UlteriorMotives Read Online Free PDF Page A

imagined
possible when he stepped off the shuttlecraft. And, as he examined everything
he’d learned, he was surprise to find that what had started out as respect for
her strength and dedication had deepened into admiration over the past couple
of hours.
    “Thank you for rescuing Blackie,” she said softly when they
stepped through the back door into the house.
    “I’m happy I could help.”
    They took off their fire gear and hung everything neatly in
a tall cabinet near the door before continuing into the house. He planned on
making his way to the guestroom, but she stopped him by wrapping her arm around
his waist and then directing him toward her room. His pulse picked up at the
possibility of being invited to spend the night with her but he quickly
dismissed the idea. Although it held a lot of appeal for him, she hadn’t so
much as flirted with him. The notion that she’d proposition him seemed a bit
far-fetched. Her hip brushed against his as they walked, sending a delightful
tingle up his spine.
    Then again, maybe the idea wouldn’t be so far-fetched if he
gave it a little nudge. A couple of kisses, maybe a strategic caress or two and
they’d be on the same page.
    When she sniffed quietly and buried her face into his side,
though, he quickly shut down the train of thought. Yes, he wanted her. But he
was leaving in a couple of days and she’d just been through a traumatic
experience. He refused to take advantage of her.
    “You seem like an honorable kind of guy,” she said as if
reading his thoughts. “For the most part.”
    He didn’t try to stop his laugh. After the night they’d had,
they needed some humor. It dulled the ache not kissing her created. “Thanks.
That’s a lofty compliment coming from you.”
    She elbowed him in the ribs. “You laugh, but it’s a big
improvement from how I felt about you earlier this evening.”
    “Of that I have no doubt.”
    At her door, she turned and looked up at him. “I know you’re
not looking for a wife but I do think you’ll make a good husband someday.” Her
shoulders were drooped in fatigue and probably a little defeat. It made her
seem somehow vulnerable.
    “And you’ll make an excellent wife and partner to whomever answers
your next ad.” Was he imagining it or did his chest just tighten with that
thought?
    “That may be, but for tonight I’m no one’s wife and you’re
not a husband.” She reached up and ran a fingertip down the side of his face.
“I know why you’re here. I understand why you lied to me. But it still hurts.”
    The tightening in his chest had just become painful. “I am
sorry that I hurt you.”
    She placed her fingers on his lips to silence him. “The
thing is, that fire near tore my heart out. After that, one little lie doesn’t
sting so bad.” She paused as if working up the courage to finish her thought.
“I love this life, but it does get kind of lonely and I really don’t want to be
alone right now.”
    His heart stopped. He wouldn’t take advantage of her or
seduce her, but if she wanted his company as much as he wanted hers, that was
something else completely. “Are you sure?”
    She went up on her tiptoes to kiss him. Her lips were firm
and hungry against his, awakening a raw need deep inside him. “I’m sure.”
    He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against
him. Her warm breath caressed his neck as he leaned over to nibble on her
earlobe and he reveled in the sensation. She was so tiny next to him. She had
to be a full six inches shorter than his six-three but he hadn’t realized it
until just now. Her personality made her seem larger—tougher. And, though he
really liked her strength, he found he craved her vulnerability.
    He ran a hand down her hip to pull her closer to him. His
cock was already hard and he needed her as close as possible. She arched her
back and rested her head against the door as she tugged her shirt off. He
couldn’t ignore that invitation. His hand glided over skin so