Mistletoe Maneuvers Read Online Free PDF

Still staring into his eyes, she brought his hand to her mouth and kissed it.
    His eyes softened and he smiled. “That’s better,” he said. “I knew you could do it if you put your mind to it.” Then he pulled his hand away and opened his cell phone, making another call and going back to business as if nothing had happened.
    She rolled down the shaded limousine window, welcoming the bright sunshine. They were meeting Sabrina at one of her most famous resorts. Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, it was one of the most romantic resorts in the world, catering to honeymooners. Lessa breathed in the warm, tropical air. New York had been dark and overcast with the forecast of another day of freezing rain. She reminded herself that this was one of the things her parents had loved about this business. Whenever one world became unpleasant, they could escape to another.
    She kept reminding herself how fortunate she was as the car pulled into the gated resort and stopped in front of a large bungalow marked Executive Offices.
    â€œWait for me to open your door,” Rick instructed,purposely tucking his collar under his jacket. “When we get out, I want you to adjust my shirt collar. After that, follow my lead.”
    He walked around the car and opened her door. He took her hand and helped her out, pulling her close. What, she couldn’t help but wonder, was the point of this playacting before they even saw Sabrina? Did he think that she was spying on them from a window? Or was it just for rehearsal’s sake? Despite her hesitation, Lessa did as she was instructed, carefully adjusting his collar. When she was finished, Rick smiled and put his arm around her, guiding her to the door. His arm weighed against her back as they walked. To be so close to him felt strange, but, surprisingly, not uncomfortable. In fact, there was something sensual about the way he held her, as if he were publicly claiming her as his.
    The secretary led them into a large, airy office with overstuffed furniture upholstered in tropical prints. When a statuesque woman stood behind a desk, Lessa stopped in her tracks. Blond, busty and completely made-up, she was the same woman Lessa had seen that night in Rick’s apartment. And suddenly the cold, hard truth hit her like a slap on the face. It was she, not Sabrina, who was being duped.
    â€œRick,” Sabrina said. She held out her hands, signaling him to greet her.
    What was going on? As Lessa watched Rick walk toward Sabrina, her heart banged against her chest so hard she was certain they both could hear.
    Sabrina took his hands and kissed him on both cheeks. Without letting go, she said, “It’s been too long.”
    How could he do this? Lessa thought. How could he have pretended not to know who Sabrina was?
    Rick stepped back from Sabrina, as if suddenly remembering his date. “Sabrina, this is Alessandra Lawrence,” he said.
    â€œWell, well,” Sabrina said, giving Lessa a careful once-over. “She’s a beautiful girl, Rick.”
    â€œYou two know each other,” Lessa said coldly.
    Sabrina smiled. “Rick and I are old friends.”
    â€œI’ve met you before,” Lessa said. “At Rick’s apartment.” Rick glanced at her, startled. “I seem to remember that you two were more than just friends.”
    â€œWe were lovers,” Sabrina said, flashing her a pearly white smile. “Rick? You didn’t tell Alessandra about me?” she teased. “I’m insulted.”
    Rick looked Lessa in the eye and said, “Sabrina and I haven’t seen each other in years.”
    â€œHas it been that long?” Sabrina said. “It seems like only yesterday.” She turned back toward Lessa and said, “We spent Christmas together one year.”
    Lessa couldn’t take her eyes off Rick. Had he set this whole thing up? Was the whole “takeover” staged simply so that he could get his