Inside the Lines: Without a Trace series, a contemporary erotic romance novel by Ally Bishop Read Free Book Online Page B

stroking their satiny noses at petting zoos, so the fascination with them is curious to me.
    “Och, aye. The man is a damn whisperer. He gets in the ring with them, and they immediately connect. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
    “Sounds amazing.” And I mean it. While I’ve never been much of an animal person, his love for them is obvious. “How long are you here—in the States—for?”
    “That’s a good question.” He pauses to chew. “I’m here on a visiting visa, but I’ve applied to Cornell’s veterinary program so I could get a student visa. The more time I can spend learning from John, the better, and let’s be honest: Cornell would be amazing.” His face lights up as he talks. “I’m not sure if I’ll get in, of course. It’s a verra competitive field.”
    I am ridiculously envious of how passionate he is about his career. Didn’t I used to be that way? When did I start feeling so old and afraid? When did I start coloring inside the lines so much? But then…it’s been a long time since college. “Can I ask you a really personal question?”
    He grins. “Ye’ve seen all of me there is to see. I dinna think ye can get more personal than that.”
    “I’ll take that as a ‘yes,’” I say with a chuckle. “How old are you?”
    He finished chewing a bite of steak. “Does it matter?”
    “Well, I’m really hoping you’re old enough for that glass of wine,” I say dryly.
    His dimple deepens as his grin widens. “Twenty-three, if it pleases ye, Mistress.”
    I knew he was younger than me, but I hadn’t thought he was five years younger. “Wow. Okay.”
    “Is it a problem for ye?”
    I meet his gaze, his eyes a deep aquamarine in the low light of the restaurant. “It doesn’t need to be.”

Chapter 9
    Dessert
    It’s a good date. Fun, even. Despite the awkward beginnings, I’m amazed how quickly the night flies by, even after tacking on a dessert course and coffee. And there’s no lag in the conversation. Fin talks easily about his family, all of whom are in Scotland, of course, and his passion for animals. But he’s also conscious to ask me questions in an attempt to draw me out. While I neatly circumvent them, I do tell him stories about strange client requests, which make him laugh.
    As we leave the restaurant, he reaches for my hand, and a strange happiness curls around my core. I don’t want the evening to end. The night air, while crisp, has a certain magical, romantic quality, and I go willingly when he tugs me to him. I let him guide my mouth to his; his lips are soft, but urgent, and fireworks explode over my senses. His hands slide up my back, beneath my jacket and shell, so the heat of him brands my skin.
    I press into him, shifting my angle so when he opens his mouth, my tongue meets his in an erotic dance. My fingers grip his hair, my body on fire as his hands dip lower to cup my ass.
    “I want to fuck you,” I whisper.
    He kisses me deeper, barely coming up for air until we’re both breathless.
    “Was that an answer?”
    His forehead rests against mine. “Aye, well, I’m feeling a bit bashful. I dinna think a woman’s ever said such a thing to me.” His lips capture mine again in a searing kiss. “It’s not like I can hide wanting ye.”
    I nip his lip and smile, pressing my hips against him and enjoying his groan. “Indeed. Come with me.” My apartment is much too far away, and I’ve never been one to take someone home after a first date.
    My local friendships play in my favor yet again. In this case, I know Tori, the concierge at the Hilton near Grand Central Station and my best friend in middle school. After a quick conversation, she hooks me up with a free room at a nearby Hilton. Within walking distance, soon we’re in an elevator. Sadly, with other people, but that doesn’t stop me from drawing his mouth down to mine.
    We’re both panting by the time we reach our floor, and I ignore the looks of the other passengers as we disembark and head