Read Online Reluctantly Married by Victorine E. Lieske - Free Book Online Page A

you?”
    “I guess my career is my main goal. Succeeding at something I love.”
    “Sure.” He tapped the steering wheel and looked at her sideways. “No family for you?” The turn signal flashed as he took the off ramp.
    The question hung in the air for a few moments. “I don’t think a woman needs a man in order to be happy.”
    “That’s not what I said.”
    What was he trying to do, bait her again? She chose her words carefully. “I haven’t made any family-oriented goals.”
    His eyebrow arched. “What if you meet Mr. Right?”
    She exhaled, a little frustrated he wouldn’t just drop the subject. “Are you proposing?”
    A warm laugh came from his chest. “No.”
    “Good. Because you’re not even Mr. Right Now.”
    His laughter made her smile. It warmed her, like wrapping up in a fuzzy blanket. It was comfortable. She joined in.
    “Don’t sugar coat it, babe. Tell it like it is.”
    She suddenly remembered Dale was filming every word from the back seat. She was getting used to him being around. He blended into the background now. And that was dangerous. She’d have to watch herself. “Sorry. I just meant this relationship is still new.”
    “So, you’ve forgiven me for the rock wall?”
    “Let’s not go overboard.”
    The rain slowed, and the sky turned a surreal blue. Adam slowed the car and turned into her parking lot. “I guess when I walk you to your door I’ll have to prove how sorry I am.”
    Why did those words send a shiver of delight through her? He was not the nice guy he was pretending to be. She shouldn’t want to kiss him. But her lips tingled in anticipation anyway.
    He didn’t disappoint. His kiss curled her toes and quickened her pulse. She closed her eyes and let the sensations wash over her. Soon his lips were on her jaw, her throat, and her earlobe. She placed her hands on his chest with the intent of pushing him away, but couldn’t follow through.
    “I need to talk to you,” he whispered in her ear. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Then he pulled back and gave her a heart-stopping smile. “See you.”
    She entered her apartment, her skin burning where he’d left a trail of kisses. What did he mean? What was there to say? Her stomach betrayed her and fluttered like a silly teenager’s.
    No. She couldn’t lose her head over this guy. He wasn’t being real with her. He wasn’t to be trusted. She untied her shoes, slipped them off, and placed them neatly in the closet. The fridge was empty, so she rummaged through her cupboards until she found a box of pasta and some vegetable soup. It was almost ready when her intercom buzzed. She let him through.
    She opened the door when he knocked, and there he stood, leaning against the door jamb, looking like a rock star. Her pulse quickened. “Adam.”
    Really? That was all she could think to say?
    “I dropped Dale off at the station. Mind if I come in? I can have a pepperoni pizza here in less than fifteen minutes.”
    “I was just about to eat.” She pointed to her kitchen and debated with herself. Kicking him out was the smart thing to do, but she stared into his eyes too long, and her mouth moved on its own. “If you don’t mind some noodles and soup, you’re welcome to join me.”
    A sexy smile formed on his face. “My favorite.”
    She laughed. “You don’t even know what kind of soup.”
    “I’m sure it’s delicious.” He followed her into the kitchen and pulled out a chair.
    She served up two bowls and set them on the table. Then she scooped the Alfredo pasta onto plates and got out some cold sodas. When she’d seated herself, her curiosity got the better of her. “Okay, why are you here?”
    He picked up his fork and pushed the food around on his plate. “I need to apologize.”
    That was the last thing she expected him to say. She stared at him, trying to figure out what his motives were. “For what?”
    “For today…for everything.”
    “Way to be specific.”
    He blew out a breath. “I