Breakaway Read Online Free PDF Page B

plunged his hands into her hair, holding her so he could kiss her thoroughly. He licked into her mouth, teased her tongue. He tasted of the coffee they’d drunk, a hint of wine, and deeper of sexy, potent, demanding man.
    A tiny cry came from her throat, part protest, part acquiescence. He was so hot. When she ran her hands over his chest and back she found that he was muscular and toned, as she’d guessed.
    Seat belts were a hindrance. He snapped his free with a curse. Then reached and unsnapped hers.
    He turned her toward him and let his own hands play. He didn’t grab straight for her breasts, but traced the scoop of her neckline with one fingertip. Her nipples came to life. She felt them bloom against her dress, hard and insistent.
    His single fingertip, seemingly oblivious, traced her shoulder, tracked to her upper back and moved up her spine into her hairline. She shivered. How had she never known how sensitive she was in that spot?
    She copied his movement, lightly dragging her index finger into the V of his open shirt, so she touched warm, warm skin and springy hair. His subtle caress reminded her of how long it had been since she’d been touched like this.
    No, she realized, she’d never been touched like this.
    Not with this slow abandon. This controlled madness.
    “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anyone as much as I want you right now,” he said, all huskiness and passion.
    “Mmmm,” she said.
    “Come back to the hotel with me?”
    She let her fingers play in his thick, gorgeous hair. “I can’t,” she almost wailed.
    He kissed her one more time. Then broke away and pulled out his phone. “Do you know the number of a cab?”
    “Take the car,” she said, feeling breathless and out of control. “Bring it back in the morning.”
    He nodded. “Thanks.”
    She got out of the vehicle and found her legs were trembling. He came around the back and met her, reaching for her arms as though he couldn’t stop himself from touching her. “I will dream of you tonight,” he said, and kissed her; one last, lingering kiss.
    As he drove away, she suspected he’d be in her dreams, too.
    If she slept.

4
    S PRUCE B AY WAS full of self-sufficient people who were proud of their toughness and ability to survive the harsh climate. Max discovered all of this as he strolled the town on foot, getting a feel for his home for the next while.
    There were outdoor equipment stores, hunting and fishing shops as well as a Realtor, financial planners, a grocery store and a pharmacy.
    He found the local rec center, where, due to the long winter, the main sports were curling, figure skating and hockey.
    Needless to say, the ice rink was in perfect condition.
    After some asking around, he tracked down the manager of the facility. “Hi,” he said, “I’m Max Varo. New hire at Polar Air.”
    “I know who you are,” the guy said. “Heard you took care of Frank Carmondy pretty good the other night.”
    Max had no idea whether this was a good or a bad thing in the other man’s opinion. “He was bothering my date,” he said.
    The guy nodded. “Time somebody called him on his crap.” He held out his hand. “Ted Lowenbrau. What can I do for you?”
    “I need some ice time. I’m practicing for a big tournament. Badges on Ice.”
    “I’ve heard of it. We’ve sent a few teams from here over the years. They letting in pilots now? Thought you had to be a cop or a firefighter.”
    “The tournament’s for emergency services, you’re right. I’m an ambulance reserve guy. I play on a team with my buddies. We really need to keep up the practicing if we have a hope of winning.” He wondered if he could fly Adam and Dylan up for a few sessions. Depending on his schedule, he might also be able to head south for the odd practice.
    “What’s your schedule like? Could I rent the rink for a few hours a week?”
    “Be real early in the morning or late at night.”
    He nodded. “I’m used to that.”
    “Give me your details.