Seduced by Fire by Tara Sue Me Read Free Book Online

so good. Probably never.
    Suddenly shy, she traced a finger along the muscles of his chest. She hoped he knew she wasn’t wanton as a general rule. She wasn’t sure she recognized the woman she became in his presence, but she rather thought she liked her. Julie Masterson, the seductress. A giggle escaped before she could stop it.
    Daniel cracked one eye open. “That’s a sound no man wants to hear in bed.”
    Feeling bolder, she pressed a kiss to his shoulder. “I was actually thinking about the way being around you makes me feel all wanton and wicked.”
    “And that’s worthy of a giggle?”
    “It’s just not like me.”
    “Maybe it’s more like you than you realize.”
    His words struck a chord within her. Maybe he was right and she had just needed the right man to show her the woman buried inside and longing to be free.
    “Julie, I—,” he started, but stopped when a cell phone rang.
    “Must be yours. That’s not my ringtone.”
    “It is. I’m sorry. It’s my private line. Do you mind?”
    She sat up, dragging the sheet with her and wrapping it around her chest. “No, go ahead.”
    He rummaged through the pile of clothes, finally pulling the phone from his discarded pants. A frown crossed his face when he saw the display. “Tess?” he asked, answering the call. The frown changed into an expression of worry. “How long ago? Where’s she at now?” Silence followed as whoever he was talking with replied. He looked down at his watch. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes. No, I can’t get there any faster.”
    He ended the call with a sigh and turned to her. “I’m sorry. My grandma’s had an episode. . . . She’s not in the best frame of mind sometimes. That was my sister.”
    Julie swallowed her disappointment; she’d hoped he could stay longer. Selfish of her to feel that way with his grandmother ill, but there you go. She wasn’t just a seductress; she was a selfish seductress.
    But she waved at him. “Don’t think twice about it—you need to be with your family.”
    He shrugged his shirt on. “I feel like a jerk, leaving like this.”
    “Don’t. You’d be a jerk if you didn’t go.”
    His tuxedo pants were quickly donned and he haphazardly stuffed his shirt in. When he was dressed, he walked to the bed and cupped her face.
    “You are an amazing woman and I promise I will make this up to you.” He leaned down for a soft kiss, promised to call, and then left.
    With a sigh, Julie collapsed back onto the bed and snuggled into the downy comforter. She eventually fell asleep to one thought: she was willing to bet she would thoroughly enjoy Daniel making it up to her.

THREE
    T he week passed slowly. Daniel called twice and they sent a few texts back and forth, and even planned a date for Saturday, but he seemed distant. Julie remembered his words from the benefit, that there were things she didn’t know about him. Did that explain the distance? Or did he think her cheap and easy after the night in her hotel room?
    On Thursday night, she sat in the shop, counting down the minutes until she could lock up. Then it would be back to her place for takeout and a good book. At least she had Saturday night to look forward to. Saturday night she’d keep her clothes on for the entire date. Or at least until they could talk about why he was so distant.
    If there was a following week. Sasha had said she wouldn’t be compatible with Daniel. Maybe she was right. Earth-shattering sex aside, because they’d certainly seemed compatible in bed.
    She drummed her fingers against the countertop. She’d had the dream again. The one that had started during college. Though it’d always been the same, last night it’d ended differently.
    The room is dark. A single candle provides the only light. He’d told her to keep her eyes closed, but she risks a small peek to try and see him. Always he was cloaked in darkness. Always. Tonight is no different.
    “Did you open your eyes?” His voice is thick with