Christmas Eve Read Online Free PDF Page A

boot. She might as well have asked how much money he had in the bank.
    Like all the other women in his life, Eve seemed ready to sort his change for her benefit. Before long she'd be asking, " Can I drive this sporty little car? I’ve always wanted a Ferrari all my own ."
    Always the same, no matter who he coupled with. After trying out Croupier, women usually wanted their hands on two more of his possessions: his car keys and his dough.
    Undaunted by his sharp reply, Eve forked up a bite of salmon, savored it on her tongue. "Delicious. My compliments to the chef."
    "I'll tell him." Without question, André could cook. Most nights, at the casino, Nick couldn't take time to enjoy his food, but for the next few days, the slowest time of the year in Vegas, he intended to indulge himself.
    Eve ate quietly, a small frown creasing her brow. Trying to figure him out, Nick supposed.
    She needn't bother. She wouldn't be around that long.
    "I love fresh asparagus." Eve's pink tongue curled around a thin stalk and he watched, spellbound, as she sucked the tasty morsel in, then bit off the tip.
    He winced. Even so, his blood moved through his veins like warmed honey, thick and slow. He abandoned all thought of money-grabbing women as his heart raced and his skin grew hot.
    Uttering a soft curse, he started to sweat.
    What that tongue could do to his body, he couldn't wait to find out.
    But first things first. They hadn't finished the main course and here he was, dreaming about dessert.
    Eve set her fork on her plate. "Is something wrong?"
    "No, why?" Nick's words sounded gravelly.
    "You look... besieged."
    "Just incredibly warm. It's probably the wine, and our closeness to the fire."
    Eve nodded, then tipped her own goblet to her lips. As she rolled a sip of the golden liquid around on her tongue, she smiled at him, one brow raised.
    She was slowly killing him. An experienced courtesan enjoying her game, aware of the effect she was having on him. Yeah...
    The sudden rush of anticipation sent the blood pulsing through Nick's veins, roaring in his ears. Even his palms felt sweaty. He picked up his napkin, wiped his hands, then his brow.
    Eve's puzzled expression was slow to change, but when a smile broke across her face, it was like the sun breaking through clouds. His heart moved, as if she held it in her dainty hands.
    Surprised by his reaction to her beguiling smile, he emptied his wine glass. Set it down.
    Sometime over the last few minutes, he'd cleaned his plate of food, but couldn't remember eating a single bite. Eve had cast a spell over him. He felt like he was swimming upstream, trying to keep his head above water.
    Trying to stay in control.
    He refused her offer of help and cleared the table by himself.
    "Would you like dessert now, or later, Eve?"
    "Later, please." She pushed back from the table and stood. "I couldn't possibly eat anything else. And we really should do something about my car."
    Same song. Different verse.
    "It can stay where it is until morning. That way, we'll be able to see what we're doing."
    "But what if the owner of the house next door returns? My car is blocking his drive."
    "Let's worry about that when it happens." He reached for her hand and led her back to the front room.
    A medley of tunes from the forties played on the stereo. He turned to Eve, his hand going to her waist, prepared to pick up right where they'd left off.
    "I should–"
    "No, you shouldn't," he whispered, turning her to face him. "Everything else can wait. Your only priority for this night is to share time with me."

 
    Chapter Five
     
    How had Nick guessed that Eve was all alone tonight? And tomorrow.
    She had no Christmas plans. Her parents spent theirs in the Hamptons. And she'd once again turned down their invitation to join them. She and Jeffery had talked about spending the time together and she'd packed a bag for...
    No. She no longer had plans.
    Nick nibbled her ear lobe. Then his tongue followed the intricate curve,