Read Online All Bottled Up by Christine D'Abo - Free Book Online Page B

too,” she said, but kept her gaze averted. Her mind reeled, trying to think of things to say. “Now, what else do I need to know to survive my way to the restaurant with Bill?”
    She let the weight of her hand settle into his arm as they walked across a park green and down the cobblestone roadway that led to their restaurant. They fell into a comfortable rhythm as they walked, their bodies gently bumping against each other. The fact that she was strolling to dinner with a genie should have struck her as odd, but it 55

    seemed the most natural thing in the world.
    “Bill will do most of the talking. But I’m sure you could guess that.”
    “He is a bit of a chatterbox,” she said and grinned.
    “All you have to do is listen and you’ll be fine.” So that’s what she did. Except Jerod didn’t talk, and for the first time the silence didn’t unnerve her. Jerod cleared his throat and he pulled her a bit closer to him. Viola looked up and smiled at him. Guess the same can’t be said for Mr. Genie.
    “You are mastering your initial lessons nicely.”
    “Thank you. You’re a good teacher. You should consider a career change.” Jerod snorted.
    Viola giggled as they turned a corner and the restaurant came into view. The bright lights and festive music drifted to them through the newly darkened night. A chorus of laughter erupted from a nearby window, bringing yet another smile to Viola’s face. She couldn’t help it. It had been a very long time since she’d felt this free. They found themselves standing at the junction of the road and the walkway that led to the restaurant.
    Jerod turned to her and licked his lips.
    “Bill will kiss your cheek before you go into the restaurant. It’s his way of checking to see how he’s doing. If his date pulls back, he knows he needs to lay on the charm.
    Otherwise, he relaxes.”
    “And what should I do to impress Bill?” She hoped she wouldn’t have to pull away.
    Jerod reached up and ran the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip.
    “Not a thing.”
    Viola felt a nervous bubble of energy as Jerod leaned in and brushed his lips across the corner of her mouth. His lips parted, and she felt their warm pressure against her wind-cooled skin. She felt him breathe deep, and she did as well. His exotic aroma made her tingle again and her breasts responded. Her nipples tightened, pebbling against the light silk of her dress. She felt his tongue touch her mouth. She increased her grip on him, her hand flying up to touch his chest.
    And then it was over. Jerod pulled back, and Viola was left panting at the gentle kiss 56

     
    that didn’t fully envelop her mouth. Holy shit he’s good . Or she was weak? At this point, she was past caring.
    “Shall we go?” he said and looked up as if nothing had happened.
    Damn him . He didn’t look the least bit bothered from their brief contact. Maybe she was overreacting to the situation? She was hot and horny and any man—or genie for that matter—would get her engines fired up. That had to be it. There wasn’t anything at all going on between the two of them. Simply her underused libido.
    Viola straightened and smiled as brightly as she could.
    “Yes, please. I’m starving.”
    As they entered the restaurant, a short, balding maître d’ greeted them at the door.
    After checking their reservation, he escorted them to a secluded table in a small private area in the farthest corner of the restaurant. Viola was surprised when the people they passed stared as they walked by. It’s not like they were anything special here. Unlike at the hotel, they were dressed as formally as everyone else.
    Jerod pulled out her chair and Viola sat down with her back to the wall, looking out so she could see the restaurant. He moved around and took the chair opposite her. She was pleased at how quiet things were at their table. The closest couple sat several tables away. Far enough that she didn’t need to worry about anyone overhearing their