Simon & Rose Read Online Free PDF Page B

time in years, decades even. “Thank you.”
    He winked and gave her hand a squeeze as they continued to walk.
    She had wondered something since he walked on stage to be auctioned off. She had to ask. “Did Simon have to twist your arm to get you to agree to be auctioned off?”
    “Actually, it was my idea. He had to calm my nerves a time or two, but the initial suggestion was mine. Maybe it was a moment of insanity.” He chuckled. “I’m glad you had the high bid though.” Then he paused and horror filled his eyes. “He didn’t bribe you to bid on me, did he?”
    “No! He sent me an invitation to attend, of course, but I was never asked to bid on you or anyone else. I wanted to. I couldn’t help myself.”
    Mark let out the breath he had been holding and smiled. Interest and heat returned to his gaze and the tight lines around his mouth relaxed.
    Sharon considered his answer. “Why did you want to be part of the auction as a bachelor? Was it to help the charity?”
    “Well, the charity was first and foremost. But I also decided I had been alone long enough, and I needed to get back out there. It seemed like a good idea all the way around.”
    Sharon nodded as he spoke. “Personally, I’m glad you did. Otherwise I wouldn’t have had the chance to snag you for a date.”
    He stopped walking and looked her in the eye. “From the moment I saw you in the audience, I began to plan how I would get you alone so I could ask you out. Auction or not, I wanted to spend time with you.”
    Sharon smiled brightly and blushed. “Thank you for saying that.”
    They walked further into the garden. The deeper they went, the louder falling water became.
    Mark gave her a questioning look, but didn’t say a word. And she just smiled and hurried him along.
    Rounding a tall-sculpted hedge, they entered a circular space with an elaborate three-tier fountain. The basin was massive, deep and wide. So large, a person could swim in it. Curved garden benches lined the outer edge of the intimate space. And a variety of stunning plants floated gently on the water’s surface, drawing him near.
    Mark leaned closer and his eyebrows rose. “Wow. I wasn’t expecting this. They even have koi in there.”
    “Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Sharon said, pleased with his reaction.
    She watched as Mark slowly walked in a circle to take it all in. When he walked toward her again, she stepped up to him. She couldn’t stand it one more minute. She ached to feel his arms around her and was dying to kiss him.
    Mark didn’t disappoint. He placed one hand at her waist and then cupped her face with the other.
    “Sharon, may I kiss you?”
    She answered by rising up on her tiptoes and kissing him. His fingers massaging the nape of her neck sent tingles racing down her spine. Tentatively, he sipped at her lips, but she wanted more. She sighed and deepened the kiss. Then pressed closer, loving the feel of his muscular chest against her softer curves, and stroked his tongue with her own.
    Her wolf rumbled quietly when he moaned. She wanted nothing more than to strip him bare. Since that wasn’t an option, she caressed his body through his clothing.
    Too soon, voices were heard coming their way. Others had the same idea and were enjoying the outdoor space.
    Mark ended the kiss with a shy smile. “Thank you.”
    She smiled up at him, knowing from the warmth of her face she was flushed from his kiss. “My pleasure. I hope there will be more before the night is over.”
    He chuckled and took her hand. “You can count on it.”
    They continued their tour of the garden. By the time they returned to the ballroom, more couples from the auction were seated, sipping cocktails.
    Mark found an open table and pulled a chair for her and signaled Rizzo to lie underneath and stay there. Rizzo sighed and closed her eyes. Apparently he’d worn her out today. “Would you like another glass of wine?”
    “Yes, please. That would be delightful.”
    As he walked across the