His to Keep (Beauty and the Brit) by Terri Austin Read Free Book Online Page B

appreciate being manhandled. And I don’t like being made a spectacle of in your office.” She refused to look at his face and kept her eyes trained on the numbers as they lit up on descent. “I’m here in a professional capacity.”
    He took a step closer, completely disregarding her personal space, blocking out the numbers, and forcing her to meet his gaze. “What do you think you can teach me, professionally speaking?”
    “If your treatment of me is anything to go by, you have a lot to learn. I’m surprised you haven’t been sued a dozen times—for harassment, for assault.”
    “Assault?” He sounded shocked. “Brynn, I’d never hurt you. I was just trying to speed this along. I have an appointment in forty-five minutes. You’d have argued, politely, which takes even longer. I’d have countered. Ultimately, I’d have won.” Iain unpocketed his hand and cupped her jaw, using his thumb to follow the curve of her cheek. “I’m sorry for embarrassing you. Yeah? Forgive me?”
    At his grazing touch, Brynn’s heart kicked into overdrive. It was so wrong, but she melted the moment he placed his warm hand on her. God, he smelled good—manly, earthy, with that hint of bergamot. Though he’d shaved, she could see the dark, shaded area on his cheeks and chin, hovering beneath the surface of his skin. His five o’clock shadow probably made an appearance around noon. His brows were sleek arches above warm, brown eyes. Iain Chapman was beautiful.
    This shouldn’t be happening. Brynn should put a stop to it, but she didn’t want to. This wasn’t like her at all. Cautious with her affections, Brynn usually had to warm up to people, but Iain steamrolled over her logical objections. She couldn’t remember why mixing business with her personal feelings wasn’t a good idea. Because at that moment, the thought of kissing him, feeling his body pressed against hers, seemed like the best idea she’d ever had.
    He must have read everything in her eyes. Iain held her gaze as his head dipped lower. He moved his thumb across the bow of her upper lip. Then he leaned closer still. When his mouth finally touched hers, Brynn’s eyes drifted shut. Lost to the sensation of his touch, his kiss, his scent, she grabbed on to his lapels to hold herself steady.
    His lips were firm and talented. When he swept his tongue against hers, heat coursed its way through her body—scorching heat that caused her breasts to feel full and achy. She kissed him back, opening her mouth wider, allowing him better access. She brushed her own tongue against his tentatively. She’d never been a champion kisser, but Iain was. He slanted his mouth over hers, using just the right amount of pressure. Then he eased off a bit, leaving her hungry for more.
    Taking advantage of her enthusiasm, he snaked an arm around her waist and walked them backward, until Brynn’s shoulders met the elevator wall. Then his kiss became more aggressive, more demanding, a little rougher, sweeping her away in a tide of arousal.
    When Iain took control, Brynn immediately surrendered, yielding to his will. She’d never been kissed like that in her life—with such forceful expertise. God, had she been missing out.
    Though she shouldn’t have been making out in an elevator, right then she was too caught up in Iain to care. His touch was decadent, his kiss addictive.
    He bit down on her bottom lip, then sucked on it gently. That’s when Brynn’s brain shorted out. She didn’t care about right or wrong or being professional. She just wanted more of him. Heat pooled in her belly and lower. Where Iain’s body pressed against hers, every nerve ending tingled.
    He wrapped his free hand around Brynn’s nape, spreading his fingers across her hot skin. Skimming the edge of her collarbone with his thumb, he shifted his lips off of her mouth.
    Brynn groaned in protest. She wasn’t ready to stop. But once Iain started trailing his tongue along her jawline and down her throat, she