Sarah's Child by Linda Howard Read Free Book Online Page B

kisses and begging for more. He was proceeding at an excruciatingly slow pace, waiting for a signal from her that she was feeling the frustration of ending their evenings with only kisses. Yes, she liked his kisses, but there was still an aloofness to her that he hadnt been able to break, and no matter how torridly she kissed him, she didnt invite him further. He was beginning to feel desperate, his body aching for release. Hed been devoting his evenings to her, so thered been no casual meeting with any other woman to relieve his sexual urges. He hadnt come up against such a mental stone wall since hed been a randy teenager, determinedly trying to seduce his virginal girlfriend every Friday night in the backseat of his car.
    But if Sarah ever lost her self-control enough to give in to passion, it would be with him. Hed be damned if hed let Maxwell see her with that cool reserve melted into primitive heat and longing. Her desire would be his, and his alone.
    Ive noticed how she looks, he said evenly, but his tone signaled a warning to the other man. Maxwell looked at him sharply, then sighed.
    So, youve beaten me to her, have you?
    Ive known her for years, Rome replied obliquely.
    That elicited a snort from Maxwell. Ive known my mothers housekeeper for years too, but I dont warn men away from her.
    Rome laughed, something that had become easier during this past week. Despite himself, he liked Maxwell. Max might pursue Sarah relentlessly, but hed never be sneaky about it; hed simply take his chances. That made no difference to Romes determination to have her all to himself, but he relaxed, his eyes meeting Maxs with complete masculine understanding.
    Max shrugged with an elegant movement of his lean shoulders. Ill be waiting in the wings, if you should fail.
    Im reassured, Rome said sardonically.
    Max smiled at him wryly. Dont be.
     
    Chapter 3
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    The cocktail party to welcome Max to the Dallas headquarters was overflowing with people anxious to be seen by and talk with the upper echelon of Spencer-Nyle. Rome, Mr. Edwards, and Max were the center of attention, as they were the triumvirate that controlled billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Mr. Edwards, a lean, quiet man whose shrewdness and corporate savvy had kept him at the top for fifteen years, had hand-chosen his lieutenants and been well-rewarded for his trust in them. Rome was being groomed for the chairmanship, which he would certainly attain when Mr. Edwards retired. Watching the ambitious young executives swarm around him, Sarah realized that it was common knowledge, up and down the ranks, that Rome was Mr. Edwardss chosen successor. Max, on the other hand, was an unknown, but already there was an ease between him and his superiors that told everyone he was on the inside.
    Tired of being pumped for information about Max, Sarah developed the strategy of staying on the move. It took a well-planned schedule to move in, take up a handful of peanuts or dip a stalk of celery into the cheese dip, then waltz on without pausing long enough to give anyone an opening. She clutched her single drink of the evening in her hand, taking tiny sips and trying to eat enough to absorb the alcohol before it could go to her head. Earlier, a quick foray into the tiny kitchen, where the caterers were frantically trying to keep pace with the appetites of the guests, had produced a small glass of milk, which she had slugged back with all the delicacy of a stevedore downing his first frosty beer after working all day in hundred-degree heat.
    Youre gobbling peanuts like youve been on a starvation diet, Rome said in her ear, startling her. He took the cocktail from her hand and replaced it with a tall glass filled with a pale amber liquid and ice cubes. There. Drink this instead. Ginger ale. He winked at her, and finished the cocktail for her.
    Ive already raided the refrigerator for milk, she laughed, her eyes twinkling up at