Read Online Aboard the Wishing Star by Debra Parmley - Free Book Online

her slightest breath.
    After the show, Viv said, "We'll freshen up and meet you guys in the nightclub in thirty minutes."
    "We'll be waiting," Adam replied.
    "Hurry back." Nate held her hand as Kara looked up into his eyes.
    "I will."
    Thirty minutes seemed like forever but at least Viv didn't dawdle in front of the mirror this time. She also didn't speak to Kara.
    A quick brush of her teeth and a dash of lip-gloss and Kara was ready.
    Viv dropped her lipstick into her bag. "I'm ready."
    "Let's go."
    Heading to the club, Viv walked like a racehorse itching to break stride. The deck was slick, and Kara slid into a bench. "Ouch."
    Viv stopped. "You okay?"
    Kara rubbed her thigh as the muscle throbbed. "Yes."
    "Dancing will make you forget about it." Viv tapped a toe, impatient.
    "I'm fine. Let's go."
    Kara's thigh hurt and was going to bruise Fair skinned, she bruised easy. The anticipatory hum that had built within had fled when she ran into the bench. She couldn't wait to see Nate.
    As they entered the nightclub, pulsing neon lights underneath the dance floor lit the dim room. A DJ called out the next tune with a dedication. Kara followed Viv to the bar. They perched on stools and scanned the room for Adam and Nate, who soon appeared beside them after making their way through the crowded club.
    A slow song started. Nate stood and held out his hand. "If you're ready, I'll claim that dance now."
    Kara's heart gave a leap. Her stomach fluttered before she placed her hand in his. Warm, strong fingers closed over hers and he led her to the dance floor, maneuvering through the crowd with ease. He turned, smiled, and pulled her close.
    The minute he took her in his arms everything around them faded away from her mind. He slid his left hand around her waist and twined the fingers of his right hand through hers. She placed her hand on his shoulder. How strong and solid he was beneath her fingertips. He held her with a strong, firm grasp.
    He swung her around and she caught her breath. The warmth of his hand through the waist of the silk dress heated her skin as he pulled her closer, his eyes darkening as they gazed down into hers.
    "Silky smooth," he said, the corners of his eyes turning up as he smiled.
    Her heart hammered against her ribs. They moved in time to the music, around and around. Nick's dark lashes framed deep brown eyes that smoldered as he watched her.
    She could stay in his arms and never return home again.
    She was falling.
    No.
    She couldn't fall. Not for one night or one week.
    It would be so easy to fall in love with him.
    She couldn't bear it.
    Love meant loss and a broken heart. Again.

Chapter Seven
     
     
    Nate pulled Kara closer, and his hands moved down to her waist where he held her light as if she were made of glass. Her shyness made him move slow, though he wanted nothing more than to carry her off and make passionate love to her. She was everything his dream woman would be. Soft feminine curves and long silky hair enticing him to touch, sweet voice and loving eyes. Beyond the physical though, which called to him so strong, there was something else, something deep and primal that had no name.
    The silk dress slid beneath his fingers, the only thing between them, and he felt the curve of her hip, the way she moved under his touch, letting him know the way she might move beneath him in a different kind of dance.
    Her eyes glanced at him and away before glancing back, which deepened his smile. He knew the subtle signs a woman sent, even unaware, in the dance of courtship.
    She felt good in his arms. Her scent intoxicated him.
    The nightclub thinned out. Nate swung Kara into a corner. Her steps faltered. His hands settled firm upon her hips to guide her. He kissed her just below the ear, blew soft in her ear, and then pulled away, holding her just enough at a distance to look down into her eyes.
    His eyes searched hers. The green eyes gazing back at him held desire, excitement, a touch of nervousness, and a