Sizzle in the City Read Online Free PDF

drama. They’d get through this crisis with the same bond of solidarity they’d shared for years.
    Footsteps echoing on the ramp leading from the hotel brought Shelby out of her reverie.
    She exchanged brief, wary glances with her friends before peeking her head around the corner of her van to see the source of the interruption.
    Trevor.
    “Good evening, ladies,” he said as he approached the van.
    Shelby, along with her coconspirators, were struck dumb by the breathtaking sight of him.
    His glossy hair gleamed blue-black beneath the streetlight. His suit—which had to be handmade—fit his trim body and broad shoulders to perfection. His dark blue eyes glowed with power.
    “Nice party,” he said, and stopped directly in front of Shelby.
    “Ah…thanks.”
    After quick elbow jabs into her sides, Shelby’s best buds fled like vegans confronted with rare steak. They mumbled excuses about checking the suite for leftover supplies, then disappeared.
    Ironically similar to Transportation Trevor’s exit from the party earlier.
    “Where did you go?” Shelby asked—okay, maybe she accused. “You said you’d defend me if the crab-cake masses attacked, and you were nowhere to be found when the goods ran out.”
    “Sorry. I had to take an important call.”
    “From whom?”
    He moved in, his tempting body nearly brushing hers and laid his palm against her cheek. “My father.”
    “Oh.” Given the state of her family, Shelby wasn’t oblivious to the idea that others faced the possibility of caring for their parents. “Is he okay?”
    “Irate, but that’s normal. So, yes.”
    The look in his eyes, plus his warm hand against her skin scattered her thoughts. “I’m glad, but what—”
    Before she could draw another breath, his lips were against hers.
    He touched nothing but her lips with his mouth and her cheek with his hand. The moment drew out, romantic, alluring and teasing, as if he was waiting for her approval, as if he knew he’d crossed a line, but was confident he wouldn’t be shoved back.
    Shelby had no intention of pushing him away.
    She didn’t know him; she suspected him. Of all manner of things.
    But she moved closer. There was something about him she couldn’t dismiss or forget. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Leaning into him, she initiated another kiss.
    He responded with hunger and experience, angling his head and seducing her mouth with deep strokes of his tongue. Her spine seemed to melt, like chocolate in a double boiler.
    She inhaled his warm, sandalwood scent, felt the heat and hardness of his body. He enveloped her like a blanket, though she knew there were layers of unknown to explore, feelings beyond pleasure and comfort.
    When they separated, their gazes locked, their breathing labored, she could only manage one comment.
    “All in all, it was a pretty damn great party.”

4
    The New York Tattletale
    April 17
    Party Like a Hotel Magnate
by Peeps Galloway, Gossipmonger
(And proud of it!)

    A quick drop-in before your weekend in the Hamptons…
       Oh, not spending your days at the luxurious retreat of the well-to-do?
      Maybe you’re drowning your sorrows over your tax bill at the local pub. Or possibly spending your generous refund at Bloomys or Barney’s? (I hear there’s a fabulous shoe sale at the later—just ask for Damon.)
       Whatever your weekend plans…never fear, dear readers, I’ll make either your shopping or your weekend shift at the tourist trap turn-and-burn palatable.
       Speaking of tasty, I hear Max Banfield had an ooh, la, la soireé at his new hotel, The Crown Jewel, last night. Crab, so fresh from the sea the claws were still twitching, and chicken lettuce wraps were among the food offerings, with the night ending in raspberry creme-filled chocolate truffles.
       Need I say yum?
       No, I’m sure you have your own version of lusciousness to reflect upon.
       Didn’t I tell you about Damon?
    —Peeps

    H OTEL magnate?
    Was that a promotion