Naughty or Nice by Kari Lee Harmon Read Free Book Online Page A

bliss.
    She might do business with these type of people, but she didn’t live in their world. Being here was like something right out of a fairytale, with her as the leading lady, and her prince perched right beside her. Or was he the evil villain out to ruin her life?
    “Hard to get used to, I know,” he broke into her thoughts.
    “I can’t believe you give so much to help these kids. That’s amazing. I mean ten thousand dollars a plate is a lot of money.”
    “Well, one-hundred actually.”
    She choked on her drink. “You give one-hundred-thousand dollars? This charity must mean a lot to you.” Maybe there was more to him than she first thought.
    He shrugged, looking a bit uncomfortable, then snagged another glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray before it passed by. Samantha could tell she’d hit on the truth.
    “Well, Snow, you’ve done it again,” Senator Perry said, stopping by their table. “Your donation has topped us all, even your old man. I thought this year he might actually beat you, but somehow, you always manage to figure out what he’ll give and beat him at his own game. Well played, boy.” He clinked his glass to Nathan’s. “Maybe if he’d make an appearance for once, instead of jet setting all over the world, he’d fare better.” The Senator moved on to talk with a celebrity at another table, and Nathan conversed with various important people as Samantha watched and listened.
    So much for hitting on the truth.
    Samantha studied the enigma sitting beside her. Smooth talking, well refined, yet distant. She was usually a good judge of character, but then again, she’d been way off when it came to Mark. Still, it was a shame that Nathan’s generosity stemmed out of a need to outshine his father rather than a desire to help these children. She’d been right all along. He had no heart and was as cold and ruthless as they said.
    Definitely not a good idea to get involved with him.
    “I know what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong,” he said when they were alone again. “I grew up surrounded by such wealth and power, yet I’ve never been completely comfortable with it. Venturing out on my own, making my own money, making a name for myself ... that was much more satisfying than being born into fame and fortune. At times I’m tempted to give it all away and start over again in a new venture.” He swirled the liquid in his glass, staring down into the gold contents. “Once you’ve achieved your goals, life gets a bit boring.”
    He looked so handsome and lonely for a moment, almost vulnerable. She wanted to hug him and tell him it would be all right. “Maybe starting over isn’t what you need,” she said, shifting in her seat and her breasts nearly popped out of her dress that seemed to be growing more snug by the minute. Damn hor d’oeuvres. “Maybe adding a family is the void you’re trying to fill. Ever consider getting married? Having children?” Oops, had she said that out loud? Double Damn. She didn’t need alcohol to act stupid around h im, he was intoxicating enough.
    His gaze snapped to her breasts, lingered, then lifted to her eyes , locked, and held. “I told you . .. I’m already married.”
    “Oh, right.” She licked her lips, remembering her mission to make him suffer like she was and to gain a bit of control back. She kicked off her shoes. “Well, maybe there’s another void you’re thinking of filling, then.” She slipped her bare foot under the edge of his pant leg and slid her toes up until they touched the warm skin of his shin above his dress sock. His firm, slightly hairy shin. Her toes tingled, and she had the strong suspicion she was squirming more than he was.
    “Careful, Ms. Darling,” his voice growled, the rumble vibrating her nerve endings, among other body parts she didn’t dare consider at the momen t. “You’re playing with fire.”
    “It’s okay,” she said in a voice that sounded breathy to her own ears. “I know how to