Read To Me Read Free

look.
    “Krupnik,” he explained. “A very old Polish recipe.”
    Blaise licked her lips. “Delicious.”
    “Enjoy.” Mr. Miłosc smiled and returned to the front of the store.
    She and Guy enjoyed the sweet liqueur in silence, taking small sips, letting the flavor roll around their mouths and fill their senses. Though the portions were small, Blaise began to feel a pleasant buzz. Whether from the krupnik or her companion’s powerful presence, she didn’t know.
    When their glasses were empty, Guy placed them both on the floor. With a smile, he touched the book resting on Blaise’s lap. “Shall we continue?”
    His hand so close to her intimate parts sent a charge through her. Before she had a chance to speak, the lights at the front of the bookstore flicked off, then on, signaling the shop was about to close.
    Blaise blinked in surprise. Guy gave her a rueful smile. “I think we’re being asked to leave.”
    “Ah.” She stood reluctantly, gathering her purse and Little Women , her heart heavy with disappointment. She didn’t want to go, didn’t want to say goodbye to Guy. As he followed her through the narrow stacks, the lights flicked off above and behind them.
    His touch was feather light on her shoulder. She hesitated, then found herself being turned as Guy’s strong arms slipped around her. In the darkness of the narrow space between the shelves, he pulled her close. They were breast to chest as he lowered his mouth to hers. Blaise savored the heat of his breath, the softness of his lips, and sweet residue of the krupnik.
    She slid her free hand up his back, feeling his strength even through his suit coat, opening her mouth to the gentle insistence of his tongue. He crushed her to him, their tongues caressing and playing, their breaths mingling. Her breasts ached, her nipples puckered, and her pussy warmed and softened. Blaise would have happily remained in his arms for hours, kissing him.
    But time was against them. Guy’s shoulders were stiff, his arms tense as he pulled away, as though he too was reluctant to break their contact. Trembling, Blaise slumped against the tall shelf for support, her legs rubbery. Her head whirled.
    Guy touched her shoulder again, gently nudging her, urging her to move. What for? Oh. Yes. Time to leave. Time to go home.
    In silence, they made their way to Mr. Miłosc’s desk. Guy held out the copy of Cupid’s Delight . “If it’s not too late, I’d like to purchase this.”
    The shop owner nodded. “Very well.”
    Blaise watched the transaction, her hopes deflating. Guy had purchased the book they’d shared. Who will he be sharing it with next?
    She felt ridiculous lingering by the door, waiting for him. Waiting for what? There’d been a spark, and if they’d had more time, who knew what might have happened? But their moment was gone now. She should just go home.
    Normally, the thought of her comfy little apartment at the end of a long day gave her the warm fuzzies. But tonight she dreaded the thought of sitting alone with only the TV for company.
    She opened the door, and he was right behind her. “Blaise.”
    They were on the street now. She turned to him, vaguely aware of Mr. Miłosc still inside, locking the door and turning the OPEN sign to CLOSED.
    Guy’s eyes held a question. He indicated the book in his hand. “We haven’t finished the chapter.”
    A cool wave of relief flooded her. It wasn’t goodbye. “No, we haven’t. I hate stopping in the middle of a chapter.”
    He smiled. “So where can we go…to read?”
    She marshaled her scattered thoughts. “A block from here. There’s a cocktail lounge at the Hempstead Hotel.”
    He offered his arm. “What are we waiting for?”
    The Hempstead was an old hotel that dated back to the days when elevators had operators and businessmen could smoke while drinking Manhattans at the bar. The lounge was no meat market with pop music blaring. It was a dimly lit, quiet place where people could stop after work