In Love and War Read Online Free PDF

fallen for you,” she said, making light of how they’d met.
    “Good, because I’d like to see more of you.”
    “I’d like that too, but you know my terms.”
    “Get my ass out of danger, and we’ll talk,” he said with a nod, then flipped on his turn signal and cut across the intersection.
    “That about covers it.”
    They pulled into a crammed parking lot and drove around and around, looking for an open space.
    “Let me drop you at the door, and I’ll find something,” Dylan said on the next pass.
    “I’d rather walk in with you.”
    He smiled at that. “Your call.”
    The space they eventually found should have come with shuttle service, but any further complaints were forgotten when Dylan’s hand settled comfortably on the small of Ariela’s back as she walked up the steps to the restaurant. That touch made her float the rest of the way.
    Ariela waited by a large palm while Dylan spoke with a host. He returned with a suggestion.
    “Since we hit it on the wrong night and the wrong time, this could take a while. How about waiting in the bar?”
    “Sounds good.”
    They cut through the crowd and lucked out when they passed another couple leaving. Ariela and Dylan claimed the vacant stools.
    A bartender stopped over and set out fresh coasters. “What can I get you?”
    Dylan looked at Ariela with raised eyebrows.
    “I’ll take a Seven-Up or Sprite—whichever you have.”
    “And I’ d like a glass of your house pinot noir.”
    T he bartender moved off to fill their order.
    Dylan snapped his fingers. “I forgot. You probably can’t have alcohol tonight, right?”
    “ The doctor discouraged it.”
    “Are you still fuzzy on the details or can you remember things now?”
    “ As far as I can tell, I’m fine.” When the guy looked at you, he really looked at you, but without being creepy about it. Interesting. It probably helped in his line of work.
    “You’re lucky it wasn’t more serious,” he said, bringing her out of her thoughts.
    She scoffed at the idea. “I don’t know. Athletes go right back into the game all the time after getting hit harder than I did.”
    “Most wear helmets and still have to be medically cleared first.”
    Good point . “I was checked out.” Closing the subject, she smiled sweetly at the bartender when he set her fizzing glass down in front of her.
    Dylan drew his wine toward him , not finished studying her. There was something in his expression she couldn’t quite read.
    Finally, he moved his glass aside and asked, “Can I touch you? Would you mind? I’ve wanted to check something out since I picked you up.”
    Touch her? What did he expect her to say , “ Grope away ?” Considering where they were, she felt relatively safe. Still .
    After a lengthy delay, she asked carefully, “Touch me where?”
    It was tough to say which was sexier, h is chuckle or his grin. “Indulge me.” With that, his fingers slid under her hair and brushed her scalp. Their gazes locked. Her heartbeat accelerated as he located her bump and gently traced it. “That’s not as bad as I thought it would be.” He gave her a reassuring smile and withdrew his hand.
    Okay, that was strangely arousing .
    “You’re a little peculiar,” she told him, refreshingly pleased with this date.
    Clearly amused, h e raised his glass. “Judging by your smile, I’d say that’s a good thing. Here’s to being in the right place at the right time this morning.”
    Those astonishing lapis blue eyes shimmered over the rim of his glass, beckoning her into dangerous depths as they tapped their stemware together.
    ***
    The surprises continued during dinner. At one point Dylan picked up the strawberry on the edge of his plate by the stem and sliced Ariela’s romantic heart wide open by offering it to her.
    A startling yet pleasant thought flowed through her mind. He could be the one —if only he had a less dangerous occupation. She gave him a melting look—she couldn’t help it.
    “ Would you