Secrets of the Playboy's Bride Read Online Free PDF

breakfast, Leo took Calista out on his boat.
    “The water is beautiful,” she told him when they stopped near another pier.
    “Want to swim?” he asked.
    “I don’t know,” she said, giving the lake a skeptical glance. “How cold is it?”
    “Depends on whether you’re cold-blooded or warm-blooded,” he said and stripped off his shirt. “Let’s go in.”
    He felt her gaze linger on his chest then she seemed toforce her gaze away from him. “If you’re sure,” she said. “If I freeze, you have to promise to pull me out. Okay?”
    “Promise,” he said and watched her remove her shirt to reveal a bikini top that encased her full, creamy breasts. He could easily imagine them bare and wondered about the color and size of her nipples.
    She kicked off her shoes to reveal slender feet with vixen-red toenails. He liked that touch of wildness she kept hidden from the rest of the world. He’d like to take care of all her wild urges. She pushed down her jeans, wiggling as she stepped out of them.
    He fixated on the inviting curves of her waist and hips, feeling himself respond to the sight of her feminine figure. He took action to cool his arousal immediately. Diving into the water, he felt the cold wetness sink into his skin. Rising to the surface, he caught sight of her looking down at him from the boat.
    “How cold is it?”
    “Not cold enough to make icebergs,” he said.
    “That’s not very encouraging,” she said.
    “Are you afraid?” he asked.
    She immediately pursed her lips and lifted her chin. “Absolutely not,” she said and jumped off the side of the boat. Seconds later, she bobbed to the ladder, gasping. “Omigod, you lied. This water is frigid.”
    “Well, it’s not as warm as my pool at the house,” he said, swimming toward her. “But it could be worse.”
    “When?” she asked. “In January?”
    He laughed.
    A wake from a boat riding past caused a wave and she reached for him with fear in her eyes. Concern rushed through him. “You’re okay,” he said, pulling her bodyagainst his. “I wouldn’t let you drown. Damn, I should have asked if you’re a swimmer.”
    “Of course I am,” she said, her wide green eyes meeting his. Another wave rolled toward them and she clung to him more tightly.
    “Are you afraid?” he asked, enjoying the sensation of her lithe body against his.
    “Not really,” she said, but her tone wasn’t at all convincing.
    “Nice try. You can tell me the truth now,” he said, lifting her chin to meet his gaze again.
    She shook her head and sighed. “It’s silly.”
    “I bet not,” he said.
    “One time when I was a teenager, a friend invited me to the lake. Her father took us out in his boat. I didn’t know it, but he’d had too much to drink. It was a windy, choppy day. I fell overboard and hit my head against the side of the boat.”
    Leo swore. “Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have forced you into the water.”
    “You didn’t force me. Besides, I don’t like it that I still get that knot in my stomach when I think about lakes and boats. Being a wuss is such a bore.”
    He admired her for trying to rise above her fear. “You could never be a bore.”
    “Just trying to be a brave little toaster,” she said with a smile.
    Her vulnerability grabbed at him, making him feel incredibly protective. “We can go back.”
    “No,” she protested. “It’s so beautiful here. I just might not be able to stand the water temperature very long. Although you are helping,” she said, her eyelashes sweeping downward, shielding her eyes from him.
    Despite the chilly water, arousal shot through him again. “Good to know I’m useful in some way,” he said, sliding his hands around her back. The sunlight glistened on her light blond hair and the water droplets on her fair skin. He fought a strong urge to lick those droplets.
    Instead, he took her mouth in a kiss. Her lips reminded him of the finest brandy, potent and addicting. He drew her tongue