Read Online Unexpected by Lori Foster - Free Book Online

that was both startling and provoking. “Would I suggest him if he wasn’t?”
    With the morning sunlight flooding through the window, her eyes appeared a shade of brown, rather than black. But there were flecks of gold and ebony in them. They were beautiful eyes, eyes that could eat a man alive. Without thought, Eli reached out and took her hand where it rested on the table. “I didn’t mean to insult you, Ray. The truth is, despite everything, I’m still anxious.”
    A strange expression came over her face, and she nodded. “I understand. All I can tell you is that worrying won’t help. In fact, it’s the worst thing you can do because it weakens you, both physically and emotionally.”
    â€œSo you never show fear and you never worry?” He said it teasingly, while wondering what kind of restrictive life she’d led when she didn’t want to laugh, didn’t want to connect with people, didn’t want to care enough to feel concern.
    â€œI try not to. Sometimes . . .” She shook her head and sighed. “I have my weaknesses like everyone else, Eli. But if I hear you repeat that, ever, I’ll make you sorry.”
    Her threat lightened his mood and gave him a smile.
    As if that had been her intent, she smiled, too, then curled her fingers into his and gave his hand a hardy squeeze. “Distract yourself. Think of pleasant things, fond memories, whatever. But don’t dwell on it.”
    He already knew what those pleasant thoughts would be, and they all centered around her. Still holding her hand, glad that she hadn’t pulled away yet, Eli asked, “What do you do to distract yourself?”
    â€œExercise to the point of exhaustion, which I’ll probably do tonight. Sometimes I read a book. If I’m home, I play with my dog.”
    Doing a double take, he said, “You have a dog?”
    She smiled, a full, genuine smile for once, and Eli felt his stomach muscles contract in reaction. The smile transformed her face, taking her from cool and aloof to warm and open.
    â€œYeah,” she whispered, “I have a dog. He’s about the meanest mutt you’d ever want to meet. Growls at everyone, and wow, he hates men.” Then, very softly she added, “But he loves me.”
    Eli was entranced, there was no other word for it. He sat there staring at her, knowing he’d just been sunk, that he was in over his head and didn’t even care.
    Ray was so tough one minute, so oblivious to her femininity, then within a blink of the eye, she turned gentle and sweet. His gaze drifted over her face, taking in every nuance, every small detail. There were tiny lines at the corners of her eyes, testimony to the seriousness of her missions. And those small scars . . .
    She looked fragile, if such a thing were possible for a person of her capabilities. But with her shoulders bare, no makeup on her face, and her features relaxed, she looked utterly female and frail. He wanted to protect her, from the world and her own sense of herself. Even more than that, he wanted to mark her as his own.
    And if Ray had any idea of his thoughts, he’d be in trouble for sure.
    She broke his pensive mood by saying, “If you’re not going to eat your eggs, can I have them?”
    The hilarity of the situation hit him. Here he was mired in profound ruminations of the heart—and she’d only been coveting his eggs.
    Laughing, he pushed his plate toward her. “Go ahead. I wouldn’t want you to deplete your resources.”
    She gave him a very prim “Thanks,” then dug into his food.
    Eli knew it wouldn’t be wise to push her, not yet, maybe not ever. He couldn’t tell her the carnal course his thoughts had taken, but he could tease her, perhaps get another smile from her. “You know, your naturalness is refreshing—I think.”
    Ray glanced up from her contemplation of the map. “My what?”
    â€œThe