Discovering Alicia Read Free Page A

getting dark fast. I should go back.” She fumbled for the flashlight hanging from her belt, and after a few tries, was able to turn it on. She then pulled the soaking, crumpled up map out of her pocket. “It was great to see you again, Brad. Maybe we’ll run into each other again while I’m here.” Ali turned and headed in what she hoped was the right direction, but in less than two steps, a large hand wrapped around her arm.
    “Freeze, woman.” She did as he ordered. “I, too, appreciate all of the greatness that’s happened tonight,” Brad whispered against her ear. “Especially when you melted in my arms.” Ali gasped when he pressed firmly against her backside. “Why are you running away, skittish as a scared rabbit? Nothing’s gonna happen that you don’t want, and you want badly.”
    Alicia spun around to face him, so embarrassed and horny she couldn’t think straight. In a hot second, Brad Compton, geeky science guy, now ultimate sex-on-a-stick guy had her almost forgetting the lessons she’d learned the hard way. “I’m so, so sorry, Brad; please…” She stared up at him, horrified when a single tear trickled down her cheek.
    He brushed it away with a feather-light touch of his thumb. “Come on, Ali; let’s get you home.”

 
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Brad replayed the events of the previous night over in his head for the umpteenth time as he drove down the county road. He’d had a hell of a lot of hours to ponder the situation. Jacking off and taking two cold showers had done nothing to ease his raging desire when he’d gotten home, just like they’d never helped back in college.
    It’d taken every ounce of self control he possessed, plus a few he hadn’t known he had, to gallantly see Alicia back to the cottage, offer a respectful goodnight, and walk away. Her ragged breathing, hardened nipples, and enthusiastic response to his kiss all clearly indicated she was attracted to him, but then she jerked away, and that damn tear rolled down her cheek. Why had she gone from rubbing her hot little self against him to apologizing and trying to run in the blink of an eye? Was there a boyfriend or husband in the picture? Brad went over their conversation again, certain she’d said “I” rented, not “we” rented.
    “I’m such an ass,” he muttered, frowning. Wouldn’t most women be weirded out by a near stranger doing what he did? He wouldn’t have pushed for anything more than what she was comfortable with, but she didn’t know that. The extent of their relationship had taken place in a science lab, three hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for one measly semester. Brad had never let on that he’d had monstrous crush on her. Their conversations had revolved around a different kind of chemistry, and him desperately trying to keep her from blowing things up or sending unsuspecting victims to the hospital.
    That was ten years ago, but he’d recognized her instantly when he found her sprawled on the ground. Alicia was no longer a gangly eighteen year old, and his libido had responded instantly. She was definitely all grown up woman now. Thank God she’d kept her incredible, curly red hair long. How many times had he fantasized about that fiery mass tickling his thighs as she went down on him?
    What an interesting turn of events to have her staying in his neck of the woods for the entire month. Brad shifted in his seat as images of sharing some quality playtime with Alicia Lawrence set his blood boiling. Long term hook-ups weren’t his gig, so maybe luck was on his side, and she was open to a little no–strings-attached fun of the nasty kind.
    Brad pulled up next to the silver SUV sitting in Aunt Dottie’s driveway, the very same one that had been parked in front of the cottage last night. He stayed in the truck, unsure if he should disturb the women… Oh, who the hell was he kidding? He just didn’t want to walk in with noticeable hard-on.
    * * * *
    “I’m so glad your trip