Read Online Captivated by Susan Scott Shelley - Free Book Online Page A

roamed his back, molding his muscles, feeling his
strength.
    A deep bark as loud as
thunder boomed out beside her. She flinched and bit Dom ’s
lip.
    “Champ. No. Down.” He
pulled back, touching his lip. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
    “Fine.” Or she would be,
as soon as her heartbeat stopped galloping.
    Champ jumped off the
couch, nosed a rubber ball until it bumped Dom ’s foot, then
barked again.
    Laughing, Irisa shifted
against the cushion. “He wants to play.”
    “See what I mean about
the timing?” Dom kept his arm around her as he tossed the ball to the opposite
side of the room. Champ lunged for it, knocking into a leather recliner. He
bounded back with the ball, ready for more. It was easy to see he loved Dom,
and the feeling was mutual. They played for a few minutes, until the ball
became wedged under the recliner. Champ whined and pawed at the chair.
    “Hold on, buddy.” Dom
rose to rescue the toy.
    The absence of his body
chilled her skin, and knocked reason into her brain. Her reaction to Dom scared
her a little. After going for so long without any real interest in anyone, the
chemistry between them was overwhelming. She didn ’t like that she
lost her head so quickly, or that a large part of her craved feeling his lips
and his touch again. Irisa sat up straight, finger-combing her hair. “I should
probably go. It’s getting late.”
    He looked disappointed,
but didn ’t
push her to stay. “I’ll walk you down.”
    “It’s one floor away.
I’ll be fine.”
    He shook his head. “I’m
curious which side of my apartment you’re under. I’ll go.”
    When she stood and walked
to the door, the dog followed. “Looks like he wants to come, too.”
    “Of course he does.” Dom
smiled, then grabbed a leash from a hook by the door. “But don’t say the
W-A-L-K word. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get him to calm down. I’m hoping
one lap of the sixteenth floor will be enough for him.”
    During the brief elevator
ride, she thought about kissing him again. He was near enough, and the way he
was looking at her suggested he wanted it, too. Their arms brushed as they
walked to her door. She paused, keys in hand. Invite him in, or no? He was so
strong and tall and kissably close. As much as she wanted to prove her own
resolve, she wasn ’t quite ready to say good night. “I had a
good time tonight.”
    “Me too. There’s just…one
thing…” His gaze landed on her mouth. His thumb brushed across her lips seconds
before his mouth crashed down. 
    Her eyes fluttered
closed. Warm lips tasting of wine coaxed hers apart. She leaned into him and
grabbed fistfuls of his shirt to anchor herself. His fingers glided over her
shoulders and then firm hands caressed her back.
    Champ barked and jumped
up on them. Tail wagging, the dog whined and pawed at their arms.
    “Champ, down.” After the
dog obeyed, Dom smoothed Irisa’s dress straps and bodice into place. “I should
go before his nails rip your dress or mark your skin. Next time, I’m leaving
him at home.”
    She wanted him to stay.
But she didn ’t want to make a mistake. Or move too fast. “Maybe
give me a call from the road.”
    “I will.” With a final
kiss, he stepped aside, drawing his dog with him.
    “Good luck in your game
tomorrow. I’ll be watching.”
    “Yeah? Then I’ll make
sure to get a home run for you.”
    She reluctantly closed
the door behind him, more certain than before that she was in over her head
with him.

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Stowing
their gear onto the tour bus was the least of her problems. Irisa sat in the
middle of the bus, surrounded by her computer, her phone, and a to-do list the
length of her arm.
    Jayne sat by her side,
sipping tea and watching the California landscape roll by. “Is
there anything I can do?”
    Relinquishing control was
hard, but necessary. “Can you double-check the hotel bookings?”
    “Already done.
Everything’s good.”
    “Awesome. You can send
out promos for the upcoming