In My Skin Read Online Free Page B

handed me a mug of coffee and sat at the other end of the sofa with hers.
    "Don't worry about it. Besides, you didn't have a jacket either.” I smiled to take the guilty look off her face.
    "My shirt was quite a bit heavier than your sweater, though. Next time, you can borrow my spare leather jacket."
    Next time. I liked that. I smiled and took a sip of coffee, but as the liquid hit my taste buds, the smile turned into a grimace and I had to fight the urge to spit it back into the cup. I managed to swallow it, but couldn't hide my distaste.
    I put the cup on the table and turned to Chaise, grinning. “I will, however, accept an apology for that coffee. That has to be some of the worst coffee I have ever tasted. I know you said your culinary skills weren't great but, damn woman, you own a coffee shop!"
    Chaise had the decency to look embarrassed. She put her cup beside mine on the table. “Yeah, well, I don't actually make the coffee downstairs, I just shmooze the customers and take their money."
    The color in her cheeks was adorable. “Hmm, I'd stick to that if I were you.” I dodged to the side to avoid the cushion that she aimed at my head and it landed harmlessly on the floor behind me.
    "I could get you some tea if you prefer?” She raised one eyebrow. “I can make tea that doesn't double as rodent poison."
    "I think I'll test that claim another day. I should probably go. I have a pile of paperwork awaiting me.” I pushed the cushion off my lap and eased out of the sofa.
    "I had a really good time tonight. Come on, I'll walk you to your car.” Chaise got to her feet and stood in front of me. She leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips, then turned and walked toward the main stairs, but I couldn't seem to move to follow her. My tongue came out to touch my lips, and I could taste her there. I wanted more.
    At the top of the stairs Chaise turned and looked at me, her confusion clear. “Anna? Are you all right?"
    I bit the inside of my lip and took a couple of deep, fortifying breaths. “I-uh, well...” I wiped suddenly sweaty palms on my thighs. “I could always go into the office earlier in the morning; do the paperwork then."
    Chaise moved slowly back to me, as if afraid that I might bolt if she made a sudden move. “You could do that. You'd miss the rush hour traffic—that's a plus right there."
    "Yeah, rush hour can be a bitch.” My voice sounded a little breathy, and I was finally able to move, taking a step toward Chaise.
    "So, you can stay ... for tea?” The naked desire in her eyes made my heart kick against my chest.
    I took one more step. “Actually, I prefer tea with breakfast."
    She drew in a long, unsteady breath. “Are you sure?"
    I nodded and swallowed past the sudden tightness in my throat. “Scared spitless, but yes, I'm sure.” I tried to smile, but nerves got the better of me.
    Chaise placed the gentlest of kisses on my forehead then took my hand and smiled. “We'll only do what you're comfortable with. You say stop, we stop. Okay?” Her voice was quiet, reassuring.
    I tightened my fingers around hers. “Okay.” This time I managed to smile, and it was real.
    I followed Chaise as she led me across the apartment to the bedroom. My stomach was churning and my pulse was racing like I had run a marathon, but there was also excitement and desire unlike anything I had ever experienced.
    In the bedroom, Chaise let go of my hand and went to switch on the lamps on either side of the big brass bed. Soft light gave the room a golden glow, and Chaise came back to me where I was still standing by the door. She rested her hands on my hips and lowered her head until her lips were touching my jaw. I automatically tilted my head to the side, and Chaise took it as an invitation. She nibbled and licked her way from my chin to the lobe of my ear and sucked on it until I moaned and goose bumps broke out over my body. My hands gripped her shirt at the waist and my head fell back, suddenly too heavy