Seducing His Heart Read Online Free PDF Page B

be
naked and ready when I get home?”
    Bess giggled. “Maybe that’s it. The
chocolate and coffee together.”
    “ I’ll let you know if your
magic works on me.”
    “ You and Hack? From what
you’ve said, no aphrodisiac needed,” snickered Brooke.
    Rory blushed as her friends laughed. When
the women finished, they cleared the dishes.
    “ Let’s take a break before
the sweet stuff.” Bess plopped down on the sofa and was immediately
joined by Dumpling, who snuggled into her.
    “ I think you ought to get
to know this Whit guy better before you label him a player,”
Miranda said, dipping a dirty dish into soapy water. The ladies
never let Bess clean up. Rory finished clearing, and Brooke picked
up a clean towel. Miranda placed the plate in the dishwasher then
tackled the pot.
    “ What’s with Terry,
anyway? How come he let this guy move in on you?” Rory
asked.
    “ Terry’s only available on
Friday nights.”
    Brooke raised her eyebrows. “How come?”
    “ He’s undercover on
Saturdays and some other days, too.”
    “ That sucks,” Brooke
muttered.
    “ I feel like I’m treading
water. Not moving forward.” Bess set the three desserts out plus
small plates, forks, and spoons.
    The pugs came racing through the living
room. This time, Baxter was in the lead. They ran in a circle two
or three times then headed back to the bedroom. Dumpling trotted
along in last place.
    Miranda put a forkful of cake in her mouth.
“Oh my God! This is incredible!”
    The other women dug in and raved about each
one.
    “ I don’t know how Whit
resisted ripping off your clothes and making love to you on the
counter after eating this,” Brooke said, licking her
lips.
    “ Hack is definitely going
to benefit from this. A true aphrodisiac.”
    “ You think so?” Bess
asked. The women nodded. “Hmm. I hadn’t thought about that. Maybe I
should mention it on the show.”
    “ You’ll boost chocolate
sales all over the city,” Rory said.
    “ All over the country,”
Miranda said.
    “ I’ll check with my
producer.”
    The women finished cleaning up. Bess called
to Dumpling. The dogs raced into the living room, knowing what was
coming. Each received a treat from one of the women then scouted
out his or her special spot on the sofa, curling up to snooze. A
few cuddled up on top of each other into one huge mound of pug and
began snoring.
    “ What should I do?” Bess
asked.
    “ Go with your heart. Many
a player has reformed. Get what you want,” Miranda said, giving her
hostess a hug.
    “ Make some demands on
Terry. Pin him down. Make him commit,” Brooke said.
    “ Or focus on your career
and keep it light. Don’t commit yourself,” Rory advised.
    Bess blew out a breath. The camaraderie and
support of the Dinner Club made her smile. “Thanks, guys. I feel
better. I’ve got plenty to think about.”
    Rory pushed to her feet and stretched. “Time
to go, Baxter.”
    Bess and Dumpling walked
their guests to the elevator. After her friends were gone, Bess
cradled her dog and stood by the window, watching the New York City
lights come on as night fell. Terry
O’Neill, you have some explaining to do. Be prepared to be on the
witness stand when you show up on Friday.
     
    * * * *
     
    Friday at six a text
arrived for Bess. Terry’s on his way.
Good. Dinner was ready. She was trying out
a new recipe for lamb stew. The aroma made her mouth water. She
refreshed her wine and sat back on the sofa. Let the third degree begin, mister.
    Bess moved toward the door
when she heard the bell from the elevator ding. Terry had spruced
up. His hair was combed, and he’d shaved. He looked more handsome
than ever as he removed his pistol and carefully placed it on the
table. I hate having a gun in my house.
Sitting out like that. He had a bottle of
Cabernet under his arm and a bunch of red roses in his hand. Bess
put the flowers in water and handed him a corkscrew.
    When he finished opening the bottle, Terry
took her in his arms for an