Untamed Desire by Lindsay McKenna Read Free Book Online Page A

business, we have to mingle. You’ll have to do that, too.”
    Storm’s nostrils flared, and her eyes flashed with anger. “Over my dead body! Dan Bradford never discussed such a thing with me!”
    “There you go again, overreacting.” He laughed softly, and swung her around to face him. His hands rested casually on her shoulders, causing her flesh to tingle.
    “Just what does ‘mingling’ mean?” she demanded.
    “Having a few drinks, listening to their blarney, stroking their egos a bit and then gracefully excusing yourself.”
    “Sure. And getting pawed or drooled on, too.”
    Jim nodded thoughtfully. “Possibly. After all, hunters are accustomed to male pilots. We only have to laugh at their jokes, slap them on the back occasionally and drink a few beers. It’s hard to tell how they’ll react to an attractive single woman.” He frowned, studying her, then reaching up, smoothed a stray tendril of hair from her cheek with a wistful smile. “You know, even in this weak light you look beautiful. Your hair has gold highlights.”
    Storm’s lips parted as his fingers trailed down her temple, caressing her cheek and then resting beneath her jaw. With a slight pressure, he raised her chin.
    “Storm…” he said softly. “What a wanton, untamed name for you….” And he leaned down, his mouth resting caressingly against her lips. Gently, as if she were a rare, exotic flower, he tasted her full lips, parting them and exploring their shape. His hands came to rest on either side of her face, and he raised his head, his eyes dark. “You taste like wildflower honey,” he whispered huskily.
    Her heart was beating erratically, and she felt her knees weaken as his mouth descended to her own a second time. Her hands instinctively sought the curve of his neck, her fingers curling into his hair. A delicious shudder heated her body as his tongue slowly stroked her sensitive lips, carefully avoiding her own tongue. A moan of pleasure reverberated through her as his exploratory kiss deepened, his tongue masterfully entwining with hers, his arms bringing her ever closer to him.
    He groaned as Storm melted willingly, her thighs pressed against his steadying hips and erection. Her breath came in a light, shallow gasp as he dragged his mouth away from hers. His gray eyes burned with passion as he hungrily devoured her face.
    “God,” he said thickly, “I want you….”
    Storm’s heart was thundering, and she felt an awakening response deep within her, an ache he had sparked by that one, indelible kiss. She could only stare wordlessly up at him, watching his strong, generous mouth move with words that didn’t register on her dizzied senses. She heard him call her name and it sent shivers up her spine. She closed her eyes, unable to move away from him.
    “I’ve never met a woman like you,” he admitted, his voice rough. “Your name…such a different, incredibly beautiful name.” His hand slid down to cup her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. “Where did you get that name? It’s enough to drive any man crazy with desire.”
    Her lashes swept down across her high cheekbones like small fans against her ivory skin. “My father,” she choked softly. “He was a pilot for a commercial airline. One night he had to fly through a line of violent thunderstorms to get home. My mother was terribly worried, waiting for him at the airport.” Storm’s eyes grew large and liquid, and a smile trembled on her lips. “That was the night I was conceived, after he arrived home safely. I guess it was an unforgettable night for them.” Her voice had drifted into a hushed whisper.
    Jim’s hands moved gently down the length of her back, sending shivers of delight through her, and she rested against him.
    “An unforgettable name for an unforgettable woman,” he murmured.
    Jim reluctantly pulled away and held her at arm’s length, studying her critically. “You’re a curse and a blessing to me, Storm.”
    She tingled as he said