Game For Love: Game for You (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read Online Free PDF Page A

waiting for them.
    Branson approached the captain. “Permission to come aboard the Barbara Jean, sir?”
    “Permission granted.” Formalities dispensed with, the captai n smiled at them with kind eyes. “Good to see you again, Branson. Tough luck about the concussion.”
    Branson flinched ever so slightly and squeezed Sarah’s hand a little harder. “Yeah, shit happens.” He turned to Sarah. “Captain Drake, this is my friend, Sarah.”
    He took her hand and shook it warmly. “Welcome aboard, Sarah. Enjoy your cruise.” Tipping his hat to them both, he and his crew busied themselves as they prepared to cast off—or whatever you called it when a ship sets sail, and this thing was big enough to be a ship.
    Branson put a hand at the small of her back and guided her toward the forward deck, to a pair of chaise lounges. A second later a deck hand placed tropical drinks in their hands.
    Sarah took it all in with wide eyes. “Is this yours?”
    “Oh, hell, no. I couldn’t afford this. It belongs to a buddy of mine who’s a billionaire. I’ve cruised a lot with him, but never borrowed it for myself, even though I’ve had an open invitation to do so. Never wanted to, until you looked up at me with those big brown eyes and captured my soul.”
    “You’re a smooth talker.” Sarah swatted at his chest, and he caught her hand and held it to his beating heart.
    “Will my smooth-talking get me in your pants later?”
    She smiled at him. “It just might.” If she had on pants, he’d be getting in them. She covered her mouth with her free hand in surprise. “Oh, my God, this boat has a hot tub.”
    “Sure does, sweetheart.”
    She frowned. “I didn’t bring a suit.”
    “You won’t need one.”
    “But the crew—”
    “—will mind their own business unless we ring for them.”
    “O-oh,” she stuttered.
    Branson chuckled. “You look good on a yacht.” His bright blue eyes roamed up and down her body.
    “You’d look good in my stateroom.” She tossed him a sassy smile because that’s what a self-confident princess would do.
    Branson choked on his drink . “I—uh—” Now it was his turn to stutter, and she loved him like this, a little vulnerable and posturing like a good alpha, trying to hide his soft, gooey center. Branson didn’t fool her. She’d watched him from the wings for too long. His soft side drew her to him even more than his hard body and his blatant sexuality. Once a month, he hosted a huge pizza party for underprivileged kids, and she handled the planning. He was great with those kids and could bring a smile to the most sullen face. The man possessed a gift with children.
    Obviously, he did with women, too.
    Not that she was complaining when she was the focus. If only she could have the entire fairy tale. All of it. The castle, the Golden Retriever, the two kids. The fairy tale ending. But she did have tonight, and that alone was freaking awesome.
    Sarah walked to the railing, holding onto the top rail and leaning down to watch the water pass by in gentle waves making a swishing sound against the hull. The Barbara Jean motored slowly as the sun set on a windless summer night. She squeezed her eyes shut. Tonight was her night. No expectations for a repeat performance. She’d just savor this one night and take it to bed with her for the rest of her life.
    Bra nson stepped forward, placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him. He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her head. “What are you thinking? If you want to back out, now’s the time to tell me.”
    Sarah shook her head adamantly. “No. Not at all. It’s so beautiful.”
    “You’re the one who’s beautiful,” he whispered as he bent his head.
    “I bet you say that to all the girls.” Sarah stopped breathing. He was going to kiss her. Right here. Right now. He snaked an arm around her back and pulled her close, still h olding her chin steady and her face tipped up to his with his other hand.
    “Maybe