Playing With Fire Read Online Free PDF

expression just a few seconds earlier. Good to know that demons weren’t the only ones who felt a need to tiptoe around discussions regarding the future of a relationship.  
    He said, “Ma’am, I’d be honored to buy you that steak,” and was rewarded with that sunrise smile again.  
    “Done — as long as you don’t call me ‘ma’am’ ever again.” She grimaced. “I’ve gotten that once or twice from the bagboys at the supermarket, and it’s not fun.”
    “Guess my cowboy impression didn’t work for you, then.”
    “Oh, is that what that was supposed to be?”
    He grinned back at her, even as he wondered at himself. Banter wasn’t his usual forte. Whether through instinct or pure dumb luck, he’d always found himself pursuing women who were far more interested in the physical rather than the mental side of things. Not that he didn’t want to get physical with Felicia — preferably in the near future.
    “Good thing I didn’t go into acting,” he replied equably.
    “Oh, you probably could have made a go of it, with your looks.” Then she paused, looking a bit crestfallen. “Um…that was crass, wasn’t it?”
    “Only if you think giving people compliments is crass.” Some men might have been offended by the implication that a lack of acting ability could be compensated for by good looks. But Samael wasn’t a man, and he didn’t offend easily. “It probably depends on the compliment. Or the person giving it.”  
    He watched that dimple flicker in and out of existence next to her mouth and wished the waitress would hurry up with the food already. The osso bucco sounded wonderful, but he had a feeling dessert was going to be even better.

    • • •

    She wanted him to go home with her. The realization struck Felicia with an almost physical force as she watched him break up the last bit of bread with his long, strong fingers. What would it feel like to have those hands moving up and down her body, touching her…exploring her?
    Heat pooled in her lower belly, and she wadded up the napkin in her lap, then smoothed it out once again, hoping those simple actions would help to distract her from the waves of need that had begun to pulse through her. This was ridiculous. She’d never allowed herself to be ruled by her hormones before, so what the hell was it about Sam that made her want to toss aside every scruple about casual sex she’d ever had?  
    Well, technically, this is our second date . She had to repress a nervous laugh. Amazing, the rationalizations the human mind could come up with when it really, really wanted something. And she knew she wanted Sam. What difference did it make whether she slept with him on her “second” date or her tenth? They were both adults, right?
    Although she made an effort to take the bill, he neatly snatched it away from her and handed it and a platinum Visa to the waitress without even bothering to look at the total. Bounty hunting must pay pretty well.
    She didn’t have much time to gather her thoughts; the waitress returned with amazing speed, considering her slowness in bringing the actual food. Felicia found herself standing outside the restaurant, valet ticket clutched in her hand, before she had time to collect her thoughts.
    If Sam was experiencing the same diffidence, he didn’t show much sign of it. The warm night wind ruffled his unruly black hair as he handed his own ticket to the valet.  
    “Thank you for dinner,” she blurted, even as the second valet station attendant turned to her, an expectant look on his face.
    “You’re welcome.” A brief smile. “I think he wants your ticket.”
    “Oh.” She shoved the card into the valet’s hand and waited for him to depart. Then she took a breath. “Did you — that is, I was thinking we could go back to my place. It’s not too far. For a nightcap, I mean.” Oh, God, if he didn’t already think I was an idiot for that remark about his looks, he’ll sure think it now…
    The smile