Take Me Down (Suits in Pursuit) by Lauren H. Kelley Read Free Book Online Page A

despite the sugary sweetness poured on top.
    Lips pursed, manicured hand pinned against one hip, and an attitude as sour as lime met Sebastian’s compliment. “I thought you’d be more original,” Ashley said.
    Sebastian belted out a hearty laugh. “And I thought you’d be more appreciative. Obviously, sincerity and flattery doesn’t work for you. Let’s go, Cujo.”
    Mouth opened wide, Ashley stood. Speechless. “Did you call me Cujo?” Ashley asked, her voice raised and wide-eyed glare locked on Sebastian’s impassioned eyes.
    “Yup. Just like the 1980s movie about a rabid dog who attacked any and everybody for no good reason. Fitting, don’t you think?”
    “Take that back or…”
    “Or what, Ashley?” Sebastian stroked his chin. His patronizing tone made Ashley’s stomach twist.
    He stepped back. His right foot teetered the edge of the wooden porch step. Both hands raised like a guilty man placed under arrest, Sebastian seemed to halt the tropical evening breeze.
    Suddenly warm, she heaved hard breaths in the hall. Heavy legs anchored her there.
    “What will you do if I don’t take my words back?” he taunted, eyes flashing with mischief.
    Hands raised high, his defensive posture forced his shirt sleeves up the contours of his arms, his magnificent muscular definition displayed. Ashley’s eyes traced Sebastian’s every movement. Her eyes glued to him as his biceps stiffened into hard steel mounds. She sucked in a deep breath.
    Her dress swirled in waves of fabric around her legs as she spun around and then stomped off. Words tossed over her shoulder, “I guess I’ll enjoy an evening of peace and quiet by myself. Without you,” Ashley cut her eyes at Sebastian, a sidelong glance. His eyes welded to her form as the sway of her hips moved in rhythmic harmony to their dance of words.
    Sebastian followed her inside, paused his steps just beyond the threshold in the foyer. “I like you, Ashley. Does every encounter between us have to be a battle of wills?”
    Her back to him, Ashley waved a dismissive hand. “Take it back, Sebastian, or leave.”
    His footsteps tapped against the slick tile floor as he closed in. “I want to spend an evening with you. You’re beautiful. Complicated. Annoying. But goddamn, you’re sexy and interesting.”
    Ashley rounded the corner and dipped into the kitchen. “Then you should have no problem apologizing,” she quipped.
    “Agh! Ashley! I take it back. I’m sorry. Are you always this difficult?” Sebastian’s recanted words beat against her eardrums and satisfied Ashley’s temper.
    Fingers curled tightly around the edge of the wall. Ashley poked her head out from the kitchen. “Difficult? I’m not difficult. I have no plans to lighten up, and I’m...” Ashley paused, frowning. “Sebastian?” she asked, peering into an empty hallway.
    A warm sensation swept through her. Prickly stings radiated Ashley’s spine as hot breath singed baby-fine hairs at the nape of her neck. Her shoulders stiffened.
    His whisper teased her desire. “I have no plans to lighten up either, Ashley.”
    Sebastian pinned her in place, molding himself to her ass. His hard erection pressed between her cheeks through thin layers of cotton and linen. Heavy hands caressed Ashley’s tense shoulders.
    She gasped. “What in the hell are you doing?”
    “If we don’t leave right now, I can’t be held responsible for what I do next.” Ashley could hear the baleful smile in his voice. He meant every word.
    She squirmed, broke free of his grasp, and darted down the hall toward the front door.
    His sinister laugh, deep and filling the hall, chased behind her. “Let’s just go. Sebastian, I meant what I said. I’m not having sex with you,” Ashley scolded as she exited.

    The thick, dank air could be sliced with a knife. Ashley hadn’t realized that the humidity would loom after six o’clock in the evening. Staying cool by wearing a strapless dress made her grateful.
    “What is