Satin Pleasures Read Online Free PDF

oversee our new west coast operations." Mary waved him forward. "Daniel, I'd like you to meet—"
    "You!" If Tess was feeling awful when she left her office, it was nothing to what she experienced now. She’d been lightheaded before but, pinned down under Dan’s piercing gaze, she suddenly felt hot and flushed and breathless. Her head buzzed like a swarm of angry hornets. She stared at Dan like he was an oversized leprechaun who'd leaped from behind a tree, then stumbled backward so she had space to breathe. "I...Dan?"
    He reacted to her faint confusion with a harsh curse and a strong arm around her waist.
    "Do you two know each other?"
    "Not now, Aunt Mary," Dan clipped out. He pressed Tess's head down. "Take long, deep breaths. Breathe. In and out, in and out. Yes. That's right."
    Tess didn't take time to dwell on her foolishness, focusing instead on his instructions, each inhalation easier than the last despite the throbbing in her head. "I'm okay. Let me up."
    Dan eased her into a chair his aunt pushed under her. "Aunt Mary, would you find a glass of water, please?"
    The woman hurried away, and Tess became aware of her surroundings again. Somewhere, a telephone rang. Her eyelids drooped against the strident noise. "I'm sorry. I don't know what happened."
    "I do." Dan sounded angry.
    Her eyes snapped open. She didn't say anything because the young clerk who’d left her into the store walked up, her inquisitive gaze darting from Dan to Tess. "Mr. McDonald, Mr. Zantori is on the phone for Mrs. O'Shaunessy ."
    His aunt came up behind the girl. "That's one of our suppliers," she explained, handing Tess a glass of water. "I've been trying to reach him for days." She hovered there, evidently prepared to ignore the call.
    Dan nodded. "Go on and take it. We'll be fine. I'm taking Tess to the medical clinic. If I don't get back before you lock up, I'll catch you later at your townhouse."
    Tess stared at him after his aunt and the clerk walked away. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Daniel McDonald!"
    He squatted at her side so she didn't have to tilt her head awkwardly. "We'll discuss it after your color comes back."
    She glared, not sure she wanted him this close. Every time she saw this man, he did the weirdest things to her equilibrium. When he looked at her—damn, like he was looking right now, like she was the only person in the room—her heart sped up and pushed common sense right out of her head. All she could think about was Dan’s kiss on the bridge, his mouth pressed to hers, the tickle of his mustache, the heat of his body against hers. "I-I'm fine."
    "Right. And you prefer to sit doubled-up at my feet." He stroked a gentle finger across her forehead, his tone softening. "This line, right here, tells me you still have a headache, and it's probably worse than it was earlier." His palm cupped her aching cheek. "I'll bet this still hurts, too, although it does look a little better."
    It was easier to nod than to argue with him. The motion disconnected his hand from her face, a need she didn't dare analyze too closely. She sipped some water. "Satisfied?"
    "Hardly. As soon as you can manage it, we'll check in at the clinic where I’m guessing you haven’t yet been today."
    Stubbornness was an irritating trait. So was bossiness. It looked like she'd met her match in both departments. "That’s not necessary."
    "Bull."
    She looked down her nose at him. "I beg your pardon?"
    His lips twitched. "You should." He stood, crossed his arms over his chest. "Tell me. Did you have any intention of seeing a doctor like you said you would?"
    Her answer would be self-incriminating, so she remained silent. Staring into his gorgeous eyes wasn't any easier now than it was when she made the promise.
    "Guess that's a no." Dan helped her to stand. "Let's go."
    Hearing the steel in his voice, she knew this battle was lost. However, she wasn't prepared to cede the war. "I'm only going to make you feel better."
    Dan's smile told her he wasn't