Read Online Unexpected by Lori Foster - Free Book Online Page B

wanted to know why.
    â€œIt would be like mixing two entirely different worlds. And I know from experience it doesn’t work. People like you—”
    â€œWhat the hell does that mean, ‘people like me’?”
    â€œPeople with money,” she clarified, drawing the word out like a curse. “You hired me, Eli, you did not make a social call. This is a business arrangement, that’s all. Quit trying to make it something more.”
    Her insistence only made him more determined. “Maybe it could be something more if you’d let it.”
    â€œFor what purpose?” she almost yelled.
    â€œBecause I want you.”
    Her eyes flared, color rushed into her cheeks—anger or embarrassment, he had no idea which. Her chest rose and fell, then her expression settled into lines of rage. As she turned to stalk away, he grabbed her shoulder.
    Big mistake.
    Within a heartbeat, his thumb was twisted backward at an awkward angle. Eli locked his jaw in serious discomfort. Feeling his own anger erupt, he growled, “Let go, Ray.”
    She did, backing up a step and looking very sheepish. “I’m sorry. It was pure instinct.” Then she caught herself and her brows snapped down. “You shouldn’t touch me. Especially not after spewing garbage like that.”
    â€œGarbage?” He rubbed his thumb but it continued to throb.
    Going on tiptoe, she stuck her face in his and snarled, “I’m not out for a quick toss in the hay, Eli. Save that for Jane.” Her sneering tone irked him all the more. “Just because I have some unusual habits doesn’t mean I’m easy.”
    He wanted to turn her over his knee. His anger had risen until he had to speak through his teeth. “If you had let me finish instead of being so damned prickly— just like a damn woman— you’d know that wasn’t what I meant at all.” He tried shaking his hand, but the pain continued to pulse through his thumb. He glowered at her. “I only meant that I like you and I’m attracted to you.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œWhat do you mean, why? You don’t think you’re likable? Hell, Ray, you’re giving me your expertise and assistance, and if that’s not enough—”
    She curled her hands into fists. Not a good sign. “I’m not giving you anything. You’re paying good money for it.”
    Eli didn’t appreciate that little reminder. His expression became stony. “You didn’t have to agree to help. Money or not, you could have said no.”
    He tried bending his thumb, and grimaced instead.
    Just that easily, Ray relented. Dropping her weight onto one leg, thrusting out the other hip in an arrogant slouch, she said, “Here.” She grabbed his hand, turned his thumb sharply, making him grunt, then asked, “Is that better?”
    Strangely enough, it was. Feeling less than pleasant, Eli said, “I’ll live, thank you very much.”
    She looked at him, shook her head with a short laugh, then attempted to wipe away her grin. “You’re funny, Eli, you know that?”
    â€œPutting a torque on my thumb amuses you, does it?”
    She shrugged, which wasn’t much of an encouraging answer. “Look, let’s forget all this nonsense about getting to know each other, okay? We need to concentrate on getting through this job.” Her natural confidence restored, she sauntered lazily toward the door. “I’ll shower first, then we can get things going.”
    Eli watched her go, but just before she disappeared from sight, she turned to him again. “Eli?”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œThanks.”
    In a tone as reverent as her own had been, he asked, “For what?”
    â€œFor wanting to get to know me. Even though it’s impossible, it was a nice thought.”
    She turned again, but Eli’s implacable words stopped her. “Like hell, Ray. It isn’t impossible,