Temptation’s Edge Read Free Page A

certain he didn’t want to hear her sob story about her flaky mother. He was quiet for a moment,watching her again. She shook her head, a little appalled at herself.
    “Change of subject?” he suggested kindly.
    “Yes. Sure. What about you? Do you have family here?”
    “Just me. Family is back in Dublin. It’s just my mum and my sisters, Molly and Clara. I try to get back every year to visit.”
    “What brought you to the States? Did you come here for work?”
    It was his turn to stall. He shrugged again, but the gesture wasn’t quite as casual as it had been before. “I married an American. I’ve been divorced for a long time.”
    “Ah.” He was obviously uncomfortable talking about it, so she switched tracks. “But you stayed here.”
    “I like it here. I’d made a life here, got my degree in graphic arts, started a career.”
    Why did she suspect there was something else to it that he wasn’t saying? Maybe because for the first time since they’d been talking he was looking away, his gaze resting on the rain-spattered window for several moments before he turned back to her.
    “Change of subject?” she suggested this time.
    “Yes. Definitely.”
    He smiled, and she watched his tight features loosen. Noticed the merest hint of creases at the edges of his eyes. She’d always loved that on a man, for some reason.
    “What shall we talk about?” she asked.
    “We can talk more about you.” He leaned in toward her.
    “There isn’t really that much more to say.”
    “Ah, I disagree. I find you fascinating.”
    “Are you flirting with me again?”
    “I am.”
    She smiled at him. “I like it.”
    He lifted her hand once more and his voice was a quiet murmuragainst it before he laid a soft kiss there. His sea-green eyes burned into her. He had long lashes, dark and full. She could see a small scar, about an inch long, below his right eye. Which only made him more masculine. Sexier. “We have much to discuss later, then.”
    “Discuss?”
    God, she could barely speak, her entire body feeling like she’d been engulfed by flames. He’d only kissed her hand!
    He moved in even closer. “You may have guessed who—and what—I am, knowing Alec and Dylan, yes?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then you may know that I never take a woman without negotiating first.”
    She straightened, pulled her hand from his. “You think you’ll ‘take’ me?”
    “I do. And I think you’ll like it. I can see it in the sparkle in your lovely blue eyes. Eyes like the sky off the coast of Dun Laoghaire in the summertime.”
    “Dun Laoghaire?”
    “Just outside of Dublin. Have you ever been to Ireland?”
    “No, never. I’d love to see it someday.”
    How had he managed to change the subject so smoothly? Oh, he was smooth. Still, she’d never met a man who could maneuver around her. This man would be no different, despite her response to him. He could play the role of boss in the bedroom—and she knew already they’d end up there—but if he thought to pull that anywhere else, he’d be dead wrong.
    She took a long swallow of her vodka, set the glass down on the table beside the square red porcelain plate. “So, back to these negotiations you mentioned.”
    “Ah, lass, don’t you agree that should wait until after this party is done?”
    He was right, of course. What was wrong with her? A totally inappropriate conversation while they were supposed to be celebrating with Dylan and Alec. But he’d talked her in circles…hadn’t he?
    She gave a small nod of her chin, sipped her drink once more. And was relieved when Dylan stopped by to chat with her for a few minutes, shifting the mood. Allowing her some time to think, to get her head back on straight.
    “I’m so glad you’re here, Mischa. There are a thousand things to do.”
    “Don’t worry, sweetie, we’ll get it all done. I’m completely at your disposal.”
    “You’re sure you don’t mind staying at my place without me being there? I just…I don’t want to