Under the Tycoon's Protection by Anna DePalo Read Free Book Online

flush. But whether it was from embarrassment at being caught in her curiosity, or from his hot look at her nearly topless state, or both, she wasn’t sure.
    She’d involuntarily hugged the shirt to her breastin a protective gesture and marched past him, slamming her bedroom door shut behind her without turning around.
    By Friday night, when Connor had picked her up at work and brought her back to the townhouse, the tension between them was so thick, she felt like a boiling pot with a shaking lid.
    After changing out of her business suit and into some jeans and a fitted top, she headed downstairs to fix something simple for dinner and then curl up on the couch to go through some files she’d brought home with her from the office.
    Unfortunately, Connor was downstairs in the front hall when she got there. He was loosening his tie and obviously headed upstairs to change out of the business suit he still wore. Somehow he managed to look rough around the edges even in conservative business attire.
    He stopped when he saw her and his gaze raked over her, settling on the files she was holding. “What? No plans on a Friday night?”
    She stiffened and her chin came up. “I have work to do.” Then she added, even though she knew it was ridiculous to feel defensive, “Otherwise I’d have had plans.”
    â€œSince when does work mean giving up Friday nights?”
    â€œSometimes it does.” She shrugged. “Besides, I’mnot in the mood to head out tonight.” That was partly true. She also wasn’t involved with anyone at the moment.
    Normally, she’d be heading out anyway, but—and she’d rather eat chalk than admit this to Connor—the truth was that the death threats had nibbled at her self-confidence. So, spending Friday night cocooned at home—even with someone as annoying as Connor—was more appealing than hitting the social scene.
    He arched a brow. “Maybe you’d feel differently about staying home if the guys you dated were more interesting.”
    Her chin came up. “Back off, Rafferty.” As if he knew much more about her love life these days than what could be gleaned from the occasional mention about her in the society pages. She set her files down on the console table in the entry hall, where she could find them later.
    He looked displeased. “You know what your problem is, petunia?”
    She affected a bored tone. “I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”
    â€œDamn straight, I’m going to tell you. Your problem is you can’t deal with a guy who has a brain in his head.”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous.”
    â€œI’ve watched you, princess. I’ve seen all the Tom,Dick, and Harrys that have gone trooping in and out of your life.”
    She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I’ve never dated a Tom, a Dick—that’s with a capital D —or a Harry.”
    Connor’s lips twisted. “Of course, I knew I didn’t have a chance unless I surgically removed a large segment of my brain.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “That’s a lovely image. Anyway, it’s not true. The guys I date are not dumb.”
    â€œWhat about the guy who accidentally bonded his fingers together with glue?”
    She sighed impatiently. “Why does everyone bring up Lenny? That was high school and I still can’t live that one down.”
    â€œIn your book, the guys have to look and talk tough but be as thick as a plank,” Connor persisted. “Your problem is you’ve never dated a real man.”
    â€œLike you, you mean?”
    He smiled slowly, wolfishly. “I haven’t heard any complaints.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t. That criticism-proof room your ego dwells in doesn’t let you hear any.”
    His eyes narrowed. “Maybe there aren’t any to be heard. I didn’t hear any complaints from you about our kiss. In fact, you seemed to