Flirting With Intent Read Online Free Page A

Ruby Maguire, and Damon’s admiration for her rose a notch.
    ‘Do they have a brand name plastered all over them?’
    ‘Only on the band.’
    ‘In that case, I don’t want any. I prefer my underwear anonymous.’
    ‘Of course you do,’ she murmured soothingly. ‘I should have guessed. Would you like any help with your clothing selection, or shall I just wait?’
    ‘I want your help. Whatever it was you did in the other store, do that,’ he added. ‘Only faster.’
    Half an hour later Ruby had Damon outfitted in clothes that might even find their way into his travel bag, and relative amicability had been restored. Ruby had more shopping to do but none that required Damon’s assistance.
    Damon had more shopping to do too, and he definitely didn’t need assistance. Ruby had agreed to drop him off at the Golden Computer Shopping Centre in Kowloon. Damon would find his own way back to the apartment. Too easy.
    ‘Mind the scams,’ she said as they loaded up her car with his father’s purchases.
    ‘I shall enjoy them immensely,’ he murmured and she shot him a perplexed glance. ‘I’m only browsing, Ruby. Seeing what’s new and improved or old and abused. I do it every time I come to Hong Kong.’
    ‘So … you really do work with computers?’
    Damon nodded. Not a lie, even if it wasn’t the whole truth. Ruby headed for the driver’s seat. Damon to the passenger side.
    ‘Is there any particular type of food or beverage you’d like me to stock the apartment with?’ she asked as they filled the car with shopping bags and then themselves. ‘Your favourites? Your sisters’ favourites?’
    ‘Lena likes a good Sauvignon Blanc, Poppy loves lychees and I’m a sucker for crispy duck in pancake pockets with all the trimmings. No one’s all that keen on a-thou-sand-year-old eggs, shark-fin soup, turtle jelly, or chicken-feet anything.’
    ‘Not a problem. I’ll steer clear of the swallow’s nest tonics and imported Japanese blowfish too. And, Damon?’
    The seriousness was back in her voice.
    ‘I’m really sorry about our earlier misunderstanding.’
    ‘Don’t be,’ he said gently. ‘I’ve forgotten it already.’
    Ruby hit the grocery stores after that. White wine, fresh fruit—including lychees—and crispy duck with all the trimmings. Snack food for Russell’s fridge that she took back to the apartment immediately in the hope that Damon would still be out. He wasn’t.
    ‘You shop too fast,’ she said as she downed her numerous shopping bags, opened the coat cupboard and slipped out of her high heels and into her flats. He’d taken his jacket off and rolled up his shirtsleeves.
    If a sexier version of manhood existed, Ruby hadn’t seen it.
    ‘Dare I suggest that you shop too much?’ he countered as he closed the door behind her and picked up the shopping bags.
    Now
she’d seen it.
    ‘I smell food,’ he said.
    ‘It’s crispy duck. I was going to put it in the fridge for later.’
    ‘Ruby, you spoil me.’ Damon’s grin became boyishly delighted.
    ‘It’s Christmas.’
    ‘It’s great.’
    Ruby watched as Damon set the bags down next to the bench and found the one with his favourite food in it. Man and his stomach. Always the same, no matter what his pay grade. ‘It’s still hot,’ he said.
    ‘The restaurant’s only a block away. If you like the food I’ll give you their number.’ Ruby started on the unpacking. The sooner she did her job, the sooner she could leave. Leaving was preferable to being around Damon. Damon called forth feelings she didn’t want any part of. Starting with desire for a man who kept far too many secrets. ‘Pretend I’m not here,’ she told him.
    ‘But you
are
here.’
    ‘Then think of me as the hired help.’
    ‘Of course.’ He gestured towards the takeaway containers he’d lined up on the counter. ‘Want some?’
    Ruby rolled her eyes and kept right on unpacking. Fruit for the fruit bowl by way of a water rinse. She found the colander