Fool Me Once Read Online Free PDF Page A

turned back to him, shaking her head. “I was insane to think that this
would work. For a moment there I actually thought I might enjoy your company.”
She stopped abruptly, surprised at the words that had just come out of her
mouth. Why was she speaking so openly to this infuriating stranger?
     A
gust of wind blew her hair forward, into her eyes. Reaching out, he raked his
fingers though it, tucking a piece behind her ear. “I shouldn’t have teased
you, Olivia. I’m sorry.”
    Her
rage subsided and was replaced immediately by a stab of disappointment. “You
were teasing?” A fluttering sensation settled in the pit of her stomach as his
fingers brushed her cheek.
    He
nodded, looking at her as though seeing her for the first time. “You know, I
didn’t expect you to be so attractive.” His voice was raspy with emotion and he
stood up, seemingly engrossed by the activity in the hayfield far below.
    Olivia’s
mind reeled. Either he was genuinely sorry, or he was an excellent actor. “Is
it too late to hear the rules?”
    He
didn’t answer for a full minute, and she wondered if he’d changed his mind.
When he spoke, his voice was flat. “The most important rule is that I can’t
fall in love with you.”
    Biting
back the sharp retort that sprang to her lips, she spoke to his broad back.
“Sorry to disillusion you cowboy, but I don’t want you to fall in love with
me.”
    His
response came back quickly. “Good, because no matter how I may act toward you
in public, I need you to remember that.” He sat down again, his expression
devoid of emotion.
    “Okay,
but I’m not sure I understand.” She really didn’t.
    He
picked up a small pebble, examined it then tossed it aside. “Because high
stakes poker can be exhausting and I’ll need every scrap of energy to focus on
the games. I can’t do that if I get involved.”
    Olivia’s
throat closed up, and she hoped that her disappointment didn’t show on her
face. She tossed her head, tried to appear casual. “So that speech you made
earlier was all a come-on?”
    “And
which speech would that be?”
    “The
one about sex being optional.” She couldn’t believe she’d just said that!
    “Ah, that speech.” His face came alive again. “Nothing’s changed in that
department, but it would have to be your idea. Even then, you need to know that
I won’t fall in love with you.” His jaw tightened. “I can’t.”
    She
nodded slowly. “I think I get the picture.” Her voice sounded hollow. “When do
you want to leave, and where are we going?”
    “I
leave for London late this afternoon. Can you be there the day after tomorrow?”
His tone was surprisingly businesslike. “I’ll be at the Dorchester. Call and
let me know when you’re arriving.”
    Olivia
thought quickly. That would give her time to plan her wardrobe and enjoy a nice
long visit with Justine. “That’s fine,” she said, standing up and brushing off
her trousers.
    Josh
unfolded himself and stood up. His jeans clung to him in all the right places
and for an insane moment she wondered what he would look like naked. He turned
to her, and she dragged her eyes away from the sinewy muscles of his thighs.
    “I
thought we’d try Monte Carlo first. Then perhaps Marbella. That is, unless you
have any other suggestions?” He hovered over her, blocking out the sun.
    “That
sounds good. I know people in both places.” She was having difficulty
breathing, with him standing so close.
    “I
thought you might.” He reached out and brushed the back of his fingers against
her cheek. The caress was so delicate, so gentle she might have imagined it.
“You really are a beautiful woman,” he said huskily. “Thank you for agreeing to
go with me.”
    Olivia’s
knees threatened to buckle, but she managed to remain upright. She lifted her
chin.
    “Alex
said he would trust you with his life.” Her gaze didn’t waver.
    He
looked deeply into her eyes. “You can too,” he said, his voice barely