Midnight's Sweet Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page A

sure how I feel about any of it. I’ve never been such a charity case.”
    “You’re not a charity case, and I don’t doubt you’re having a rough go,” he started, “but you’re handling things much better than I would. Still, the offer is on the table. I hope you’ll accept it. No strings attached.”
    This wasn’t like her to not know her plans. She didn’t do spontaneity. She’d also never been to New York and didn’t have many options thanks to the holiday. The added bonus of being around someone who made her forget her heartache helped seal the deal.
    “You know what, why not? I’d like to. Thank you. You’ve been a lifesaver.”
    Noah’s lips curled. “Oh please don’t accuse me of that.”
    Confused she asked, “Why not? You are one. You could’ve dropped me off anywhere and went about your way.”
    “Being called a lifesaver puts a lot of pressure on a guy,” he explained, “and I’m afraid I won’t meet your expectations if you think of me that way.”
    Though he did put her at ease with his conversation, she still questioned his motives. No way did a guy do something just to be nice. There had to be a catch. What exactly she didn’t want to focus on right now.
    She swished her water around in the glass. “What exactly do you get out of helping me?”
    “Dinner with a beautiful woman,” he answered without missing a beat.
    Sophie had to give the guy credit for his perfect response. “There you go being charming again.”
    “Would you believe it’s natural?” The warmth from his gaze made her a believer.
    She chuckled and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Yes, I would.” Sophie looked down at her plate and was sorry to see it empty. Had she inhaled her food? “By the way, thank you for a fantastic meal. You know how to treat a girl right.”
    “No worries. Would you care for dessert?”
    “I don’t think so tonight,” she said regretfully. Her skirt already felt like it was pinching her waist in two. “Much as I love a good slice of baklava, and trust me I do, my stomach is a bit out of sorts.”
    Noah gave her a nod. “Then we can get out of here and I’ll let you check my place out. We can decide the rest of the night from there.”
    “You mean like you go out and have a good time while I work on my speech?”
    “Funny, that’s not at all what I meant,” he said and grabbed her coat. “I plan to get you out of the house one way or another.”
    Under other circumstances she’d take on that challenge. She had a feeling he’d be great to hang out with. Curious of his plans she asked, “What are you suggesting?”
    “Ringing in the new year in Times Square. Where else?”
    She shook her head. “Are you kidding? The whole world will be there.”
    “It’s better than sitting around alone with a sexy pout on your mouth.” His face went a deep shade of red and he diverted his gaze.
    Sophie put on her coat, her eyes locked on his.
    “I’m sorry,” he said. “That was unintentional. I didn’t mean to say that.”
    She laughed. “Wow, first I’m called a hot mess, and now I find out that I don’t have a sexy pout? How do I manage?”
    “No, you do have one, but I shouldn’t have voiced it aloud. I’m embarrassed.”
    Compliments had never been Kyle’s strong suit. “Don’t be. I liked that you said it. I mean, that you noticed.” Now it was her turn to show off her reddened cheeks.
    A wide smile crossed his handsome features. It made her stomach flutter.
    “Okay, good. Seriously though, I’d love for you to go out with me tonight. What better way to let loose and ring in the New Year than with millions of other people?”
    She shuddered. “The thought of doing that scares me. Thanks anyway, but I’m going to have to decline.”
    Together they walked to the front of the restaurant. With his hand on the door he glimpsed her way. “I have yet to work my mysterious ways. I plan on convincing you to go.”
    In such close proximity to his full beautiful