Read Online Really Something by Shirley Jump - Free Book Online Page B

grin teased at his lips.
    â€œIs it working?”
    â€œOh yeah.” He slid a finger along the strap of her bra, the thin silk skipping beneath his touch, her skin prickling with aching fire beneath it. He took another step, closing the gap between them, her breasts crushing to his chest, pained, tight nipples sparking with the twins of agony and ecstasy. He paused, only a moment, before lowering his mouth to hers.
    Allie had fantasized about Duncan Henry kissing her. Whenever their pencils had touched, those math problems bringing him to her desk, his head so close she could catch the scent of his cologne, discern the flecks of gold in his dark brown hair. And her imagination would run, distracting her from cosines and tangents.
    She’d imagined every type of kiss. Soft, hard, slow, fast. A hundred scenarios, as varied as cable channels.
    But she had gotten it all wrong.
    Duncan kissed her sweet. Tender. Easy, as if he treasured her, couldn’t believe he had her in his arms. She’d expected heat and passion, speed and strength. Not a man who took the time to stoke the fire within her one ember at a time, his thumb tracing an agonizing pattern along her jaw, making her feel—
    Special.
    Cherished.
    Oh damn. This was so not part of the plan.
    She ran her hands up his back, the slick fabric sliding easily beneath her touch, giving her access to every ridge, every ripple. Her mouth ranged over his, tasting the warmth and salt of his skin, feeling the skip of stubble across her chin. It was everything she’d imagined and more, so very, very much more.
    His cell phone began to ring, the tinny sound cutting the mood like a knife. Duncan cursed, then broke away, regret clear in his features. He glanced down at the number, then back again at Allie. “I have to go.”
    â€œGo?” She could barely breathe and he was leaving ? This kiss, a kiss she had dreamed of for years, was ending before it had barely begun.
    â€œI’m sorry.” He glanced at her lips, then met her gaze. “You have no idea how sorry. But I’m already late.”
    Reality slammed into Allie. She’d almost made a huge mistake and gotten involved with the very man who had broken her heart seven years ago. If anything, that cell phone had been a wake-up call, not an interruption—and a reminder to get back to her real reason for being here.
    â€œDon’t apologize,” Allie said. “Because I’ll be back. After all, we still have unfinished business.” Before he could say anything, she placed a finger on his lips. “I changed my mind, Mr. Henry. I want your house more than you.”
    Then she picked up and slipped on her shirt, turned, and left before she could believe any of that moment had been real.
    And that Duncan Henry was anything other than the charming playboy she used to know.

Chapter 7
    The plate was the first to come winging its way toward Duncan’s head. He ducked and the plate hit the door behind him, shattering. The pieces fell to the floor, shooting outward in a dangerous, stoneware shrapnel arc.
    The bowl came next, but Duncan lowered his head, heard the second crash, and pressed forward into the room, grabbing the mug from Katie’s hand before it too could become ammunition. “Stop, it, Katie.”
    â€œWhere were you?”
    â€œOut.”
    She yanked her hand back, trying to get the mug loose, undoubtedly intending to crack open his skull. “You were supposed to be here an hour ago. You promised we’d play Scrabble.”
    â€œI know,” he said, sinking onto the bed. He couldn’t tell her he’d been out at the house, debating for the thousandth time whether to sell it—or torch it. His aunt had loved that big Victorian, and so had Katie. Until—
    Duncan pushed the thoughts away. He peeled Katie’s fingers off the mug and laid it on the floor, pushing it away with his foot. “I’m sorry.”
    â€œMrs.