Heart's Reward by Donna Hill Read Free Book Online Page A

walls.
    He turned at the sound of her heels on the inlaid wood floors. His smile was slow and devastating, darkening his molasses-colored eyes even as they lit up the room and zeroed in on her.
    This was the casual playboy in front of her—not the distinguished gentleman from the embassy. Gone was the formal tuxedo, replaced today with a chocolate-colored cotton-knit sweater over a pair of jeans and Italian loafers the color of his sweater. A platinum watch peeked out from the cuff of his sleeve and a tiny diamond stud sparkled in his ear. The heady, manly scent of his very expensive cologne drew her into the room and wrapped around her in a welcoming embrace.
    Melanie swallowed over the dry knot in herthroat, then boldly strode forward, hand extended. “Mr. Lawson, I understand you’re giving my team a hard time,” she said, the hint of a reprimanding smile teasing her mouth.
    He grinned as he took her hand. “First, my daddy is Mr. Lawson, or Senator as he often prefers to be called—even by his children,” he added, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He brushed his thumb seductively across her knuckles, sending a shiver up her arm. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a feathery light kiss on it, his eyes never leaving hers. When he lifted his head, he said to her, “Everyone calls me Rafe, even my enemies,” he added with a chuckle.
    Melanie eased her hand from his grasp. “I can’t imagine you having enemies, not with all that charm you ooze.”
    Rafe tossed his head back and laughed full out, a deep and warm sound. “I see we’re going to get along just fine.”
    â€œI’m sure we will,” she said as Evan quietly placed a tray of fruit, crackers and imported cheeses on the table and exited as stealthily as he’d entered. “Our goal at The Platinum Society is to treat every client as if they were the only one. Which is why I can assure you that you won’t have any problems and will get the best attention from my team. They are all experts at what they do.”
    Rafe picked a slice of pineapple off the tray and popped it into his mouth, chewing softly. “I was hoping that you and I would be going over the details.”
    â€œI’m afraid not. Once the assessment is done, I’ll review it with the team and make my recommendations. At that point, you and I will meet again.”
    The corner of his mouth curved upward. “Well, if talking to your team will quicken you and me talking again, then let’s get started.”
    Melanie’s stomach knotted for a moment. “Rafe, we need to be clear. I don’t mix up my business with my personal life and I don’t see clients outside of the office.”
    Rafe stepped up to her, clouding her brain with his scent. “Cher, don’t take yourself so seriously. I would never want you to compromise your ethics. Is that what you thought?” His brow arched. His sarcastic question hung in the air, taunting her.
    She ran her tongue lightly across her dry lips. “The team is waiting.”
    â€œLead the way.”
    Melanie turned to head out and could feel him cataloging every inch of her. For good measure she put a little more sway in her hips. Let him get a good look at what he’d never have.
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    Jessica and Veronica were waiting for them in the main office.
    Rafe turned to Melanie at the door. “Will I see you before I leave?”
    The tone of his question, soft, almost tender, stroked her center like a single finger trailing across her skin.
    â€œIf I’m done with my own work, I’ll be sure to say goodbye. In the meantime, try to behave yourself.” Before he could respond, she walked away, closing the door gently behind her.
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    Melanie returned to her private office and sealed herself away, determined to get her list in order. But the exercise was initially futile. Images of Claude then Rafe danced through her head. What she needed