Sleepless in Savannah by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online Page A

Or would the phone be ringing from that singles service? When he'd stopped by earlier, the message machine had been blinking out of control, the messages all from husband-hunting women.
    He had never had insomnia in his life. Construction work, especially hands-on physical labor, normally wore him out.
    Was the hulk wearing out Sophie now? Keeping her awake with long, slow kisses? When they returned to Savannah, would Dalton try to move in on Sophie for good, make a permanent place in Sophie's bed for himself?
    Would her cat like Dalton and allow him to venture into Sophie's bedroom?
    His Southern, big-brotherly breeding kicked in. Maybe he should do something. After all, Sophie was Maddie's best friend; he'd hate to see anything bad happen to her. And some men did take advantage....
    I wouldn't go out with you if you were the last man on earth.
    Her words tormented him.
    And Maddie had doomed him further with her comment: My brother needs help in the romance department.
    He closed his eyes, praying for sleep to claim him and end the torture, but images of Sophie in that sexy red negligee she'd left on her bed played behind his eyelids in the dark.
    * * *
    "I still can't believe we're here," Rory said in a husky whisper.
    Sophie nodded and sipped her champagne. Cancun meant moonlit beaches, white powdery sand, a warm breeze blowing gently off the ocean, strains of piano music floating through the sultry air scented by tropical vegetation, and gourmet meals served by candlelight with endless complimentary wine—essentially, the resort was the most romantic place Sophie had ever been.
    Unfortunately her bones possessed no romantic inclinations at the moment.
    Especially toward Rory Dalton, with the multiple hands and one-track mind.
    "Smile for the camera."
    Rory pulled her into an embrace and they posed. Sophie donned a smile that she hoped fooled everyone who would watch the show. They finished their wine, Rory toasting the trip, she praying it would soon be over. They had already sipped margaritas at sunset, taken a romantic stroll along the sandy shore, been serenaded by a Spanish quartet, enjoyed the evening show, and dined overlooking the majestic waters in the open-air pavilion.
    "How about a dance?" His floral green shirt shimmered beneath a full moon that was meant for lovers. That, or werewolves ready to feed on the innocent.
    Not that Sophie was completely innocent.
    He caressed her neck, nibbling at her earlobe. Sophie told herself the camera was rolling, that Lance would see this footage and think she was having the time of her life, completely over him, and that nothing obscene could happen in the middle of a crowded dance floor in the outdoors.
    Rory pulled her into his arms, but the scent of his cologne hung as heavy in the air as his testosterone. The man must be part ape. Sweat beaded on his forehead, dark hair escaped through the opening in the top of his Floridian shirt, and he had been salivating for the last hour. She should toss him a bone, but didn't want to lead the man on.
    "Sophie, thanks for giving me the opportunity to share this trip with you."
    He really was being nice, Sophie reasoned. It wasn't his fault she had been stupid enough to want Lance. Maybe she was being overly cynical.
    "You're welcome; you won fair and square, Rory."
    "I'm totally taken with you; you know that, don't you?"
    She feigned laughter, playing along. "Where did you go to charm school?"
    He pressed his body into hers, the force of his arousal punctuating the fact that he was all male, and that she might have misjudged his charm for a come-on. His hands slipped from her waist to cup her butt, and she tensed, another smile tightening her mouth as she offered a fake smile to the camera.
    "This is the most exotic place I've even been," she said, hoping to turn the conversation to tourist mode. "The waves crashing in the background, the scents of flowers floating around us, the balmy air..."
    He licked her neck, his pointed