Read Online Getting It Right! by Rhonda Nelson - Free Book Online Page B

heart, Ben thought, as a blast of heat detonated in his loins. Her long hair was pulled up into a knot of curls, exposing the vulnerable nape of her neck and showcasing the sweet curve of her jaw. With the exception of her lips, which were painted a shockingly sensual red, she’d kept her makeup to a minimum, allowing the healthy glow of her skin to shine through.
    Then there was the dress. Ben covertly pulled in a gulp of much-needed air, then slowly exhaled through his nose. He could sum it up in three words.
    Short. Tight. Black.
    Wait, make that four— hot .
    The stretchy fabric clung to her body and accentuated each and every curve. The lush mounds of her breasts, the small indentation of her waist and the gentle swell of her womanly hips. April was all woman, firm where she should be firm and soft where she should be soft. By Hollywood standards she’d be considered overweight, but there was absolutely nothing fat about her. Soft and lush, her form was reminiscent of a fortiespinup model. His gaze traveled the length of her, stopping long enough to appreciate her toned legs, then rested at her feet.
    His lips quirked. “Nice shoes.”
    She dimpled. “But hardly practical. I didn’t know you sail.”
    “Practical is overrated,” he said. “Especially when you look that hot.”
    She chewed the inside of her cheek and blushed adorably. “I don’t know how hot I’m going to look when we’re out on the water. I didn’t bring a coat.”
    Ben chuckled softly, then looked out over the harbor. “Trust me, you’re not going to need one.”
    She raised an exaggerated brow, then laughed. “So,” she said, blowing out an expectant breath. “Where are we going?”
    Ben calmly filled a flute and handed it to her. “Don’t worry about it. You’re just along for the ride.”
    She cocked her head. “Is that right?”
    “It is.” He gestured toward a seat for her, then began to loosen the moorings. “Have you ever seen New Orleans from the water at night? Ever watched her glow alive with neon and light?”
    April shook her head. He could feel her gaze on him as he worked, peering intently, as thoughtrying to absorb his secrets. He’d better be careful. If she looked too closely she’d discover that he was still head over heels in love with her. The admission wasn’t an easy one, but after last night—that single soul-shattering kiss—he’d had to admit it. At least to himself, at any rate.
    Ben glanced up at her. “Then you’re in for a treat.”
    Twenty minutes later they were out in the harbor, cruising along at a steady clip. April’s hair had quickly come loose from its up-do, causing curly stands to whip away from her face. She wore a perpetual smile, let the kiss of the evening chill blow over her face. Occasionally she’d take a sip of her champagne, but for the most part she looked content to simply enjoy the ride.
    Ben found his favorite spot, then dropped anchor. He made a quick trip to the galley, then came back up with a wicker basket laden with a fruit and cheese spread. He settled in next to April—close enough to keep her warm, as he’d promised—and handed her a china plate.
    “Blue Willow,” she said, eyeing the dish appreciatively.
    “It was my grandmother’s. She believed in using the good stuff all the time.”
    April selected a few strawberries and a small bunch of grapes. “Wise woman, your grandmother. I firmly believe in using the good stuff, too.”
    Ben stacked a piece of cheese on top of an apple wedge, then shot her a smile. “As evidenced by your shoes.”
    “Hey,” she said, her voice rife with mock indignation, “these are my only pair of Pucci shoes.”
    “And you wore them for me?”
    “No,” she replied with a haughty sniff. “I wore them for me. You said sexy.” She lifted her foot and turned it this way and that, admiring the style. “And you’ve got to admit, these are sexy shoes.” She put her foot down and resumed eating.
    Ben felt a chuckle