Read Online Worth the Scandal by Karen Erickson - Free Book Online

ravish her where she stood.
    “Do you like it?” she asked once she faced him again.
    He nodded, struggling to find his voice, let alone a sliver of control. To say he merely liked it was a gross understatement. “You look—perfect.”
    She smiled with relief, her cheeks rosy, her eyes so dark in contrast to her flushed skin. She’d covered her lips with the trademark ruby red lipstick, drawing his attention to the lush ripeness of her mouth. If he kissed her, would he wear her mark? He didn’t mind the thought of smudged lipstick smeared across his lips.
    Alex frowned. He’d lost all sensibility when it came to this woman. She had him thinking like a fool. Even scarier? He didn’t seem to mind.
    “Thank you for finding the dress for me. For all of it.” She grabbed hold of her skirt with both hands and twirled from side to side like a little girl. “I feel like a fairy princess.”
    “You look like one.” He went to her, curving his hand around her elbow so he could steer her toward the door. “A car is waiting for us in front of the hotel. Are you ready?”
    “Yes, I am.” She smiled nervously as he led her out of the room.
    Within minutes they were in the car and pulling away from the hotel, the driver maneuvering with practiced skill through the hectic traffic. Tessa sat next to him, her fingers twisted in her tulle skirts, her delectable scent wrapping all around him, making him drunk on her essence. Reaching out, he laid his hand over both of hers, stilling her movements. “You’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”
    “I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake,” she confessed.
    “Just follow my lead.” He squeezed her hand, then reluctantly moved it off of hers. “You did an excellent job today keeping us on task during the opening.”
    “I think the launch turned out wonderful, don’t you?” She turned toward him, her face lighting up at the change of topic. “So many people there and lots of media came too.”
    “Hunter and his team did a great job rounding them up.”
    “You did a great job charming all of them.”
    He grimaced. “The schmoozing part of this job, I hate it.”
    “No one would ever guess. You’re rather skilled at it.”
    “I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult.”
    She stifled a giggle. “It’s a compliment, at least from me.”
    “Thank you.” He stared at her a little too long and she glanced away, looking vaguely uncomfortable. The very last emotion he wanted her to invoke.
    Christ, could he do nothing right? The woman made him feel like a fumbling teenager with his first girl, unsure of what to do, what to say next.
    “Is the place far from the hotel?” she asked.
    “We should be there in a few minutes.” Breathing deep, he worked at gaining control of his urges. Having her so close, in such a small space, she played havoc with his senses, his thoughts. He’d always believed she was beautiful, but no word came close to describing her this evening.
    She was stunning. Such a beauty it almost hurt to look at her.
    Not that he stopped looking at her. More like he couldn’t resist.
    With the traffic easing as they drew closer, they arrived at the plaza in minutes. The front of the building was swarming with people, there was a red carpet area set up where everyone could enter, pausing to take photos before they walked inside.
    Tessa grabbed his hand, hers chilled to the bone as she clutched him tight. “We probably shouldn’t be photographed together.”
    “Why not? I told you it shouldn’t be a problem.”
    “The media will get hold of it and run with a made up story. Trust me. I read the tabloids, I know how they operate.” She sounded petrified.
    “Rhett keeps them plenty occupied. No one is paying attention to me. We’re fair away from all of the gossip so stop worrying.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and let go just as the car pulled to a stop. “I’ll help you out.”
    The driver opened the door moments later and Alex