Blush Read Free Page B

“Trivialities. If you wanted to date you’d find a way.”
    No, Adele couldn’t, because no one knew her real past, not even Chantal, who’d given her a shot at her first job in Vegas when she’d lobbed into town, desperate to outrun her past.
    Adele had danced as a Bombshell for three years while studying part time and when she’d qualified as an accountant, Chantal had offered her another job.
    Chantal wouldn’t judge her, she knew that, but the shame of what Adele had done to survive dogged her every day, no matter how many smart designer suits she wore or spreadsheets she pored over.
    “Did he mention staying in touch?”
    Adele shook her head. “I didn’t give him a chance. I kinda bolted up the beach, ran into Jess and pushed her in Jack’s direction to sort out their problems, then hid out in the villa ’til Reid flew off the island.”
    “Jess said you were amazing that night, and look how brilliantly her romance has turned out.” Chantal rolled her eyes. “I’m happy for those two but boy, are they a couple of love-struck schmucks.”
    Adele smiled in agreement.
    “As for you…” Chantal made chicken noises and flapped her arms. “You could always call him?”
    “And say what? Hey Reid, Del here. Want to hook up again because I can’t get you out of my mind? ” Adele snorted. “Yeah, like that would go down a treat.”
    Chantal steepled her fingers and leaned back in her executive chair. “I’m going to give it to you straight, hun. You’ve worked with me for five years and in all that time I’ve never seen you react like this over a guy.”
    Adele opened her mouth to protest and Chantal held up a finger. “Let me finish. Sure, you’ve dated. Dinner here, movie there. But no guy in Vegas has ever put that sparkle in your eyes, so I reckon you should hang onto this one for a little longer. Have some fun. What’s the worst that could happen?”
    Adele didn’t want to contemplate the worst, for it could ruin Reid’s burgeoning career before it had begun.
    She’d never do that. To anyone. Especially a guy who she’d shared a unique connection with.
    Chantal was right. Adele had never felt like this about any other guy. Ludicrous, because she barely knew him and all they’d shared was quickie sex.
    But for that all too brief time they’d chatted at the reception, the invisible pull between them had been undeniable.
    She’d wanted to know more.
    She’d wanted to know everything.
    Instead, she’d have to settle for her memories and a futile wish of what may have been.
     
    Reid paced his office overlooking Rodeo Drive, blind to the view, ignoring the constant ping of emails landing in his inbox.
    He’d pulled two all-nighters since he’d returned from Prince Island but not even the constant work focus could make him forget.
    Adele.
    Vanilla fragrance. Deep russet. Flawless skin.
    The way she’d yelled his name with abandon when she’d come.
    Dammit. He kicked at the trashcan, his designer loafer connecting with the stainless steel in a satisfying thud. Wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.
    Felt like he needed to head to the gym and do a three-hour workout with a punching bag, anything to burn off the relentless energy coursing through his veins like a drug.
    He’d been on this high ever since she’d run away from him on that beach and despite his efforts to find her afterward, she’d vanished.
    He’d located her villa, he’d pounded down the door, he’d contemplated changing his flight plans. In the end, a crisis at the office had tampered his manic obsession to find her and he’d boarded Dorian’s jet with the bride and groom, content to leave them alone in their marital bliss while he mulled the most scintillating encounter of his life.
    It had nothing to do with the fact he hadn’t got laid in nine months. For while the sex had been memorable, his burning desire for Adele had more to do with an indefinable something she possessed that could drive any sane guy wild.
    He