Read Online Under His Spell by Jade Lee, Kathy Lyons - Free Book Online Page A

and stupid and didn’t appreciate him, but that’s my fault. Don’t go dissing Jimmy. He was great.”
    He jerked slightly, his head going back as if what she’d said surprised him. She didn’t know why; it was the truth. It was just weird because she wasn’t used to thinking of dorky Jimmy Ray as tall, dark and ripped. She’d come here to get some answers, but she was at serious risk of getting distracted by how very sexy he’d become. She’d spent half the time at the restaurant watching his mouth and remembering those amazing things he could do with those lips, that tongue. It wasn’t appropriate, given that she wanted to fix whatever was wrong with her and go back to her normal life—hell, it was rather depraved, but apparently her lust didn’t care. He was a good-looking guy, and he’d given her the best orgasm of her life. She wouldn’t be human if she didn’t think about what more they could do together.
    Maybe she could give him a call later. Maybe once the threat of layoffs were over at work, she could invite him out for a drink. They could get to know each other as people. It was a good plan, a responsible plan—and a plan that couldn’t be implemented for months at least.
    She grimaced. Her chest was tightening, and a sinking depression settled into the pit of her stomach. It was the same depression that came when she realized her vacation was months away. Was she ever going to catch a break? Why did the hottest guy she’d ever met have to come into her life at the absolute worst time?
    “What are you thinking, Nicky? Your face has gone all tragic.”
    She blinked, consciously smoothing out her expression. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking that I wish I’d been smarter in high school.”
    He snorted, but the sound was kind. “You’re not the only one who has adolescent regrets. My brother tells me that I wasn’t that memorable back then.”
    She paused, sensing an underlying issue. “That’s not true, you know. I remember Jimmy Ray quite clearly. I just…well, I would never have expected him to be onstage doing a hypnotism act. And certainly not looking as…uh…” Hot. Ripped. Studly. “Good as you do now.”
    He arched a brow at her. “Is that a compliment, Ms. Taylor?”
    “It is, Mr. Ray. Both to the boy you were and the man you’ve become.” She ventured a tentative smile. “And I, um, I like the way you’ve grown up.”
    His expression lightened at her words, his face becoming more boyish and approachable. She felt herself start to relax, feeling safe again. In the back of her mind, she felt the silent beckoning of her tropical island paradise and the god who made it. But she also felt Jimmy, solid and dependable Jimmy Ray, right here beside her keeping her safe.
    “Let’s step in here,” he said, gesturing into his living room. She nodded and followed as they stepped into a very tastefully decorated man’s playroom. The room was dominated by a flat-screen TV, complete with TiVo and Wii. Guitar Hero lay discarded next to speakers that went to the ceiling. And most appealing of all, he had a recliner sofa, tasteful chaise lounge and matching game seats, all in a stroke-able black velvetlike material. Verysoft, very guy. And with a touch on the remote control, the curtains closed, the lighting shifted to theater mode, and gothic wall sconces flickered to life with electric “fire.”
    She stared at the wall sconces. “Modern-day meets Dracula?”
    “It was a gift from a friend. She thought my life needed some character.”
    Nicky noted the “she,” but didn’t comment. It shouldn’t bother her that he had a female friend who gave him wall sconces. She had no right to be jealous, he’d only just stepped back into her life, and yet she felt a tinge of annoyance despite all logic. Her island god was supposed to be hers alone.
    “It’s very nice,” she forced herself to say as she sat down on the sofa. God, she just sank right into the cushions. She forcibly