The Sex On Beach Book Club Read Free Page A

turning him down in the bookstore? Shaking it off, she put Wes out of her mind. She could find out Cullen’s last name on her own. She went around to a couple of the businesses, and stopped people on the docks, asking questions. But she drew a big fat zero in her quest for information on Cullen.
    After twenty minutes, Holly knew she was wasting her time. She needed Cullen’s last name to start doing research on him, and for her reports. Her client needed pictures and detailed reports—including Cullen’s last name—to prove Tanya was cheating on him. Phil needed those to invoke a clause in the prenuptial agreement that would significantly reduce the amount of money Tanya would get.
    She was sure that Wes knew Cullen’s last name. All she had to do was convince him to tell her. Holly hurried through the cool night and reached the bookstore just in time to see Wes come outside, turn around, and lock the door.
    Slowing her pace, she walked up. “Hi.” Damn, he was still sexy in that overbearing male way.
    He pulled his key out of the lock, then turned his gaze on her. “Change your mind?” He glanced down at the book in her hand. “Want me to return Cullen’s book?” He added a grin that should be labeled as dangerous.
    Holly leaned against the side of the bookstore and shrugged. “I have time to kill. Thought I’d see if you still wanted to get a drink. Unless”—she opened her eyes wide—“you really are afraid that I’m a stalker with murder on my mind.”
    A small smile tugged at his mouth as he shoved his keys into his pants pocket. “If not murder, then what—sex?”
    Oh yeah. Wait, no! God, she was weak tonight. Maybe it was her bad week. She decided to change tactics. “I asked you out for a drink, Brockman. All you have to say is that you aren’t interested.” She turned and started to walk away.
    â€œDoes that work?” he called after her.
    She’d only gone a couple feet and turned back. “What?”
    â€œThe offensive. Does it work?”
    She couldn’t help smiling. “Usually. But then, I don’t usually have to beg men for their company.”
    He directed his gaze in a slow examination down her body, clad in a burgundy tank top and form-fitting jeans, then back to her face. His green eyes darkened. “Tell me more about this begging.”
    Down, girl. What was it about him? She shot back, “For that, you’d have to buy the drinks.”
    He stepped closer, throttling his voice down to a dangerous rumble. “Sex on the Beach?”
    She swore the ocean roared in her head. Her hormones surged up into huge waves of longing, washing over her. “You’re offering me sex on the beach?”
    His grin widened, crinkling his gorgeous eyes. “The drink. What did you think I meant?”
    Her thighs tightened in response. Get a grip, Hillbay—it’s just a reaction to a handsome man and a long dry spell of no sex. Holly was all for sex, but on her terms. She always kept her emotions in check. She was the cool one—the one that walked away when the relationship had played out. It was time to take back the power. She said, “That information will cost you more than the price of a drink.”
    He didn’t hesitate. “Name your price.”
    â€œSteak.” She was hungry. And food might keep her from thinking about sex.
    â€œDone. You can follow me in your car.”
    She was practically dizzy from the pace he set. Or maybe that was pent-up lust breaking free. “Follow you where?”
    â€œMy house. On the beach. I’ll make the drinks and we’ll grill some steaks out on my deck and watch the waves. Or maybe listen to the waves, since it’s dark out.” His grin suggested more than wave-watching.
    She thought about that, but in the end, Wes had what she wanted. Information on Cullen.
    Not sex.
    She lifted her chin.