Dangerous to Know Read Online Free PDF Page B

appropriately for their trip. Denim jeans moulded to her every curve, a warm-looking fluffy sweater in a soft pale pink and her hiking boots.
    He could smell her faintly spicy perfume; it teased his senses as she gazed out of the window at the passing scenery. Usually he travelled alone when he did these trips. Perhaps he had grown softer as he’d got older.
    A trip like this normally meant a chance to be alone, to enjoy the solitude of the mountains and the beauty of the wildlife. When he was at home he had a busy social life, seeing friends and family. A nd numerous women , his conscience reminded him.
    Jerome forced himself to concentrate on his driving. After all, they would soon be off the motorway and onto the twisting side roads that led up into the lakes.
    â€œDid you want to call in somewhere for lunch?” He took the turn leading toward the valley.
    Gemma wriggled on her seat, stretching her legs as far as the passenger footwell would allow. “That would be nice.”
    He knew of a small tearoom on the shore of one of the lakes - the last time he’d been in the area he’d stopped and eaten there. Gemma would probably like the beautiful setting, with the ducks that waddled up from the water, searching for crumbs around the outdoor tables.
    The car park appeared busy when he pulled in, though it wasn’t full. Gemma looked about her with interest as she unclipped her seatbelt.
    â€œOh, this is lovely!” She beamed at him in approval. His pulse quickened.
    â€œWe’d better go inside. The tables get taken quickly.” There were a few clouds gathering above the tops of the mountains on the far side of the water. The forecast for the weekend had predicted a high possibility of showers.
    Gemma climbed out of the car and stretched her arms upwards. Jerome swallowed as her fluffy jumper rose upwards with her movement, exposing the gentle rounded curve of her bare stomach over the waistband of her jeans.
    â€œWhew, that’s better. Travelling always gives me cramp in my back.” She dropped her arms back by her sides.
    â€œYeah, I, er… need a bigger car.” Jerome hastily forced himself to focus on locking the car door before leading the way into the tearoom.
    A window table for two became vacant just as they walked in. Jerome took the seat opposite Gemma and passed her the menu.
    â€œThis is really beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.” She looked out of the window at the view across the water with a dreamy expression on her face.
    â€œYou can thank me later when you’ve helped me carry all the camping gear up the mountainside.”
    A faint flush of color crept along her cheekbones as she opened her menu. “I’d better choose something to build up my strength, then,” she said sweetly.
    He studied the menu with unseeing eyes. One of the things he liked best about Gemma was her changing nature. She could be as fierce and prickly as a hedgehog one minute, giving him as good as he gave with her quick wit. But then she would look at him with that soft expression on her face that she had right now, as she looked out at the mountains. Each change made his heart beat just that little bit faster.
    â€œI’ll have the chicken, please. Jerome, what are you going to eat?” Gemma’s voice brought him back down to earth.
    A waitress had appeared at the side of the table, notepad in hand and looking expectantly in his direction. He ordered the first thing off the top of the menu, closing the book with a little snap.
    The waitress scribbled down the order and left. Gemma leaned her elbow on the table resting her cheek on the palm of her hand. He watched as she rearranged the sugar sachets in the bowl with the other.
    â€œWhat are we going to be photographing this weekend?”
    â€œDeer, with any luck. Plus some night time shots of badgers. Those are the main ones I need to get, although anything else would be useful.”
    A crease