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

was what those who made threats against him objected to. They didn’t want women to have such information, or anything for that matter, that might equate to power.”
    “Then I can only say that those people are ignorant. Personally, I prefer well-informed, intelligent women.” His intense green gaze roamed her face. “Indeed, you might say I harbor a weakness for them.”
    She ignored the warmth spreading through her at his unabashedly admiring regard. “You’re apparently a man of many weaknesses, Mr. Cooper.”
    For several seconds he said nothing, just looked at her with an expression she couldn’t decipher other than to know it made her skin feel as if it were on fire. Finally he cleared his throat then said softly, “So it seems.”
    She moistened her suddenly dust-dry lips, noting how his gaze dropped to her mouth. “So…you’ve no objection to women having information, even if that knowledge might lead to power?”
    “Knowledge, experience, power…I find them all very attractive qualities in a woman.” His gaze again flicked to her lips. “Very attractive.”
    “You’re not afraid of being…overpowered?”
    His gaze caught fire and seemed to burn into hers. “I suppose that would depend on who was doing the overpowering.”
    The certainty that his meaning encompassed more than knowledge rippled a secret thrill through Genevieve, one that set up an insistent throb between her thighs. She’d led the conversation into these treacherous waters to determine if he had any interest in her connection to Charles Brightmore, and, unless he was a superb actor, it appeared he didn’t. That was good, and a huge relief to be sure. The way he made her feel, however—as if her clothes were suddenly too tight and her skin too small—was not good. It was, in fact, most alarming.
    Yet, she couldn’t seem to stop herself from wading further into the hot, churning waters he inspired. Wasn’t there a saying about keeping one’s friends close but one’s enemies closer? Perhaps Mr. Cooper wasn’t her enemy, but neither could she call him a friend. Besides, what harm could there be in a little flirting? He wasn’t a titled gentleman looking for a mistress, merely a steward enjoying a brief holiday. They were surrounded by hundreds of people. Nothing could or would come of it. She’d see to that. Indeed, given how he unsettled her, she had no intention of seeing him again after today. So surely there was no reason to deny herself the pleasure of indulging in a little fantasy…to pretend that she didn’t have any physical flaws that would lead to rejection. To feel that she was free to touch and be touched, and to once again simply enjoy the company and admiration of a handsome young man. She could imagine herself…overpowering him. And him retaliating.
    A delicious shiver trembled down her spine. She allowed her gaze to drift slowly over him, taking in thebreadth of his shoulders, his strong hands holding his now-sleeping dog, the way his snug breeches clung to his muscular thighs, the play of those muscles with every step he took. When she once again met his gaze, she could tell he knew he’d just been ogled. And that he hadn’t minded one bit. “How would someone go about overpowering a man like you, Mr. Cooper?”
    “A man like me?”
    “Strong. Capable.” Beautiful. Delicious. Physically perfect.
    “I suppose it would depend on who was doing the overpowering. Were you referring to someone specific? Such as yourself, perhaps?”
    Genevieve’s blood whooshed through her veins. “And if I were? Would I require a pistol or saber?”
    Amusement kindled in his gaze. “Do you have a pistol and a saber?”
    “Naturally. A woman needs protection, you know.”
    “I rather thought that’s what Baxter was for.”
    “He certainly deters unwanted attention.”
    “When he’s not baking scones.”
    Genevieve laughed. “Precisely.”
    “Well, in your case, neither a pistol nor a saber would be necessary.