Passion's Price Read Online Free PDF

Darlene, and I think we ought to see where it takes us. What about it?”
    “I don’t know. I live in Maryland, and you’re here. Besides, I’m not sure I want a guy who can make me do what I just did.”
    He stepped back and stared at her. “I hope you’re kidding. You want to be with a man who can’t fire your passion? That makes no sense to me.”
    “Come on,” she said. “Let’s go downstairs before Boyd decides we’re up to something. Besides, won’t he sneak out?”
    “No. He’s afraid to do that. You never answered my question.”
    “But we don’t know each other, Mike.”
    “Right. And I’m asking that you give us a chance to get to know each other. I want to know what makes you happy, what ticks you off, angers you, saddens you, your hobbies, your joys, secrets, likes and dislikes. Are you a Republican or a Democrat?”
    “Don’t insult me by even suggesting that I could be a Republican.”
    “At least I know that much.” He put an arm around her. “Our food should be here any minute. Come on.”
    He paid for the food, and she neither objected nor questioned him about it. The three of them ate beforesitting down to watch a movie. At about nine o’clock, Boyd announced that he was going to bed.
    “You take the guest room, Darlene, and Mike—” said Boyd.
    “I’m sleeping down here on the sofa.”
    “Sure,” Boyd said. “The sofa opens into a double bed. See you tomorrow morning. Good night, Darlene. I’m sorry you have to be here, but in a way, I’m glad you came. You brighten the place.”
    Darlene watched as he climbed the stairs—almost jauntily, she thought.
    “He seems happy,” Darlene said to Mike when they were alone.
    “I think he is. He likes you a lot. You’re gracious and…well, gentle with him.”
    “So are you.”
    “I’m just being myself. A woman expresses gentleness quite differently than a man. Besides, he doesn’t want me fussing over him, but your little pats on his arms and his shoulders make him feel cherished.”
    She walked over to Mike and gave his shoulder a soft caress. “Did that make you feel cherished?”
    His eyes darkened, and his nostrils flared. “Unless you want to spend the night on this sofa with me, get up those stairs.”
    She cocked her head to the side and exhaled deeply. “Nobody orders me around, Mike. I’ll go up the stairs when I get ready.”
    “If you’re trying to see what I’m made of, you’removing in the right direction. I want to make love to you, and if you don’t get up those stairs now, I will.”
    “Don’t be so sure.”
    “I know the music that makes you dance, and I’m skilled at playing it.” He walked toward her, but she stepped backward until her back touched the arm of the sofa. The next minute she was lying on her back, and he was standing over her. “What will it be, Darlene? This isn’t a time for teasing.”
    She raised her right hand to him. “Please help me up. I want to kiss you good-night, but I’m scared to.”
    He helped her up and wrapped her in his arms, but before she could return the caress, he pressed a quick kiss to her lips and released her. “Sleep well, baby. By the way, I forgot to give you this travel-size toiletry pack. I bought it at the supermarket.”
    Her arms went around him. “You’re so sweet. It’s just what I needed. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome,” he said, his voice rough and shaky. “Now, go on upstairs.”
    She parted her lips over his and took his tongue into her mouth. “Night.” She ran up the stairs. He didn’t know it, but, as mad as he made her sometimes, she didn’t see herself ever forgetting about him.
     
    Mike opened the sofa bed and smiled. He had expected to have a miserable night’s sleep on a sofa with his feet hanging off it, but the large mattress guaranteed comfort. He took a shower and headed back downstairs as quickly as possible, carefully avoiding the room inwhich Darlene slept. For whatever reason the woman was temptation