Lucky Streak Read Free Page B

bucked office politics to be together. We had a no-fraternization policy until Natalie got the other women to petition for a change.” He shook his head, laughing at the memory of her determination. “She was so adamant, even the men ended up backing her.”
    Including Mike. He’d even had a moment of envy during the ceremony yesterday…until he reminded himself of his heritage. First comes love, then the Corwin curse kicked in. For as many generations as Mike could remember, and even those that he couldn’t, any Corwin man who’d fallen in love had suffered the repercussions. His reclusive father, Edward, was living, breathing proof the curse existed, as were his uncles, Hank and Thomas.
    â€œI admire a woman who goes after what she wants,” Amber said just as the gondola glided beneath a long, dark bridge.
    She slipped one hand onto his thigh and she tilted her head back. Her lips parted, her desire as clear as the dual meaning of her words.
    Unlike his male relatives, Mike refused to let the curse rule his life. Instead, he made it a point to avoid the right kind of woman. The kind who believed in happily ever after. The type who wouldn’t take a chance on a cop who faced being killed each time he walked out the door. A woman who’d take one look at his family, his history, and run screaming the other way.
    What a prize package he was, Mike thought wryly.
    But he wasn’t here to fall in love, he was here to have fun.
    And Amber seemed more than up for that.

CHAPTER TWO
    V EGAS HAD ALWAYS instilled a sense of adventure in Amber and with the flowing drinks throughout the day, today was no different. Her surroundings faded away as she leaned closer to Mike, gathering her courage.
    â€œKiss me,” she said, going after what she wanted.
    He stared into her eyes, tracing a finger down her cheek. Her head spun. From her alcohol-induced buzz or from him? He’d had a potent effect on her from the beginning. Throughout the day he’d allowed her to forget her problems and be carefree in ways she’d had to suppress since returning to care for her dad. Mike was generous, and over her protests, he insisted on paying for her drinks, lunch and everything in between.
    He seduced her with his easy wit and charm and with the sex appeal she couldn’t ignore. Between working all the time and then dealing with her father’s illness, romance hadn’t been all that important to her. But the electricity that crackled betweenthem made her wonder if she’d just never met a man who affected her the way this one did.
    He was solely focused on her. Nothing else around him seemed to matter except her. By the time the moment arrived, kissing him seemed natural.
    Necessary.
    She touched her lips to his and he responded, slipping his fingers into her hair and cupping her head in his hands. She responded to the possessive way he took control, opening her mouth to let him inside. The kiss immediately turned hotter and more urgent. He drew insistent circles with his tongue, gliding as smoothly as the gondola they rode in, leaving no place untouched. He took her to heaven. Her heart pounded in her chest and she didn’t want the dizzying sensations to end.
    â€œAh, the beauty of young love.”
    The sound of the gondolier’s voice brought Amber back to reality and she regretfully pulled back.
    â€œThe ride’s over,” the man said. “Unless you’d like me to keep going?” he asked in a knowing voice.
    She couldn’t be embarrassed over something so right. Besides, the man was probably used to people making out under his watch. She glanced at Mike. Though she’d love to continue their ride, she had other plans for him.
    â€œWe’ll get out here,” she decided for them.
    Mike raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised, but he stepped out first, then helped her do the same.
    â€œReady for some more fun?” she asked him.
    He nodded.