into a good long cry too. Now it was Sunday afternoon and she was forced to face him again. Life was too cruel sometimes.
    “Well, here I am.”
    Luke crossed the room so they were only inches apart. “Why’d you leave me, baby? I’ve been going crazy. You wouldn’t return my phone calls. I stopped by your place half dozen times yesterday and you refused to answer the door. If it hadn’t been for the mouse, you’d still be avoiding me.”
    She sighed. “We’re no good together. Friday night was a mis-take, Luke, you and I both know it.” She started to back her way towards the door. “Let’s just forget it ever happened.”
    Luke’s eyes roamed over her body, igniting her on fire with the heat in his gaze. “I’ll never forget the way you looked in my bed. And I sure as hell won’t forget how pretty you are when you come.”
    Ava threw her hands in the air and yelled, “Why are you doing this?”
    Luke closed the distance between them and took her into his arms, then kissed her senseless. His warm lips coaxed hers to open.
    Ava was helpless to deny him. The instant she parted, he was there, teasing and setting off a million different feelings at once. His hand fisted in her hair and he pulled her head back for better access. Her body arched against his and she felt the unmistakable evidence of his arousal. Knowing where he was headed, Ava pushed against his chest and yanked out of his arms.
    She was panting and on edge when she demanded, “Look at me, Luke. Really look. These jeans and t-shirt, this is the real me. This is who I am.”
    He looked. His eyes a possessive brand as they journeyed from her tennis shoes to her plain white t-shirt. “You look sweet and innocent and so hot I’m ready to push you against the door and fuck you until you moan my name.”
    Ava groaned and dropped her head into her hands. “Oh, God.”
    A moment or two later, she felt strong fingers beneath her chin, coaxing her to lift her head. When she did, it was to see Luke holding a puppy. A puppy? She reached out and stroked. It was the cutest little black and white puppy she’d ever seen.
    “Oh, aren’t you just so adorable!” Ava murmured, her anger disappearing in an instant, completely enchanted with the tiny bundle of joy. “Where’d you come from, Oreo?”
    Luke’s brow shot up. “You’ve given her a name already?”
    Ava blinked. “Sorry. She just looks like an Oreo, I guess.”
    He smiled and ruffled Oreo’s fur. An odd sensation unfurled in Ava’s belly. Both of the things she loved with all her heart were right in front of her. It all became too much. Ava covered her face and did something she’d vowed to never do in the presence of Luke McGiffin.
    She cried.
    Luke sat the puppy on the floor. Within seconds she was curled up on the end of the couch, snoring. Taking Ava’s chin in his hand, Luke forced her to look at him. “Does