Read Online Touch Me by Jacquie D'Alessandro - Free Book Online Page A

After all, there’s much to be said for a well-placed lick.”
    An image immediately rose in Genevieve’s mind…of his tongue brushing across her bottom lip. Thentrailing down her throat. Between her breasts. Then lazily circling her nipple—
    “But as you helped me choose her, I thought I’d name her after you,” he continued, jerking her from her errant thoughts.
    She had to swallow to locate her voice. “You wish to name your dog Genevieve?”
    “A lovely name. But as it’s already taken, I thought I’d name her Beauty.”
    Genevieve blinked. Pleasure washed through her, and, to her dismay she found herself utterly charmed. Surely she never used to fall victim to meaningless flattery so easily? Had she? She couldn’t recall. Most likely because it had been so long since any man had flattered her. Had found her attractive. Had made her feel desire. And desirable. And as much as she might wish it otherwise, she found this man’s attentions exhilarating. After Richard’s rejection, she’d forced herself to forget how this wanting, this physical need had felt, but now…now it was all rushing back, so quickly it was as if she were drowning.
    Yet she needed to recall that she didn’t know this man. And even if she did, it wouldn’t matter. She pressed her gloved hands together, wincing at the soreness in her joints. She wouldn’t, couldn’t allow things between them to advance beyond a mild flirtation under any circumstances. She had no reason to trust him. Indeed, she had more reason to be suspicious of him and of his motives for coming to Little Longstone, for seeking her out. And for borrowing her copy of the Ladies’ Guide. Was he on a simple holiday as he’d claimed—or on a mission to discover Charles Brightmore’s whereabouts? Why had he chosen that particular book? It was a question she needed answered. Now.
    He wished to flirt? Fine. She wanted to learn his true motives and had no qualms about playing the coquette to find out what she wished to know.
    “Beauty is a lovely name,” she said, “but I suspect Devil might be more apt.”
    “Perhaps, but I like challenges.”
    She slanted him a sideways glance. “Is that why you borrowed A Ladies’ Guide to the Pursuit of Personal Happiness and Intimate Fulfillment from me? Because you thought reading such a book would present a challenge?”
    She watched him carefully, looking for any sign of guilt, but couldn’t detect anything other than a slight sheepishness in his expression. He flashed her one of his disarming smiles. “I suppose it must seem an odd choice, but the title captured my attention.”
    “Why? Are you normally in the habit of reading ladies’ guides?”
    He gave a light laugh. “No. I hope you don’t mind that I chose to borrow it?”
    “No. Merely curious as to why you would.”
    “The title struck a chord in my memory. I recalled that there was some scandal attached to the book and its author, so I thought it might be an interesting read. Certainly a departure for me. And I was right.”
    Her brows shot up. “You’ve already read it?”
    He nodded. “Last night.”
    When he offered nothing further, she couldn’t help but ask, “And what did you think of it?”
    “Given the explicit nature of the content, I can see why it caused a scandal. I also think Charles Brightmore knows more about women than any man I’ve ever met. Clearly the book required a great deal of research on his part.” “A Whiff of mischief gleamed in his eyes. “He’s a lucky man.”
    “And an exiled man.” she said lightly, watching his reaction. “He left England after threats were made against him.”
    He frowned then nodded. “Yes, now that you mention it, I recall hearing that as well. Shame. Personally, I think he should be awarded a trophy.”
    “Oh? Why is that?”
    “Because his book provides information not readily available anywhere else. I believe knowledge equates to power.”
    She couldn’t hide her surprise. “Yet that