Always Devoted Read Online Free PDF

was going to come next.  But the intensity in Linc's eyes, the nerve working in his jaw, the potent attraction she'd felt from the first time she'd met him urged her to stand absolutely still.  The silence between them was heart-poundingly loud.  The air seemed to quiver with anticipation.
    Then Linc bent his head and she lifted her chin.  His mouth came down on hers with a demand that she couldn't deny.  The pressure of his lips was momentary and then his tongue slipped into her mouth.  She felt herself reaching for him, sliding her hand up his nape, relishing the feel of his thick, dark hair.  When she melted against him, he held her tighter.  She could feel his belt buckle against her midriff, feel his arousal that took her breath away.  This man desired her, really desired her.  The way he kissed...
    ...Told her he was an expert.  From what she'd read, he'd never married.  She hadn't dated much in high school because of her mom being sick.  Caring for her and watching over Paige had taken over most waking hours.  She'd met Barrett after their mom had died while she was going to school at night to earn her degree.  He'd been her first and only.  Lincoln Granger so outclassed her in so many ways, she'd better not get caught up in the moment or use him as an escape because of what was happening with her sister.
    He must have felt her withdraw even before she actually withdrew because he ended the kiss and backed off, slowly releasing her.
    She found her footing on the asphalt, composed herself as best she could before she looked up into his eyes.
    "If that wasn't what you wanted, it won't happen again."  His voice was just a bit husky and she was glad to hear he'd been affected by the kiss, too.
    "I don't know what I want.  This is a confusing time."
    "I know.  I certainly don't want to make it more confusing."  His voice took on that brisk tone again when he said, "Let me give you Gillian's address."  He took his wallet from his back pocket and slipped out a card.  He was careful when he handed it to her, that their fingers didn't touch.  Because if they did, they might kiss again?
    "Do you need directions?" he asked.
    "No, my car has a GPS."
    "Good.  Then I don't have to worry about you getting lost.  I'll see you at Gillian's tomorrow at 9:30."
    Then Linc Granger walked down her driveway to his car, climbed inside, backed out and drove away.
    Emma felt lost already.

Chapter Three
     
    The following morning, shaken up more than he wanted to admit by last night's kiss—a woman's kiss had never done that—Linc concentrated on ringing Nathan's doorbell.  He was purposefully five minutes late because he'd guessed Emma would be early.  She'd be over-the-top anxious about this appointment.  At least if he showed up last they wouldn't be alone together, wouldn't have to look into each other's eyes and remember that kiss.
    Gillian opened the door to the two-story stucco home and smiled up at him.  "Hey, Linc.  Emma and I have been having a cup of coffee.  Would you like some?"
    "Black," he said tersely, and Gillian arched an eyebrow at him.
    He knew she didn't read minds or anything like that, but sometimes her intuition was just a little too uncanny.
    He followed Gillian through the foyer into the living room and there Emma was.  She'd worn a peach skirt and matching tank, with white beads around her neck and white sandals on her feet.  He noticed right away that her nails were painted one of those neutral shades.  Remembering her fingers in his hair, he wished he hadn't noticed.  He wished everything about her didn't cause a reaction in him.
    Gillian went to the coffee table and poured him a mug of coffee.  When she handed it to him, he mumbled, "Thanks," and sat in the wing chair beside the sofa.  Practically speaking, he had to break the silence between him and Emma.  "How are you this morning?"
    She gave him what was supposed to pass as a smile.  "Nervous."
    He nodded, understanding