Touch Me by Jacquie D'Alessandro Read Free Book Online Page A

I’d enjoy yours. Will you accompany me?”
    Genevieve knew she should say no. Nothing could come of this flirtation other than her longing for something she couldn’t have. Why torture herself? A flirtation with him, with any man, would ultimately lead to the same rejection she’d suffered with Richard.
    Wouldn’t it?
    The fact that she asked herself that question stunned her, and with a jolt, she realized that the temptation of this attractive man’s company was simply too strong a lure to ignore. It had been so long since she’d felt these flutterings. Since she’d felt attractive. Since she’d experienced even the tiniest flicker of hope that she might again experience any sort of physical intimacy. Of course, she’d never allow things to progress that far. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy his attentions, just for a little while.
    “I’ll meet you in the village square at noon,” she said for a compromise. As he’d finished his tea and the ten minutes she’d allotted had passed, she asked, “Before you leave, I’ll show you my library.”
    “Thank you.” His slow smile warmed her. “And I’ll look forward to tomorrow.”
    Genevieve rose, and, after gently setting Sophia on the carpet, he stood as well. His clear reluctance to depart wrapped another layer of warmth around her. She escorted him to her cozy library, remaining in the doorway while he perused her collection. After several minutes he returned to her bearing three books. “I appreciate the loan,” he said. “I’ll take very good care of them.”
    She escorted him to the foyer where a glaring Baxter thrust Mr. Cooper’s hat at him.
    “Thank you, Baxter,” Mr. Cooper said, giving his slightly dented hat a look. He then shot Genevieve a quick smile and made her a formal bow. “Until tomorrow, Mrs. Ralston.”
    Genevieve watched him walk down the flagstone path leading from the cottage and barely suppressed a sigh. The man looked as good leaving as he did arriving.
    “Until tomorrow?” Baxter asked, cocking a brow. “He’s plannin’ to visit again?”
    “We’re meeting at the Autumn Festival in the village. He’s looking to acquire a dog and asked for my help.”
    “He thinks yer a veterinarian?”
    Genevieve laughed. “No. Just an animal lover.”
    “Bloke wants more than yer help,” Baxter muttered. “I saw the way he looked at ye.”
    “How was that?”
    “Like he were a starvin’ beast and ye had a mutton chop tied around yer neck.”
    A shivery tingle raced through Genevieve. Yes, she’d noticed that as well. Surely she shouldn’t find that so…intriguing. Or arousing.
    “I’m not sure I trust the bloke around ye.”
    “You don’t trust anyone.”
    “I trust you, ” Baxter said. “Ain’t sure about him. But since ye don’t look as sad as ye did before he arrived, I suppose I’ll hold off on the arse-tossin’.”
    “Don’t worry, Baxter. I don’t intend to see him again after tomorrow’s festival.” Genevieve headed back toward the sitting room. When she passed the library, curiosity had her entering and walking to the shelves. Which of her books had he borrowed? Perusing the volumes, she smiled when she noted that The Mysteries of Udolpho by Mrs. Radcliffe was missing, as was the final volume of Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. When she saw the third empty space, however, her smile faded.
    Why had Mr. Cooper borrowed A Ladies’ Guide to the Pursuit of Personal Happiness and Intimate Fulfillment by Charles Brightmore?
    The suspicions she’d pushed away earlier came back with a sickening crash, knotting her stomach with dread, a sensation she’d learned not to ignore. Especially considering that only a few months ago, someone had wanted Brightmore dead over the furor that had erupted over his scandalous writings promoting sexual independence for women. Was it possible that Charles Brightmore’s rumored departure for America hadn’t ended the threats against him?
    She