The Collision on Hardwood Drive Read Online Free PDF

backyard. The water was lit up by underwater lights, making it glow pale blue. Steam rose from the surface, disappearing into the night air a foot above the surface. I sucked in a sharp breath. Beautiful .
    Rob laced our fingers as he led me down the steps to the glowing pond. We walked around the water, silently, and enjoyed the darkness. The night was brisk, but not too cold—just cool enough to be invigorating. A chilly breeze rolled over the pool, sending shivers down my spine. My nipples tightened, swelling through my sweater.
    “You’re cold,” Rob said, running his warm hands up and down my arms when he noticed. His eyes flickered across my chest. “Let’s go inside. Are you ready for your surprise?”
    I nodded, eagerness crashing back into my mind.
 
    3
    As we left the pool, Rob took my hand. He entwined our fingers again, his touch light and careful. The embrace was delicate, but his hands were firm and strong. “Come with me.”
    I couldn’t imagine w hat he had in mind. Actually, I could—but I wasn’t sure how that would help anyone recover from an accident. Furthermore, I already forbid myself from sleeping with him tonight. I refused to be another woman in his string of affairs. Now, all I needed to do was muster enough strength to say no.
    Rob led me up a set of winding wooden stairs. I followed him into a dimly lit room where the scent of sandalwood and eucalyptus rushed to meet me. A small side table was lit with several tea lights, their flames dancing in the shadows. The effect was breathtaking. Rob’s eyes were on me, piercing me from under his strong brow.
    “Take off your cloth es,” he instructed, his voice barely audible as he gave the order. “I’ll come back once you’re undressed.”
    I was— floored . Quickly, my excitement turned into apprehension. I felt my blood begin to boil. Did I seem that easy? That desperate ? One extravagant meal and I’d agree to fuck him right then and there?
    “ Rob, come on now. Really?” I said. “You think I’m one of those women who would just—”
    “Shh,” he said, cutt ing me off with his fingers over my lips. The touch was much softer and more careful than I expected. As though reading the fears in my mind, he said, “I’m not going to fuck you—believe me, when I do, I won’t need to ask you to take off your clothes.”
    He smiled, that slow , sexy grin I knew lurked inside him creeping across his lips. “This is just for a massage—hence, the table.” He gestured across the room, directing my attention back to a table clearly meant for massages.
    “Oh,” I said.
    He stepped in closer, ducking just enough to bring his mouth to my ear. “When I do fuck you, you’ll want it. There won’t be any confusion.”
    His sensual voice pr omised thoroughly dirty things. I desperately wanted to keep my cool, but it was difficult to stay calm and aloof when he made me fight every fiber of my being to contain my desire.
    He stepped back, mis taking my efforts to control myself for hesitation. “I actually worked as a masseur back in the day. It came in handy during my basketball days for the strained muscles and torn ligaments we had to deal with. I rarely do them anymore, but I like to practice occasionally. You’ll love it.”
    And, well, I couldn’ t very well say no to that . Promising myself that it would be a massage and a massage only , I nodded. “Fine.”
    “Undress. Lie down on your stomach on the table, under the sheet. Just let me know when to come back in.”
    True to his word, he stepped out and left me alone to get naked. I stood still for a moment, too nervous to disrobe immediately. The warmth and soft lighting of the room encouraged me to take a deep breath and lift my dress over my head. I slipped out of my thong and bra and folded them under the dress. I tied my hair up loosely and climbed on the bed, under the sheet, anticipating the touch of his hands all over my body.
    I settled on my stom ach, feeling the