Throb by Vi Keeland Read Free Book Online

big fan the first day I met Miles Montgomery, even less of one after today.
    I find myself daydreaming for a good portion of the meeting, my mind continually wandering back to one person, Cooper. He was even more striking than I remembered; his captivating green eyes were difficult to tear mine away from. And the way he spoke today, the command he held, heightened how sexy he is to a whole new level.
    As if reading my mind, Miles throws a file onto the table. “This, ladies and gentlemen, is a copy of your contract. Putting aside the legal ease, this is what it boils down to. He motions to his assistant and she flicks off the lights. A screen projects up on one side of the room. The first few bullet points fill a page. Miles reads them aloud.
    “You are a character in a loosely scripted play. You are not free to choose to play a new one.
    Forget the cameras are there. Don’t whisper; we need to capture that secret you’re telling.
    Discussing anything that has not been aired with anyone outside of the show is a violation of your contract.
    Cameras and cell phones are prohibited. You are to have no outside contact of any kind during the hours you’re filming.
    Dating or sexual relationships, of any kind, other than with the bachelor or a fellow contestant, are prohibited until the last episode has aired.
    Violation of any of the terms of the contract will result in forfeiture of any prizes. And you can, and will, be sued for breach of contract.”
    He smiles as if he’s enjoying himself. Something about the guy just makes me want to shower after spending time in a room with him.

    I’m outside talking to Ava when Cooper pulls up in a classic convertible Porsche. Her eyes go wide when he hops out of his car and heads over to me as if he’s on a mission.
    “Ready?” he asks in a businesslike manner. His hand reaching out to the small of my back is the only indication he could be more than my ride.
    “Yes.” I smile somewhat wearily at Ava. “See you tomorrow.” Her mouth is still hanging open as we walk away.
    Remaining silent as he opens the door for me and waits for me to get in, Cooper jogs around to the driver’s side and pulls out of the parking spot in a rush. “If you’re in a hurry, I can get a ride,” I offer, but he’s already barreling out of the lot.
    “Sorry. I just want to get out of here. It’s been a long day.” His hand flexes, shifting the gear stick into third and, as ridiculous as it seems, even the sight of him taking control of the car does something to me. What the hell is wrong with me?
    “Everything okay?” I ask, turning to watch him drive. There’s tension on his face … in the clench of his handsome jaw.
    “It’s better now.” He flashes me a sexy grin.
    As we make our way through traffic and reach the highway, he turns east, rather than west. “Ummm … I live the other way.”
    “Not taking you home,” he says with a smile. One that reaches all the way up to his eyes. They’re now covered with sunglasses, but I picture the sunflowers growing bigger as his smile broadens.
    “Where are you taking me?”
    “For something to eat.”
    “And you’re not going to bother to ask if I want to go?” My eyebrows rise, intrigued more than offended by his assumption.
    “This is the third time I’m asking you out. The first time you shot me down. The second time we were interrupted. So I’m not taking any chances by hesitating.”
    “What if I were to tell you to take me home right now?”
    He glances at me and quickly back to the road. “I’d take you home.” His unwavering response solidifies what I’ve felt since the moment I met him. Underneath the bossy exterior lies a gentleman at heart. The combination is sexy as hell.
    “I guess I am sort of hungry …”
    Cooper chuckles. “You’re difficult, aren’t you?”
    “Is that a problem?”
    “Not all. Good things don’t usually come easy. And I love a challenge.”
    A flutter grows deep in my belly. I consider