Passion Never Dies Read Online Free PDF Page A

excuse, but she couldn’t think of anything else with him standing so close.
    Jake placed a finger underneath her chin so he could stare into her brown eyes. She held her breath as he probed hers.
    “I rushed this, didn’t I?” he said, looking a bit chagrined.
    Diana shook her head in denial, but secretly agreed with him.
    “No, it’s just that I really don’t know you, Jake. I think we got carried away right now. Your sudden appearance after all these years is a bit of a shock,” she said honestly.
    Jake grinned and ran a hand through his thick blond hair making Diana crave him more.
    “Look, I’m in town for a while, so why don’t we take this slow and get to know one another?” He added mischievously, “I promise not to bite.”
    “I don’t know...” Diana’s voice trailed away, her mind in conflict.
    She had the feeling that Jake was going to be more than she could handle.
    “I apologize for coming on too strong tonight, but there’s something extraordinary between us. I felt it years ago and, as crazy as it sounds, I’m feeling it again. I know you must feel it too by your reaction to me tonight. So why don’t we find out what it is?” he asked, his eyes urging her to agree.
    Diana inwardly groaned as temptation reared its ugly head, but her cautious nature refused to let her make any impulsive decisions. She also wasn’t ready to tell him about Richard just yet.
    “Let me get back to you, Jake,” she said and added with a smile, “I admit you’re hard to resist.”
    Jake grinned and placed a hand on her soft cheek.
    “So are you,” he added softly. “I will see you again soon.”
    Diana looked up at him, her breath catching at his deeply intense look.
    “Good night,” he said before slowly walking away.
    Diana frowned at his retreating figure. How was he going to see her again? He didn’t even have her number. Before she could call out to him, he had already gotten into his black Porsche and driven away. She supposed that a man like Jake would find a way. Right now, she should be more concerned about her behavior with him tonight. How was she going to explain this to Richard?

Chapter Two
    In his corporate office later that night, Jake stood and stared out the window and thought about Diana Mulroney. It had happened again, but this time it was nine years later. He had never really forgotten her, even after almost a decade. For a while there, he had even searched for her. He had practically interrogated his sister Lana, but she hadn’t known Diana since they had attended different high schools and Lana had no idea of her whereabouts. He had spent the rest of that summer sulking. That night on the beach had lingered in his memory for years. She had left him aching more than any other woman he had met since or had yet to meet. With her beautiful brown eyes, her shy smile, and sexy figure, the innocent yet passionate eighteen-year-old girl had been a siren he had been unable to resist or forget. Now here she was all grown up, looking sexier than ever and captivating his senses all over again.
    Just sitting next to her at the table tonight had made his body come alive. She was still the most alluring woman he had ever met and he wanted her with an intensity that shook him. The inexplicably powerful attraction between them had not waned and he was more than ready to finish what they had started nine years ago.
    Jake walked back to his desk and sat down on a black leather chair, placing his hands behind his head. He had not been looking forward to coming to Vegas to deal with this newest business venture, but now with Diana in the picture he intended to maximize his stay. He leaned forward to pick up his cell phone and selected a number.
    “Max? Hi, this is Jake Redmond. I need to talk to you.”
    ~
    “What happened between you and Jake tonight?”
    Diana smiled as she heard Natalie’s voice on her cell phone.
    “You’re obviously not home yet. Call me the minute you get my message,”