Something More Read Free Page A

nose twitched from his masculine cologne tantalizing her senses. Eyeing him with unruffled coolness, she tried to ignore the teasing she read in his gaze.
    The blaze in his eyes transformed to something else, something she couldn’t read. It was gone in a moment and the sparkle of impishness returned. A new rush of emotion shot through her. It was too much. The twinkle in his eye sucked the annoyance right out of her. Bubbles developed in her chest and came out of her mouth in the form of a giggle.
    “Thank God,” he said. “I was afraid you were going to strike me.
    She accepted the white hankie and watched as he lifted a masculine hand and swiped the raindrops from his face. Strong, dark hands. Even with the appearance of a drowned rat, he—quite simply put—was gorgeous. But what hid beneath?
    Carrie always made an effort to look her professional best. She patted her hair and realized it was too late to do anything about the stringy mess, so she used his handkerchief to wipe the drops that threatened to drip from her chin onto her already saturated shirt. Seeing her cold, puckered nipples, she jerked the short-wasted jacket together. Her head snapped up to find him staring at her chest.
    Her hands fisted. “Am I that amusing?”
    His blinding smile showed perfect white teeth. “Ho! She speaks.”
    “Pardon me?”
    “No, no. I must beg your pardon. I apologize for being so hasty before, but circumstances, I’m afraid, made it necessary. My intention was to save you from becoming totally drenched.”
    He spoke with confidence, not arrogance. She’d been around enough egos to know the difference. His boldness caught her notice. And he oozed sex appeal.
    “I hope you don’t mind sharing a cab.” He gave another intoxicating smile.
    The instant attraction surprised her. Even when she’d lost her virginity all those years ago, her emotions had not been involved. Now, in the confining space of this cab, she’d lost control of her senses the moment she’d gazed into glittering sapphire eyes. The guy had killer looks with a smile that reached inside and tickled her intimate funny bone.
    Good grief. A week with Ginger had influenced her brain cells.
    “What a pleasant comfort to see a beautiful smiling face after a flight with demons. Child demons. I may not recover my hearing.” His pleasant voice rumbled from his chest.
    “You don’t like children?” Carrie asked.
    The horror-struck look on his face was priceless. “Good Lord, no. I mean, I like children. My sisters together have a dozen. But as many on a crowded airplane, with negligent parents who obviously don’t believe in discipline, and me sitting in coach . . . brutal!” He gave an exaggerated shudder.
    She smiled at his dramatic display of horror.
    “Where are my manners? Matthew Corridon, at your service.” He held out a hand. Long tan fingers waited to grip hers.
    Often the thrill of grabbing a man’s hand stemmed from her wanting to prove her strength. A strong handshake meant a strong individual. But then, being soft did not necessarily mean being weak. She placed her hand in his. Warmth enveloped her. Her gaze shifted to his and froze. His unbelievably great mouth formed into a sinful bone-melting smile. My God. He’d already been incredibly good-looking. With that smile he was absolutely devastating.
    “Carrie,” she said, ignoring his raised brow, not yet ready to reveal her last name.
    “Carrie,” he repeated softly as he caressed her fingers. “What a lovely name.” He lifted her hand and ever so slowly, drawing out the moment and the tension—inch by enticing inch—closer and closer, until he pressed his lips on her skin. Heat seared her. She wasn’t sure which was hotter, the fire of his kiss or being singed by his searing gaze.
    Her flush of warmth was unexpected. She’d not been a young schoolgirl for some time, so there was no need to act like one. Most men wanted a woman to melt at their smile. But his compelling grin