Against the Sky Read Free Page B

way through dinner. She enjoyed Nick’s anecdotes about Alaska and hearing him talk about his two brothers, who also lived in the North. They laughed together at Samantha’s pet parlor stories—a definite change from Justin, who seemed to be embarrassed by her employment.
    And under it all was that sweep of attraction, the pull she felt whenever she looked into those amazing blue eyes.
    As they walked out of the restaurant, Nick asked if she wanted to go listen to some jazz in one of the lounges. Samantha threw caution to the wind and said yes.
    It was three in the morning when Nick walked her to the door of her suite; his was on the same floor farther down the hall.
    â€œI know it’s late and you have to work tomorrow,” he said. “But I’ve really had a great time and I hate to say good night.”
    She didn’t want the evening to end, either. But she wasn’t into hooking up for a one-night stand with a guy she would never see again. “It’s been really fun. I’m glad I met you, Nick.”
    â€œI’m glad I met you, too, Samantha.”
    She leaned toward him, went up on her toes and brushed a soft kiss over his lips. Before she could pull away, Nick drew her into his arms and kissed her the way she’d been fantasizing about all night, soft and sexy at first, then hot, wet, and deep. A little whimper escaped when he started kissing the side of her neck.
    â€œYou could invite me in,” he said softly, tempting her more than she would have expected.
    Samantha eased away. “I could, but I’m not going to. You gave me a wonderful evening, one I won’t forget. Maybe if we had time to get to know each other, things would be different.” She turned, swiped her key card and opened the door. “Good night, Nick.” He caught her before she could disappear inside.
    â€œPromise me you won’t open your door that way when you’re with a stranger. It’s really dangerous.”
    Samantha looked up at him, pleased to think he was worried about her. “You aren’t a stranger anymore, and besides you were a cop.”
    â€œJust be careful, okay?”
    When she nodded, he bent his head and pressed another soft kiss on her lips. “What time are you finished tomorrow?”
    Surprise trickled through her. Even knowing she wasn’t going to sleep with him, he wanted to see her again. “About five, five thirty.”
    â€œThis is my first trip to Vegas. Why don’t I get tickets to one of the shows? I was thinking the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil might be good. Or something else if you’d rather. I’d really like to see you again.”
    â€œAre you . . . are you sure?” The real question was, Are you sure you don’t want to take someone who’ll sleep with you when the evening’s over?
    Nick tipped up her chin, forcing her eyes to his face. “I had a great time tonight. I don’t expect anything more. Let me take you to a show.”
    Samantha grinned. She really wanted to go. “Michael Jackson sounds fabulous.”
    They exchanged business cards and entered each other’s cell numbers on their phones. Nick didn’t leave until she was safely inside her room, the door closed and locked behind her.
    Samantha leaned against it. She hadn’t come to Las Vegas to have a fling. And it looked as though Nick didn’t expect her to fall into bed with him. But recalling those hot, sexy kisses and amazing blue eyes, maybe it was time to rethink her plans.
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    Nick spent the next two nights with Samantha. She was, he thought, the closest to the proverbial girl next door he had ever met. Most of the women he knew were the outdoor type. They enjoyed hiking and camping, snowmobiling, skiing, even ice fishing.
    Not to say they couldn’t be beautiful. Hell, Lisa Graham, the last girl he’d dated, could have entered any beauty pageant in the country. But like most