Pleasuring Anne by Tessie Bradford Read Free Book Online Page B

her second slice. When she tried to pick up her bottle of water, it slipped through her fingers and plunked back down on the coffee table. Garth righted it.
    “After everything that’s happened between us, do you really think that could happen?” He stared into her eyes. “Talk to me, sweetheart. What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”
    “The truth?”
    “Always,” he replied emphatically.
    “How come the subject of us seeing each other again hasn’t come up yet?”
    No guts, no glory, she told herself as she willed her stomach to settle down. The pizza was suddenly sitting heavy.
    “Since I didn’t think you had any doubts about it happening, I saw no urgency in discussing it on the ride over, but obviously, I fucked up.” He rested his hand on her thigh. “Anne, will you join me for dinner and a movie on Tuesday?”
    “I’d love to,” she replied softly.
    “May I show up here ultra early and make love with you until we’re forced to leave in a rush in order to keep our reservations?”
    “I’ll be disappointed if you don’t.” Anne laid her hand on top of his.
    “May I then stay and make love with you again after our date?” Merriment twinkled in his eyes.
    “Oh, yes, please! I’m already completely bummed out that I have to sleep alone tonight.”
    Her mouth dropped open when Garth stood and walked to the front door. “Where are you going?” she asked nervously.
    He walked out, leaving the door open, without answering her. When he returned, he carried a duffle bag. He set it down in the entryway and casually strolled back to his place on the couch.
    “I took the liberty of packing a few necessities while you were blow drying your hair earlier.” He took a long sip of his water then selected another piece of pizza. “Good to know we continue to be on the same page, sweetheart.”
    Anne grinned from ear to ear as her heart fluttered wildly. “Drop the pie, Detective Slaiter.” She stood. “We’ve been clothed and vertical for way too long.”
    “I love the way you think, Ms. Karmer.”

 
    Epilogue

     
    One Year Later…
     
     
    Anne ran up to Garth who was on his knees, rummaging through a box of metal thingy-ma-bobbies. “I think I’ve found the perfect piece for the dining room, but you have to come now . There are three other people eyeing it!” She tugged on the back of his shirt.
    He stood up, and Anne practically pulled him through the throng of people at the massive, outdoor flea market.
    “Now, you know better than to walk away from something you really want. Why didn’t you wheel and deal first then come get me afterwards?”
    “Because it’s a bit different than what we discussed, the price is too high and if you like it, this negotiation is going to have to be conducted by you.”
    “Sweetheart, I’ve been in awe all afternoon watching you barter vendors into utter submission.”
    “Yeah, but this seller is a grumpy old woman who I saw treat female customers in a most unwelcoming manner.”
    “So just what are you expecting me to do?” he asked with a grin.
    Anne boldly looked him up and down. “How would you feel about unzipping your jacket and popping open the top buttons of your shirt?”
    Garth laughed uproariously.
    “Aw come on, take one for the team.” She quickened her pace. “It’s a three-shelf corner curio cabinet that will mount on the wall, and I’m thinking the oriental urn we found last month will look spectacular sitting beneath it filled with bamboo and eucalyptus stems.” They arrived at their destination. “See? Isn’t it lovely?”
    Anne was relieved no one was currently paying attention to her cabinet anymore. Garth gave it a close inspection while using his tape measure.
    “If you ever decide to make a career change, I think you should go into interior design. You’re right, this is perfect.” He gave her a quick kiss. “And grossly overpriced,” he whispered in her ear. “Stand back and watch me