It's Only Make Believe Read Online Free Page A

only to be loved by this man. This man she grew up with, yet knew nothing about. His hands moved freely over her body, exploring. Strange sensations that she never experienced before trembled through her. She wrapped her arms around him tighter, pulling him closer, wanting to become part of him. He backed her into the bedroom, holding her close, kissing her, driving her wild with desire. They reached the bed. He eased her down and took her, mumbling words she couldn’t quite hear.
    Afterwards, he moved to her side, still holding her close. An overwhelming feeling of comfort, security, and satisfaction filled her before the realization of what just happened hit her. Afraid to open her eyes, she lay still as his hand caressed and soothed her.
     
    *** 
    Brad relished the way her skin felt. Appreciated the way she reacted to his touch. Even now she shivered, her body trembled. The softness of her skin was like fine silk under his hand. Her body molded into him. He couldn’t remember desiring a woman this much.
    Suddenly she stiffened. Tension replaced her relaxed body as she lay next to him. Why the sudden change?
    “Michele?” His soft seductive voice questioned, while his lips feathered across her cheek.
    “Michele.” Brad leaned over her, resting his head on his hand. “Open your eyes. Look at me.” He needed to know what caused the sudden change. Color slipped into her face. She’s embarrassed. His stubborn, temperamental wife was embarrassed. He almost laughed. Instead he lay back and closed his eyes, giving her a minute to compose herself. Never in his life had he met anyone like her. Obviously under that confident exterior was an unexpectedly shy woman when it came to the bedroom. Or was it just with him?
    ***
    Michele shook her head, her face flamed, her body stiffened. What had just happened here, how could she have allowed herself to give in so easily?
    “Michele.” He leaned up on his elbow and caressed her cheek with his thumb.
    Her eyes squeezed tighter. She couldn’t bear to look at him. Embarrassment flooded through her, the heat on her face almost as hot as Brad’s lips had been.
    “Michele, look at me.” His stern voice demanded.
    She opened her eyes and looked at him, then focused on a lamp in the corner of the room.
    He leaned down, brushed his lips across hers, igniting sparks. “A year’s a long time. I promised to be faithful, but for God’s sakes I’m not a saint, and I won’t remain celibate.” He took her chin in his hand and turned her head so her eyes gazed into his. “We are married, it’s legal.”
    The sound of Ruby’s voice rang through her mind. The picture of their heads locked together eased its way into her thoughts. Would he be faithful? Not if she acted like a frigid prude. He desired her, they just made incredible love, why not relax and enjoy it? He said he wouldn’t remain celibate. Not that she blamed him and damn if she’d send him into Ruby’s arms.
    “Brad, I...” his lips lowered on hers, quieting any protest. Desire flooded through her again as his hands wandered over her body. Giving in to the physical need, something inside told her she could learn to love this man.
    The phone rang, interrupting the taste of his delicious lips as his teeth nibbled her lower lip.
    “Damn.” He started to edge away to answer it.
    “Ignore it,” she mumbled, her husky voice sounded strange even to her. She pulled him to her, returning the fiery kisses, exploring his body, finding the need to touch him as strong as the need to be touched.
    The phone continued to ring and then the alarm clock sounded.
    “Damn.” He sat up, moved away, hit the alarm to silence it, and answered the phone.
    She sat up next to him. His muscles tensed as he spoke. “Let Jackson handle it.”  He paused while the person on the other end answered. A woman’s voice. Ruby’s voice. She eased herself out of bed and once again went to take a shower. Hot water washed over her. But she