Reunited in Love Read Free Page A

name—Jacqueline.
    But then, women throwing themselves at him and one-night stands were probably the norm for someone like Ethan.
    He pulled into a parking lot in front of the hotel and handed the keys to a uniformed valet. Ethan climbed out, and the interior of the car seemed to expand. She let out a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding.
    “Feeling okay?” he said, opening her door for her. “You look a little flushed.”
    Oh god. “I’m fine. Just tired from the flight.” She got out of the car.
    The bellhop took her lone bag, and Ethan escorted her to the lobby. His large hand resting at the small of her back seemed to sear her, and the heat streaked through her until her nipples pebbled and wetness pooled between her thighs. Legs clenched, she checked in. The desk clerk smiled and said, “You’ve been upgraded to our junior suite. We put your bags there this morning. Four, correct?”
    “Yup.”
    “Is Mr. Daniel Johnson arriving later today?”
    She felt the curious stare from Ethan at her back. “No. There’s been a schedule change, and he won’t be able to come.”
    “I’ll make a note of that.” She handed Kerri the room keys. “Enjoy your stay, Ms. Wilson.”
    Kerri frowned as she walked toward the elevators. She couldn’t imagine why the hotel would upgrade her. She’d booked the cheapest room she could find.
    “Natalie arranged for the upgrade.”
    Startled, she looked up at Ethan. It was uncanny how he seemed to read her.
    “So who’s this ‘Mr. Daniel Johnson?’”
    “A managing director from my office,” she said.
    “Do you often share a room on business?”
    She snorted. “No. Besides, Dan’s got about as much interest in women as I do in astrophysics.”
    Ethan raised an eyebrow.
    “None,” she clarified.
    “Well, I didn’t want to assume. You could be a closet Stephen Hawking or something.”
    “Ha. I can barely remember Newton’s Three Laws. Anyway, I’m sure you’re busy. Thanks for taking the time to come get me.”
    “Oh no. I’m supposed to make sure you’re settled in.”
    “It’s really not necessary.”
    “Actually, it really is.”
    Kerri stopped arguing. The determined look in his eyes said he’d do as he pleased. He’d leave faster if she just went along for the moment.
    The elevator ride to the suite seemed interminable. His subtle cologne was stronger in the close quarters, and her skin prickled with hypersensitivity. She could feel his gaze on her, speculative with unfathomable intent. She licked her lips as the elevator opened with a chime.
    What did Ethan want? Surely he didn’t think he really needed to help her find her suite. It wasn’t like she’d get lost.
    She turned around to face him in front of her room. “Again, thank you, Ethan.”
    “My pleasure. Just so you know, Natalie’s been delayed in Italy, so she won’t be back until the day after tomorrow.” He pulled out a business card and jotted something on the back. “My cell, in case you need anything. And I’m leaving the BMW for you. Impossible to get around here without a car.”
    “I can just get a ren—”
    He kissed her. Nothing passionate, nothing demanding. He didn’t even try to press his tongue past her lips. It was just a peck, but somehow it was enough to make her tremble with unfulfilled longing.
    Her knees weakened. She leaned against the door. What was it about this man that made her lose all her common sense and control?
    “See you in a bit, Kerri.” He walked away with a careless wave. “I’ll pick you up for dinner later in the evening. Say seven?”
    It wasn’t even a question from the way he spoke. He acted as though she’d acquiesced.
    And from the way half-dread, half-anticipation flooded her, she knew she had.
    *

    Ethan applied more pressure on the gas, driving a bit faster than usual. The Aston Martin sped away from the hotel.
    Despite his pleasure at this unexpected second chance with a woman he’d thought he’d never see again, a