Price of Surrender by Unknown Read Free Book Online

about our change of topic…“
    „I don’t think we have all that much in common to discuss!“
    „How about your taste in art?“
    „What?“ Blankly she followed his gaze to a copy of an impressionist painting on the wall behind her.
    „It suits you and it suits this room. All light and color and a kind of gentleness.“ He glanced around the room
    again, taking in the graceful furniture and the light-filled colors. „I wonder If you have any idea how alluring it all is for
    a man like me.“
    „I didn’t design it with you in mind!“ she protested with a gathering frown, not liking the way she was reacting to
    the unusual compliment „I know that, but the result is the same, isn’t it? The moment I walked in I felt welcomed As if
    everything was waiting for me…“
    „If you didn’t surround yourself with such hard-edged -masculine furnishings, you probably wouldn’t be so
    affected by a bit of softness,“ Adena told him accusingly.
    „Is that how you saw my home? All hard-edged and masculine? Fascinating!“
    „I know I’m going to regret asking this, but what’s so fascinating about it?“
    „I’m pleased you had such a strong reaction to my surroundings. It’s a start in the right direction. Now, can I help
    you with these tea things?“
    He was already on his feet, lifting the silver-tiered tray and starring toward the kitchen. Helplessly, Adena trailed
    after him, carrying the cups and saucers.
    „Holt, I really think it’s time you left,“ she began determinedly, wondering desperately how she could possibly
    force him out. „You’ve said what you came to say and I’ve given you my answer. Please don’t be difficult.“
    „Here, give me those cups. I’ll rinse them out for you. I have a hunch you don’t put china like this through a
    dishwasher, right?“
    „Right. You don’t have to bother washing them, though. I’ll take care of them after you leave.“
    „Wouldn’t think of it I want to impress you with my domesticity,“ he chuckled, locating the detergent and running
    hot water into the sink as if he did it on a routine basis.
    „I’m sure your housekeeper must love working for you,“ Adena grumbled, knowing there wasn’t much she could
    do to drag him away from the sink.
    „I’ll have to ask her.“ He dipped a cup into the soap suds, then rinsed it thoroughly. „I never got a chance to ask
    how you discovered those payoffs, Adena. Tell me about it I’ve always had a certain interest in accounting. It seems a
    bit like magic at times.“
    She glared at him distrustfully, watching as he handled her fine china with great care. But it wasn’t long before she
    succumbed to the easy charm Holt was choosing to lavish on her. And asking her about her work seemed harmless
    enough.
    She was deeply involved in the intricacies of accounting checks and balances by the time he finished doing her
    dishes. He managed to shepherd her gently back into the living room where he poured sherry from the crystal decanter
    on the cherry-wood table. It occurred to her that Holt was making himself more than a little at home. But she accepted
    the small glass of sherry and plunged on to finish her explanation.
    „Very interesting,“ he nodded approvingly. „There’s nothing like a combination of brains and softness in a woman.
    Irresistible!“
    „I don’t know where you get the idea I’m soft!“
    „I got it the moment I walked through my study door and found you waiting for me with such an anxious look in
    those lovely blue-green eyes,“ he murmured deeply, sitting down across from her. „I told myself mat whatever it was
    you were selling, I’d be buying!“
    Adena shook her head wonderingly. „Have you always seen the world in terms of a commercial transaction?“
    He shrugged philosophically. „I’m a practical man.“
    „Where did you learn this great practicality?“ In spite of herself, Adena felt a new curiosity about him. How did a
    man become so thoroughly