Alicia's Folly Read Online Free PDF Page A

the fact she suspected her would-be tour guide was actually a pimp.  
    She was just settling into a chaise when a shadow blocked the sun. Thinking maybe Nate’s call ended sooner than she thought it might, she looked up, expecting to see his handsome chiselled features. When she saw none other than James, her would-be guide, she damn near wet her bikini bottoms. His expression was dark as he dropped into a squat beside her.  
    “I am a detective,” he said quietly. To prove his statement, he surreptitiously palmed a badge, let her have a good look, then slid it back into his pocket. “You were being watched by some – unsavory – people last night. The woman you saw me with earlier is my partner. What I did was for show. I understand if you would prefer to see the sights with someone else. It would even be for the best, given the turn this case is taking. I would like to ask, however, that you – ”  
    “There you are. Call’s over. Are you up for a walk?” Nate called out from behind her. Alicia’s face flamed as she turned jerkily to look in his direction. She felt like she’d been caught misbehaving, though she couldn’t understand why. Struggling to quell the rather unpleasant feeling, she turned in her seat to face Nate full on.  
    The expression on his face was thunderous as he closed the distance between them. She dared to look back at James. He flashed a smile and quietly reassured her Nate wasn’t one of the “unsavories”. He then asked her to relocate to a different hotel, listing off a few off quickly for reference. Just as Nate reached them, he stood and walked away. He didn’t even bother to introduce himself. Alicia couldn’t help but think his blatant rudeness was nothing more than a heavy dose of male posturing. Shocked, all she could do was watch after his retreating back.  
    “Do I need to hire a bodyguard?” Nate asked, coming to a stop beside her. He helped her to her feet and pulled her into the circle of his arms, clearly intent on exhibiting some of his own ego.  
    “He’s a detective and he wants me to change hotels,” she said, pushing gently on his chest. Nate refused to let her go so she pushed harder. When it looked like he still wouldn’t release her, she arched an eyebrow at him and geared up to give him an earful. He growled as he very reluctantly let go.  
    “I have half a mind to have you stay in the second bedroom of my suite,” he said, “especially if that oily bugger is following you.” When she stepped away, he snagged her hand and held it, clearly unwilling to let her put too much distance between them. “Unfortunately, having you so close would be too tempting. There’s no way I’d be able to resist you.”  
    Another admission of his attraction to her. Alicia frowned up at him. He’d made a few similar comments during breakfast, before he ended it abruptly. As if the hum of energy between them wasn’t enough of a reminder. It was all getting to be too much. She started to tell him as much, only to have him cut her off.  
    “I own Langston Incorporated. I prefer chicken over beef. My favorite color is green, for no particular reason other than I like it, and I will watch any movie my date likes without complaint, just for the fact it will make her happy. Oh, and everyone tells me I’m way too damn sensitive for a guy,” he said in a rush. There was a wry grin on his face by the time he was done and, though he was smiling, his eyes were very serious.    
    Despite the almost adorable rush of words, his possessive and protective demeanor still bothered her. As was his boldness. Alicia knew darn well there was a story behind his actions and words, and she couldn’t help wanting to know it. At the same time, she needed to be free to do as she wanted during her short stay here. If she didn’t cut Nate off now, she strongly suspected he would end up manipulating her to his will most, if not all, of the time.  
    “You’re very pushy, did you