Four Weeks by Melissa Ford Read Free Book Online Page A

The setting sun cast a lavender glow to the sky outlining the green silhouette of the trees. How much time had passed? Had she been wrapped in Trent's arms longer than a song or two? It seemed only a moment had passed.
    He continued to walk until they came to a secluded corner of the porch. Below, the ground dropped off so sharply that the lush setting seemed to go on forever.
    Afraid of her instant reaction to his touch, Louise stepped back when Trent turned to face her. He leaned against one of the massive white pillars and studied her. With the evening sun in her eyes, she couldn't make out his expression. Had he purposefully put her at a disadvantage?
    "You know, you never answered my question."
    "Oh, really.” She shrugged, trying to appear casual. “Which question is that?"
    "Do you want to please me because I'm your boss,” the rich tone of his voice caressed her skin, “or do you have another reason in mind?"
    "Are you sure you want the answer?” Louise barely heard her own soft reply.
    He dropped his head close to hers. “Not with words."

Chapter Four
    TRENT FORGOT ALL his plans for information and wrapped his arm behind Louise to pull her close. Each curve of her body softened into his. He breathed in her sweet scent and pressed his lips to hers.
    As she met his lips, her hands slipped under his jacket to slide across his chest in a light caress. His muscles tightened under her touch and heat spread through him. The intensity of the sensation caught him off guard, and he knew the last shreds of his control were slipping away, he ended the kiss and slid his hands to her waist. He held onto her tightly, feeling the firmness of her hipbones beneath the smooth dark satin of her dress. The combination of textures nearly had him kissing her again. But reminding himself where he was, and more importantly who he was with, he stopped himself.
    Switching gears, he worked to take any awe out of his gaze. “Thank you, Louise.” He hoped she didn't notice the tremor in his voice. He didn't intend to let her know how much she affected him. “I have the answer to one question."
    Her body stiffened. She dropped her gaze to her hands still flattened across his chest then jerked them away to push against his arms. “Let go of me, Trent."
    Instantly, he released her.
    As soon as he put distance between them, Louise folded her arms across her chest. A flash of something flickered in her eyes. Anger? Or was it what he felt, frustration?
    She scowled and turned away from him. “What do you want from me, Mr. Parker?"
    He kept his voice soft. “I liked it better when you called me Trent."
    "We've talked a lot about what you like."
    "That wasn't just talk,” he spoke gently, not sure if he regretted the kisses or not. “It wasn't just me who liked it."
    She shifted toward him again and the spark was back in her blue eyes. “Is this some kind of test you give your new employees? If so, I think I passed."
    Trent liked this side of her—the part of her that was ready to fight back. He leaned against the wide pillar and chuckled. “I'd say so."
    She lifted an eyebrow at him. “What's next?"
    "The other qualifications,” he replied, hoping to lighten the tension with humor.
    "That kiss is all you're going to get from me."
    He almost laughed at her for missing his joke, but if her insides were churning like his, she wouldn't be thinking he was funny at all. “I meant your business qualifications, Miss Hart."
    Her expression turned thoughtful and she remained silent for a long time. “Does this mean you're not selling the stable?” she asked.
    The question didn't surprise him. Nor did her ability to put aside their intimate exchange so easily. This was all about business to her.
    He took a page out of her book and took full advantage of his position. “I'm considering my options."
    She dropped her arms and came around beside him. “What's the deciding factor?"
    He watched her closely, hoping to catch the smallest indication