Read Online Winterfall by Denise A. Agnew - Free Book Online

the parking lot was rocking.
    He found a parking spot and unhooked his belt. “I’ll get your door.”
    He raced around the back of the car and opened the passenger door, putting out a hand to take hers.
    She looked up into his intent eyes. “Aren’t you the gallant one?”
    He kept her fingers in his, his big hand swallowing her much smaller palm. “Wait. Are you offended? I’ve run into women that don’t like men to open doors for them.”
    She smiled. “No, I’m not offended. And I open doors for men all the time. It’s just a polite thing to do.”
    His returning grin had an intensity and warmth that sent flares of heat through her. “I agree.”
    He kept her hand in his, and that surprised her a little, but the contact kept the slow burning heat in her belly on simmer. He only released her hand when he opened the restaurant door. A host with a heavy Italian accent, one of the four brothers who owned the restaurant, took them to a booth. As they settled down and ordered wine from the waiter, she glanced around the place. It hadn’t changed much over the years. Decorated with old wine bottles and Tuscan colors, the restaurant’s cozy ambiance appealed to her, with its limited seating, intimate booths and low lightning. The muted, romantic music in the background and the dance floor at the side inspired two couples to take a turn about the floor. Oh, man. She hoped Mark didn’t want to dance. If he took her in his arms for a slow dance she’d probably combust on the spot.
    She took stock of the patrons and the room, too aware of the gorgeous man sitting close. He’d left enough space not to crowd her, but he sat near enough to imply a dating relationship. Well, that’s what this was, right? Great. I have a case of nerves. She buried her face in the menu and decided on a penne ala vodka dish. He wanted lasagna, and the waiter came over quickly to take their orders. They sipped their merlot, chatted and traded horror stories from when Long Valley had erupted.
    “I was afraid,” she said, then confessed, “I felt alone.”
    “I wish I’d known you then. Maybe you wouldn’t have felt so alone.”
    She rubbed the back of her neck, which still felt sore. “Does anyone feel safe when they know a volcano is going to blow thousands of miles away and it’s still going to screw up their world?”
    “Maybe not, but I still wish I could have been there for you.”
    She tossed him a doubtful look. “Are you too good to be true, O’Day?”
    He leaned in a little closer, and his nearness started that little fluttering sensation low in her belly. “I hope not. I’m honest, honorable, and I try to treat people right. But I’m not perfect.”
    Maybe he’d put a spell on her with his brand of charisma because she said something she normally wouldn’t. “You’re looking pretty perfect right now.”
    “Oh yeah?” He lowered his voice, and the intimate rumble sent tingles across her body.
    His eyes were hooded, almost drowsy looking. It sent her libido into a riot again. “Um…that was a compliment, O’Day. You’re a nice man with manners. Women must be climbing over each other to get to you.”
    He laughed softly. “I’m flattered you think that, but no they aren’t.”
    “I can’t believe it.”
    He shifted nearer. Oh, boy. What had she started?
    “So does that mean,” he said huskily, “if I tried to kiss you right now in front of everyone, that you’d let me?”
    The waiter interrupted, and she almost moaned, admitting to herself that she would love his kiss.
    After the waiter topped off his water and left, Juliet drew in a breath to calm her heart. This man was too potent. Yet she craved him.
    “If you kissed me right now,” she said, “I wouldn’t object.”
    He leaned in, and when his lips brushed tenderly over hers, she felt her womb tighten. She sucked in a soft breath. He drew back slowly, those sexy eyes doing funny things to her insides. Her body reacted, nipples tight and heat