Read Online Kali Willows BUNDLE (Shadowed Desires Series) by Kali Willows - Free Book Online Page A

kissed the back of her fingers.
    “We can’t—it’s not private down here.” Tessa pulled away. “We should go back upstairs to talk about this.” Scanning the vast lobby of the resort for any familiar faces, she straightened her shoulders and gave him a stern glare.
    “That’s fine, let’s go.” He waved her ahead of him toward the elevator.
    “Will that be all?” the concierge stared from one to the other, looking worried.
    Tessa glared at the gangly man and nodded briefly.
    The man who was—apparently—her date for the evening, ushered her into the narrow compartment.

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    The Do Not Disturb sign dangled from the outside handle as Tessa pushed the heavy door closed and secured the entrance. The sound of the clicking lock sent a spasm of nerves through her chest.
    “I’m confused. Are you not interested in having a—date—with me?” Samson walked to the bathroom, grabbed a dry towel, and passed it to her.
    “Of course I am. Why would you think that?” She rubbed the fluffy material through her dripping hair.
    “You seem, I don’t know…tense.” He sat down on the king sized bed and watched while she dried her locks with frantic hands.
    “You think? If I had known we were sharing a room, we wouldn’t have had to broadcast our sleeping arrangements in the lobby for everyone to hear.”
    “I see.” He nodded.
    “Why do you look so smug?”
    “I do?” With knitted brows, he caught her gaze.
    “Maybe you don’t need to be discreet, but I live in this town, and I don’t want anyone to find out I’m using a dating service.”
    “Perhaps we need to clarify something. I need as much discretion as you do, if not more.”
    “More?” The display of anger grew tiresome, and she realized she could lose her chance for frolicking if she kept up the disgruntled redhead bit much longer. Taking in a deep breath then exhaling, Tessa sat down on the end of the plush mattress. She twisted and twirled the corner of the damp towel while she eyed him more directly.
    “I live close by as well, and my line of work—”
    “What do you do?”
    “I’m a—community leader. I have to maintain appropriate decorum for the people who seek my guidance.” He heaved a sigh and looked to the side with pursed lips.
    “That’s pretty vague. Are you married or something? Are you looking for a quickie affair?” Her unease started to gain momentum.
    “Heavens no.”
    Reclaiming eye contact, she searched his face for any hint of deception and saw none. “I’m not expecting anything past this evening; you don’t have to worry about me becoming some needy cling-on that expects a wedding band or anything.”
    “I’m not concerned about anything like that.”
    “Then what is it?”
    “I have always worked to set a positive example for my community. If anyone finds out about this—interlude—I may lose their respect.”
    “Sweet Jesus, you sound like a priest or something.” She snickered.
    The sudden raising of his brows and flaring of his nostrils sent a shock wave through her stomach.
    “Oh no, no, no…. Are you?” Inching away in discomfort, she rambled on. “Because if you are, there is no way I’m going to—”
    “No, I’m not a priest. I’m not sworn to celibacy.”
    “But…?”
    Biting his lower lip, he looked to the side, avoiding her eyes. “I am a pastor. This is embarrassing for me.”
    “Samson, is it?” Tessa edged closer to him.
    “Yes.”
    “Please don’t be embarrassed. This isn’t something I would normally do either.”
    “It isn’t?”
    “Of course not.” She paused and steadied her voice. “It’s only—one night.” Placing her hand over his, she squeezed a little and canvassed his glum expression.
    “Yes, one night.” The residual disgrace in his expression faded when he looked directly at her and tightened his grip, returning the supportive gesture.
    “Are you embarrassed or ashamed?” Curiosity made her ask. It seems so strange for a