The Ex Factor Read Online Free PDF Page A

“What?”
    “Sorry, I should have told you.” Shit, now he’d ruined it.
    Her laugh released his fears. “Okay, let’s go.”
    She rose, and the chilly air hit him, erasing her warmth. She tugged him up. “Brrr. Hurry. Where the hell are my clothes? I can’t see anything.” She bent down. “Oo, my pants. Where’s my T-shirt? And my underwear? Here’s one boot.”
    “I’ll buy you new ones.” The thought of her going commando, torso bare beneath her hoodie, sparked a new erection. He’d tossed his jeans in the direction of his briefs, so found both and put them on. “Be glad. It’s better than having sand up every crack.”
    A laugh burst out as she drew up her jeans. “True, but a shower would take care of that.” She tickled his butt. “I could help you wash those hard-to-reach places.”
    “What are we waiting for then?”
    She whirled to search, then bent. “One more boot, and my purse. I’m not leaving that behind.”
    Right, reporters would have a field day. If the stars and fate smiled on him and granted him a second date, the news of their new-couple status would hit the airwaves in nanoseconds, and multiply through tweets, blogs, articles, news bites, you name it. Don’t think about that now .
    Tonight, she was his alone.

 
     
     
Chapter Four
     
     
    Holy cannoli. She chuckled, warm beneath his arm as they strolled. And what a yummy cannoli.
    With a gentle squeeze, hugging her closer, he asked, “What?”
    “Oh, tonight. This.” She flung her hand in the air.
    “Us?” he asked uncertainly.
    “No.” She liked the idea of them as an us . “Well, maybe us back there. A little crazy, huh?” Though it was hidden by darkness, she glanced back to the spot, wishing they hadn’t abandoned the magic moment so soon.
    “True,” he conceded. “Not my usual sort of first date.”
    “Me either! Sex on the beach is a drink at the bar. I’m not the kind of woman who normally has any sex on the first date, let alone in a public place.”
    “I’m glad you made an exception.”
    “You inspired me.”
    “Get out,” he teased.
    “Seriously. For a stoic director, so rigidly in control at work, you really let loose in private.” The man had moves she’d seen in porn flicks. He put all he had into it. But it wasn’t simply about banging her. He took his time, paid attention to her reactions. She wasn’t some faceless woman, but a real woman, one he obviously wanted to please. It made all the difference in the dating world.
    “You inspired me, too.” He kissed her head as they walked. “Here’s my place.”
    Framed against the starry sky, the structure rose in graceful arcs before them. Two flights of metal stairs, and they reached the house. He flicked a switch and lights rimmed the deck stretching around the corner, where it widened.
    “Wow.” Mostly glass framed in steel, but more elegant than most beach houses.
    “It’s home. Well, sometimes.” He opened the door. “Come on in. Excuse the mess.”
    Another flick, and muted interior lights revealed a cozy room dominated by a white stone gas fireplace. A sectional sofa was littered with books and magazines, which spilled onto the floor and coffee table. Another set of metal stairs led upstairs. Beyond the sliding glass doors opposite, an expansive patio and in-ground pool. She could already see herself sunning on the chaise lounge, watching his muscled torso slice through the white-capped water.
    Weird. She still didn’t know what he looked like naked. But you know how good he felt .
    His hand warmed her back. “You okay?”
    Embarrassed at being caught picturing him nude, she grinned. “Great.”
    “Do you… hmm.” He tapped his chin.
    “What?”
    “I was going to offer to take your sweatshirt, but, uh.” He grinned.
    Right, she’d lost her T-shirt on the beach. “Maybe you could lend me a shirt?”
    “Be right back.” He jogged upstairs and soon returned with a black tee. “It’s one of my favorites.”
    “How