What the Heart Knows Read Free Page A

that.”
    “You’re a little young for that type of thing, don’t you think?” he asked. He chuckled when she shrugged. If you only knew, Oliver.
    “It keeps me busy.”
    “I sense there’s a story there.”
    “I could say the same for you,” she said.
    “Touché.”
    “Tell me about you,” she said.
    “What do you want to know?”
    “Everything.”
      His own words given back made him smile, and she swallowed back a moan.  He was a beautiful man to begin with, but when he smiled he was stunning. It made her want to pinch her arm to prove she wasn’t dreaming.
    “That’s a tall order. Why don’t we start with favorite color and hobbies? I’m partial to black, I collect vintage records, go to concerts, and at the risk of sounding like a cliché, I enjoy taking pictures.”
    “If we’re talking clichés, my favorite color is pink, though I swear I’m not overly girly, and I’d love to see your record collection some time.”
    “What do you like to listen to?” he asked. His body relaxed as he opened up, and the edgy vibe he’d carried when he first stepped into Cupa dissipated.
    “A bit of everything, though I’m not a big fan of modern country, you?”
    “I can listen to everything, but I’m partial to the old punk, some 80’s pop punk, rock and alternative.”
    “Nice selection, Mr.?”
    “Young.”
    “Oliver Young, I like it. What’s your middle name? ”
    “Oh no, I’m not telling you that.”
    “It can’t be that bad.”
“Yes it can.” The grim expression on his face made her laugh out loud.
    “You do realize you’re talking to Juniper Blossom Bloom, right?” He laughed. 
    “Your name is cute, mine is just cruel . ”
    “Maybe I can guess.”
    “You can try.”
    She narrowed her eyes and focused on his face.  Francis, no… Hugo?   A chill ran down her spine as a voice in her mind whispered an answer. Cornelius.
    “Cornelius?”
    She slipped back into the hooded sweater she’d taken off earlier, as a chill settled over her.
    “Did it get cold in here to you?” she asked.
    “I didn’t notice a change in temperature. How did you know that?” he asked.
    She rubbed her arms and looked up at him surprised.
    “I was right?”
    “Yes.”
      Their conversation was cut short when the pizza arrived. The banter continued as they talked between bites of pizza. Each fact he revealed added to his appeal. The question she really wanted to ask was what a man like him was doing single. Despite the laid back persona he presented, his eyes seemed shadowed with secrets and pain. It was a look she knew was mirrored in her own. A man this handsome with something to hide should bring up red flags.  Still, she couldn’t shake the déjà vu that made her believe she could trust him.
    All too soon they stood in front of the back entrance to Cupa.
    “I’ve returned you to the same place I found you unharmed, and if I’m not mistaken, happy. Does that mean I passed the first test?” he asked
    “Maybe.”
    Juni leaned back against the wall and tilted her head back to gaze up at him as he leaned forward , enclosing her in between the arms he placed on either side of his head.  He lowered his head, and she inhaled the unique aroma of his scent. Oliver paused just centimeters from her mouth.
    “I’m going to kiss you now,” he whispered.
    He peered into her eyes , in search of what she assumed was permission. She gave a quick nod, and he tangled his fingers into her hair. Her body melded against his as he pulled her tight to his firm frame.  A purr vibrated in her throat when his tongue flicked out to trace her lips.
    “You’re just as tasty as I thought you’d be,” he said.
    She grasped his biceps to keep herself standing as her legs wobbled, and her body shook.  The raw sensuality that poured off him made her pussy weep. Her pebbled nip ple s brushed against the rough material of her shirt through her bra , and she moaned.
    “That’s it . O pen up and let me in ,