Romance: The Tiger's Hired Mate: BBW Tiger Shifter Romance Standalone (Spicy Shifters Book 2) by Ashley Hunter Read Free Book Online Page B

politely, awkwardly returning the embrace.  “You look fantastic too, though that’s a given.  I’m pleased to meet you.”
    “The pleasure’s all mine,” Natasha replied, parting from the other woman.  Her voice was light and gentle, but Amanda didn’t miss the sarcastic undertone.  “Joshy’s been keeping you safely under wraps, but now I’ve got you all to my self.” 
    She suddenly paused and glared at something over Amanda’s shoulder.  “Ashley!  Get off there!” she said in a barking tone, before resuming her sweetness and light routine with Amanda.  “I want to hear everything about you, babydoll,” she said huskily, running her soft fingers along Amanda’s arm.  The touch made Amanda’s stomach do a back-flip. 
    “Joshy says you’re an art dealer, right?  Excellent!  You’ll know all about that wonderful new gallery opening in Ménilmontant ?  Of course you do.  You need to tell me all about it, and help me pick out pieces for our new home in Malibu.  Daddy bought a mansion for me as a wedding present, and I need someone with taste to help me furnish it.  Toby!  Get Ashley to stop doing that!  Yes indeed Amanda, we are going to have so much fun tonight.” 
     
     
    * * *

 
     
     
     
     
    In the end, the dinner went much better than Amanda had expected.  She was able to deftly field all of Natasha’s art queries, and much of the evening was focused on Toby, who monopolised the conversation with anecdotes of his drunken escapades.  This suited Amanda just fine, as it took the attention off her.  Joshua was the perfect host, of course.  He even served them their meal personally letting the kitchen staff have the night off, after the food had been prepared. 
    He rescued Amanda from the occasional awkward question raised about how they met and their time together, and played the part of the loving boyfriend perfectly.  Her only disappointment was that there were only a few occasions where he touched her or made intimate gestures.  They sat at either end of the dining table and the emphasis was to entertain the guests and socialise.  
    As the evening wore on, Amanda actually found herself missing the feel of his strong hands, and the tingling thrill of his body close to hers.  As the wine flowed, the hunger for that physicality grew stronger.  Disheartened, she realised that once the guests were gone any chance of any further closeness to develop would evaporate until the next time they were seen in public together.
    The knowledge cast a heavy pall over her despite the relaxed atmosphere, and she was relieved when the meal began to wind to a close.  Ashley, who had been quiet and drowsy after his initial enthusiasm about the elephant statue, had meandered away from the table half way through dessert and was now crashed out on a nearby couch.  Joshua, Toby and Natasha in the meantime headed over to the games room where Toby vowed to kick Joshua’s butt, while Natasha egged them on.
    Seizing the opportunity, Amanda retreated out to the solitude and cool air of the roof terrace.  The night breeze was a cooling balm on her body and she rested her arms over the balcony and closed her eyes, listening to the nocturnal sounds of the forest. 
    “He really likes you,” Natasha’s soft voice brushed against her ear.
    Amanda opened her eyes with a start, and turned her head.  Natasha was stood right next to her, looking out over the balcony.  She had moved in absolute silence.  Amanda couldn’t fail to be impressed, and unnerved.
    “I’m sorry?” she said, trying to conceal her shock at being caught unawares.
    “Joshy,” Natasha replied, a knowing smile on her face.  “I could tell straight away.”
    Amanda really wanted that to be true, but suspected Natasha was only being polite.  “I hope that’s true,” she said, “but sometimes it’s hard to tell how he really feels.”
    “Oh, I know exactly what you’re talking about,” Natasha tittered.  “The