Taming Natasha Read Online Free PDF Page A

able to talk about anything else.” Bonnie’s grandmother tried not to grimace at the price. “I guess she’s old enough to take care of it.”
    â€œBonnie’s a very responsible girl,” Natasha went on, then spotted Spence at the counter. “I’ll be right with you.” The temperature of her voice dropped a cool twenty degrees.
    â€œTake your time.” It annoyed him that his reaction to her should be so strong, while hers played tug-of-war at the opposite end of the spectrum. It was obvious she’d decided to dislike him. It might be interesting, Spence thought, while he watched her slender, capable hands wrap the carousel, to find out her reasons.
    And change her mind.
    â€œThat’s 55.27, Mrs. Mortimer.”
    â€œOh no, dear, the price tag said 67.”
    Natasha, who knew Mrs. Mortimer juggled expenses on a fixed income, only smiled. “I’m sorry. Didn’t I tell you it was on sale?”
    â€œNo.” Mrs. Mortimer let out a little breath of relief as she counted out bills. “Well, this must be my lucky day.”
    â€œAnd Bonnie’s.” Natasha topped the gift with a pretty, celebratory pink bow, remembering it was Bonnie’s favorite color. “Be sure to tell her happy birthday.”
    â€œI will.” The proud grandmother lifted her package. “I can’t wait to see her face when she opens this. Bye, Natasha.”
    Natasha waited until the door closed. “May I help you with something?”
    â€œThat was a very nice thing to do.”
    She lifted a brow. “What do you mean?”
    â€œYou know what I mean.” He had the absurd urge to take her hand and kiss it. It was incredible, he thought. He was almost thirty-five and tumbling into puppy love with a woman he barely knew. “I’d meant to come in before.”
    â€œOh? Was your daughter dissatisfied with her doll?”
    â€œNo, she loves it. It was just that I…” Good God, he was nearly stuttering. Five minutes with her, and he felt as awkward as a teenager at his first dance. He steadied himself with an effort. “I felt we’d gotten off on the wrong foot before. Should I apologize?”
    â€œIf you like.” Just because he looked appealing and a little awkward was no reason to go easy on him. “Did you come in only for that?”
    â€œNo.” His eyes darkened, just slightly. Noting it, Natasha wondered if she’d erred in her initial impression. Perhaps he wasn’t harmless, after all. There was something deeper in those eyes, stronger and more dangerous. What surprised her further was that she found it exciting.
    Disgusted with herself, she gave him a polite smile. “Was there something else?”
    â€œI wanted something for my daughter.” The hell with the gorgeous Russian princess, he thought. He had more important things to tend to.
    â€œWhat was it you wanted for her?”
    â€œI don’t know.” That was true enough. Setting down his briefcase, he glanced around the shop.
    Unbending a little, Natasha came around the counter. “Is it her birthday?”
    â€œNo.” Feeling foolish, he shrugged. “It’s the first day of school, and she looked so…brave getting on the bus this morning.”
    This time Natasha’s smile was spontaneous and full of warmth. It nearly stopped his heart. “You shouldn’t worry. When she comeshome, she’ll be full of stories about everything and everyone. The first day is much harder, I think, on the parent than on the child.”
    â€œIt’s been the longest day of my life.”
    She laughed, a rich smoky sound that seemed impossibly erotic in a room full of clowns and stuffed bears. “It sounds like you both deserve a present. You were looking at a music box before. I have another you might like.”
    So saying, she led the way to the back of the shop. Spence did his best to ignore the subtle sway of