Fool Me Once Read Online Free

lover. Maybe that’s why the idea of posing as his fiancée rankled.
She’d never know where she stood in the relationship he’d just proposed. Then
why did it appeal so much? She turned away from him and continued walking, her
mind whirling with possibilities.
    His
fingers brushed her elbow and she shivered. In sharp contrast with their heated
exchange, his touch was gentle. For one crazy moment she wondered how his hands
would feel on her body. She shivered again.
    “You’re
cold. Come on, I’ll finish walking you to the door.”
    His
voice was neutral, and she found herself wishing that the slick, smooth-talking
Josh would return. She led him silently around the side of the house and
slipped her sandals back on as they reached the driveway. He was right, she
admitted to herself. The idea of accompanying him to the Mediterranean did
excite her. A holiday alone didn’t hold much appeal right now.
    “Here
we are.” She paused at the kitchen door. A carefully tended herb garden
released pungent scents into the night air. Moths battered their wings against
the light above the door. She looked up at him. “Josh, I…”
    “Olivia…”
    She
spoke again. “You first.”
    He
picked up her hand, and appeared to be studying it in the yellow cone of light.
“At least tell me you’ll think about it.” He stroked the back of her hand with
one finger, his touch both reverent and sensual. “I think we’d have fun
together.”
    Every
nerve ending in her body came alive, making her ache with longing. Why did he
have to come into her life at this time? And how dare he pinpoint with such
accuracy that she was alone and craving a diversion? She raised her eyes to
meet his, reminding herself of his earlier words. He wasn’t looking for a
relationship. Based on that, could she go with him? She didn’t know.
    She
pulled her hand away. “You’re probably right. It would be fun. But right now I
don’t think I’d be very good company.”
    “I
can’t imagine you being anything other than delightful company.” He grinned.
“You certainly know how to speak your mind. I like that.”
    The
light shone down on his head, gilding his hair and casting his face into
shadows. A crisp white shirt did little to disguise what could only be
described as a magnificent torso.  She knew instinctively that his body
would be firm and tight. She swallowed hard.
    “I
really should be getting in.” She reached for the door, but he already had his
hand on the latch. Her fingers brushed his, sending a jolt of electricity
zinging through her veins. “All right,” she said, opening the inside the door
and slipping inside.
    “Then
you’ll come?” Head tilted, he regarded her through the screen.
    “I
meant that I’ll think about it. See you tomorrow.” She closed the door, praying
that he couldn’t hear her wildly beating heart.
    * * *
    A
damp mist hugged the ground the next morning as Olivia rode along the trail
leading toward the stables of Haversham Hall. She’d had trouble sleeping last
night, plagued by dreams of Josh. She’d finally given up around two in the
morning and had crawled out of bed to sit by the open window, reliving every
moment of her time with him. There was something about him. Beneath the casual,
undeniably sexy exterior he was coiled as tightly as a spring. It was an
exciting, disturbing combination. She’d finally gone back to bed and fallen
into a sound sleep, but even now those impressions still lingered.
    The
sun made an appearance over the hills to the east, bringing with it the promise
of another beautiful day. She sighed audibly, wondering if she should ask
Justine to help her decide about Josh’s audacious offer. Probably not. After
all, Justine had enough things on her mind with the upcoming wedding. Besides,
Olivia wasn’t sure if she wanted Justine’s input. Her friend’s decisions were
usually tempered with a large dose of caution. Right now caution was the last thing
she needed despite the