JustOneTaste Read Free

around here?”
    He shook his head. “A tiny town outside Adelaide. You
probably wouldn’t know it.”
    “I grew up in New York but my father had houses in L.A. and
London too.”
    “Wow,” he said quietly. “Makes Murrumbungee sound like a
speck of dust.”
    Sarah frowned. She hadn’t meant to come across as
pretentious about her cosmopolitan upbringing. Not sure how to smooth that
over, she asked, “Would you like some champagne?”
    “Only if you’re having some.”
    Sarah strode to the ice bucket, which stood beside one of
the two-seater red-and-gold brocade couches that served as the suite’s living
room. The champagne came compliments of the hotel management, who’d apparently
guessed who she was despite her using the assumed surname Harris upon check-in.
Everyone had been very discreet however, leaving her blessedly free of
sycophants or slick operators with business propositions they thought she
wanted to hear.
    As she began to remove the foil from the Cristal, David
approached and took the bottle from her. “Allow me.”
    His nearness caused her body to react as it had in the
elevator. Her pulse rate increased, her heart thumping rapidly against her
ribs. She didn’t think he wore cologne. He smelled faintly of rain and earth,
the musky undertone something Sarah could only describe as man .
    She closed her eyes, turning away so he wouldn’t see the
acute yearning that must surely have flashed across her face. How long had
passed since she’d been close enough to a man to notice his innate scent? Much,
much too long if she’d been reduced to hiring company. To paying for sex.
    What on earth was she doing? Was she really this
deprived? This lonely?
    Yes, Sarah, you are both those things—desperately so.
    The champagne cork made a muted pop as David worked it from
the neck of the bottle with quiet skill. She was glad he hadn’t made a show of
the task, spilling half the quality wine in the process. He wasn’t the boastful
or flashy type, and Sarah was glad. He was so…nice. Certainly not the kind of
male predator Sarah usually met in her social circle.
    “Here you are.”
    Sarah turned and accepted the half-filled crystal flute he
proffered.
    He lifted one dark brow. “A toast?”
    Sarah gently touched the rim of her glass to his, showing
him an ironic smile. “To taking risks.”
    David understood the significance. He smiled with much the
same ruefulness. “Hear, hear.”
    They both took a sip of the champagne, the synchronized act
conveying a sense of intimacy. Sarah wanted to do intimate things with David,
was beginning to want it so badly the taste of it overtook that of the Cristal. Thank God he’s so attractive.
    Her blood gave another rushing pulse through her veins. She
lowered the glass and licked a droplet of champagne from the corner of her
mouth. David’s regard focused on the action, his eyelids easing down halfway
over those beautiful espresso eyes. He let out a breath that stuttered past his
lips. There was no mistaking it.
    He wanted her. And it wasn’t all an act.
    Sarah’s nipples peaked, protruding against the lace of her
bra. David’s perusal slid from her face to her chest. His breath stuttered
again as he looked his fill, his attention increasing her awareness of her own
body, flaring her response to rampant life. Her breasts tingled and grew heavy,
their crests turning to solid, distended pebbles that David must be able to see
against the fine black wool of her dress.
    David’s attention snapped back to her face. He stood taller,
appeared to shake himself. His voice was brusque. “Perhaps we should get down
to business.”
    Sarah whirled away as if he’d slapped her. Of course, they
weren’t here on a date. She ought to stop gawking at him as if she were Lois
Lane and he Superman. Pathetic, Sarah. She’d paid him. He was in effect
working for her. She really ought to start acting like what she was—the one in
charge.
    The dampness at her center increased at the