Recipe for Temptation Read Online Free PDF

image of Victor penetrated the intoxicating haze of lust clouding her brain.
    Abruptly she tore her mouth from Michael’s and buried her face against his hard chest. “W-we have to stop.”
    He growled something that she could barely hear over the rampaging pulse in her ears.
    “I’m sorry,” she whispered, “but I can’t do this.”
    “Why not?” he demanded hoarsely.
    “Because…” She trailed off, words failing her. Beneath her burning cheek, she could feel his heart pounding as hard and fast as her own. She wanted him, craved him with every fiber of her being. But she couldn’t have him. Despite their recent problems, she owed Victor her loyalty.
    Still, it took every ounce of her willpower to pull away from Michael, and almost at once she felt bereft. “We really have to stop.”
    Michael stared down at her with a mixture of fascination and wry amusement.
    “Bravo, Miss St. James. I must admit I didn’t see that coming.”
    Reese frowned. “What are you talking about?”
    “You. Playing hard to get to make me want you even more.” He shook his head slowly. “You’re not the first woman who’s ever tried that tactic, but you’re definitely the first woman who’s been successful. Congratulations.”
    Reese bristled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wasn’t playing hard to get.”
    “Weren’t you?”
    “Of course not.”
    A shadow of cynicism twisted his mouth. “Right.”
    Reese scowled, her temper flaring. “Look, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea—
    ” He laughed. “If?”
    She winced, an embarrassed flush heating her face. “Okay, fine. I asked you to drive me home tonight because I intended to seduce you. But I changed my mind. I’m sorry if I bruised your ego—”
    Again his nasty bark of laughter cut her off. “My ego isn’t what’s bruised, sweetheart. If that kiss had lasted a second longer, you would’ve had me begging to make love to you. Trust me, that had nothing to do with my ego.”
    Her face grew hotter. “Look, the kiss was a mistake.”
    His jaw hardened. “You’re damn right it was, Miss St. James, or whatever the hell your real name is.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Reese demanded, frowning in confusion. “That is my real name.”
    “Right,” Michael said mockingly. “I suppose you’re also going to tell me that you’re a food critic.”
    “ What? Why on earth would I tell you something like that?”
    “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’re delusional. Or maybe because you’re a damn liar.”
    Stunned, Reese gaped at him, feeling as though she’d been transported to some alternate universe where all of the inhabitants spoke in strange riddles. What Michael was accusing her of made no sense whatsoever.
    Striving for composure, she said evenly, “Look, there must be some misunderstanding. I never claimed to be a food critic—”
    “My maître d’ seems to think otherwise.”
    “Then he’s mistaken!”
    “Is he?” Michael challenged, his eyes narrowing on hers. “So what about that line you fed me in the car? The one about ‘any food critic worth her salt’ knowing that multiple visits to a restaurant are necessary to write fair reviews. Weren’t you implying that you’re a food critic?”
    “No! I was just flirting with you!” Struck by a sudden realization, Reese eyed him incredulously. “Wait a minute. Are you suggesting that I pretended to be a restaurant critic just to get your attention?”
    “I think that’s obvious.”
    “No, it’s ridiculous. You must be out of your damn mind!”
    “Said the pot to the kettle.”
    Reese glared at him. “If you think I’m such a nutcase, why did you agree to drive me home? What does that say about you? ”
    His expression hardened. “I plead temporary insanity. Trust me, it won’t happen again.”
    Without another word, he spun on his heel and stalked out the front door.
    Reese charged after him, her chest heaving with fury. No way was she letting him