Read Online Mistress for Hire by Letty James - Free Book Online

tendrils over her shoulders and he could smell lavender scented shampoo as she eased past him. The robe hid the voluptuous curves, which had pressed against him just minutes ago. He’d considered joining her in the tub and damn the consequences. He knew they both would have enjoyed it, but he needed information first. What he hadn’t known is how hard it would be to push her away. He raked his hand through his hair.
    “Let’s have some coffee.” He gestured to the chaise where the cat sat as if she were an invited guest.
    Nikki smiled. “What’s her name?”
    “Joan Jett.”
    “The rock star?” She pet Joan, whose bottom rose shamelessly.
    “Yes. Black hair, a bit wild. It seemed appropriate.” He snapped his fingers and the cat jumped off the sofa and bound out of the room. He didn’t need an audience, even if it was the four-legged variety.
    “Sit.”
    Nikki obediently sat, the robe parting to reveal her shapely knees.
    “Coffee?” He handed her a mug before she could reply.
    She took a tentative sip and he found himself surprisingly pleased when she smiled. “Very good. I’d heard the coffee in Paris is awful.”
    “You mustn’t condemn a whole city from one rumor.”
    “There are a lot of things I shouldn’t do.”
    Gérard’s eyebrow rose. “But you must do them anyway?” Ah, perhaps they were getting somewhere now. He set down his untouched mug.
    “Of course. If I want to get anywhere in life.” Nikki took a swallow of coffee and her tongue darted out to lick a drip off the side. “There are things I have to do.” She settled back into the chaise. “Don’t you feel that way, too?” She looked over the rim of her mug as if she were truly interested in his answer.
    He didn’t believe it.
    He leaned forward and skimmed his fingers over her knees as he watched her lips part in a sigh. “Every day, there are difficult decisions to be made.” He couldn’t resist and ran his hand down her bare leg from knee to ankle, making her shiver. “For instance, why are you here?”
    “You brought me here.”
    “No.” He fought to keep his voice calm. “Why are you in Paris?” She hesitated and his hand tightened around her ankle. She flinched and he released her, softly trailing his hands up her calves. It might take all night, but she would tell him everything.
    His hand tightening at her ankle gave her a surprising jolt and she wished she hadn’t jumped. Her brain heaved, trying to follow the conversation, when all she wanted to do was feel his touch. What did he want her to say? She lapped up the attention of his smiles, his stroking. He traced a pattern against her thigh, the terry cloth pressing into her sensitive skin. She wanted his hands on her bare legs again, this time sliding under the robe, up, up, up. His gaze met hers, his eyes dark and probing.
    “Tell me why you’re here, Nikki.”
    His voice reminded her of chocolate, deep, rich, and smooth. He’d be chili chocolate, with a bite at the back of her tongue. Wait, she’d thought caramel before. She’d have to make a dessert and name it after him. Nikki smiled and her lids half closed.
    “I told you. Mimi left me money. Even gave me a letter to give Emmaline. I’ve wanted this, but I was scared.” Nikki blinked tears away with the sudden memories of sitting at the kitchen table watching Mimi write a letter on her best stationery, not trusting the computer to save the words. The scent of wild roses and coffee hung in the air. The miniature fan on the counter whirred back and forth, stirring the napkins in their wicker basket.
    Her coffee cup felt heavy. “Tim convinced me. Said we’d do it together. Even Jessica thought it was a great idea.” Nikki sniffed. Gérard took her coffee cup and set it on the table.
    “Oh, don’t stop.” Nikki took his hands in hers, running her thumbs over his broad palms. She needed his affection, his warmth. For one night, she just wanted to be held. Made love to in the most romantic city