Absolute Love: A Hot, Romantic Suspense Series, Book 3 (The Carlisle Sisters) Read Free

Jennifer had not noticed his bag before.   He must have put it there when he saw her running into the water for her swim.  
    "Quite presumptive," she thought.
    London lay down and turned to face her, anchoring his elbow to prop his head on his fist.   Shamelessly, he allowed his gaze to sweep the length of her, committing her every curve to memory.   He shifted his gaze to her beautiful blue eyes.
    "Great bathing suit," he said.   "You look perfect in it."
    Jennifer wore a white, one piece halter swimsuit.   It complemented her tanned skin beautifully.   So did the bright smile that so rarely adorned her face.
    "Thank you," she said.
    Jennifer squirmed under his bold scrutiny and was surprised by her reaction.   It wasn't like her to get embarrassed by the praise of a man, even one as attractive as London.   In fact, she typically basked in such adulation.   But there was something about this tall, handsome, very masculine man that unnerved her.   She was uncomfortable in his company and that was a first for her.
    She sat up quickly, grabbed her cover-up and put it on.   Jennifer saw the corners of his lips lift wryly and she knew that he could see her unease.   But she didn't care what he could sense.   The cover-up was like a security blanket and she needed that protection at that moment.   She crossed her arms over her stomach and stared out at the sparkling ocean, trying to appear casual.
    "So, Jennifer Carlisle, what brings you to the Fiji Islands?"   he asked.
    "I wanted a vacation," she said stiffly.   "No, I needed one."
    London watched her closely as she spoke.   Her expression suggested there was more to the story, which wasn't surprising.   Jennifer appeared to be a woman of many layers and he was hoping for the chance to peel them away, one at a time.  
    He wanted to discover her sweet core and taste its nectar.   He wasn't sure why he was so drawn to her.   He had only first seen her as she ran past him on the beach.   But that brief glance had hooked him.   Told him that he wanted to know more.  
    Tumbling into her in the water had been his way of introducing himself.   Sure, it was a bit unorthodox but he was an unconventional guy.   He seldom did things the traditional, conformist way.   Going against the grain tended to be a lot more fun and it satisfied the rebel that had always been a part of him. And he had a feeling that Jennifer had a similar part inside of her, if she'd just let it out.  
    "What are you running away from?"   he asked bluntly.
    She looked at him severely.
    "Why do you assume that I'm running from something?"   she asked sharply.
    "Call it a sixth sense.   Are you?"   he pressed.
    She laughed mirthlessly.
    "You're relying on non-existent psychic powers to get answers?   Don't give up your day job," she said cuttingly.
    "Your evasiveness tells me I'm on the right track.   What are you running from?"   he insisted.
    "I simply needed a breather.   Nothing more.   Nothing less," she said flatly.
    He settled on his back and put his hands behind his head.
    "There's a whole lot more, I think.   But I'm a patient and persistent man with plenty of time.   You'll tell me.   Eventually," he responded.
    Jennifer also thought he was an egotistical, cocky, over-confident man if he thought she would spill her guts to him.  
    "He doesn't look that good," she thought.
    Then she reconsidered.   He did look thatgood.   But, still, she wasn't going to reveal her deepest secrets to him just because he'd asked.   She was still struggling to admit them to herself.  
    Suddenly her fabulous surroundings had lost their appeal.   She needed to get away.   She stood up quickly and grabbed her bag.
    "I've got to go," she said abruptly and without explanation.
    She took off running.   London scrambled to his feet.
    "Jennifer!   Wait," he called.   "Please!"
    But she was running like the devil was on her heels.   He decided not to give chase.   He sighed as he watched