Seductively: Playing for Hearts Book 2 (Crimson Romance) Read Online Free

falling down and the upper window is broken.” He returned his gaze to the road.
    The thought of her staying in a home that could crumble down around her made him uneasy. What was wrong with her staying at the hotel where there were people around and everything was within walking distance?
    “It’ll be a showpiece when I’m done fixing the house up to its original glory.” She rolled her head along the seat rest and smiled. “Did you know it’s the oldest house in Cottage Grove? It’s practically famous already. It’s been vacant for two years and the town wants to sell the lot it sits on. They figure someone will tear the old place down and build a new home or expand the city limits and a huge land developer will build a mini mall or something. Not me. I’d never destroy something as cool as the Ferriday House with all the stories that come with it from age. I’m going to keep the history and make new memories for all the people who will visit the area.”
    “Why?”
    “I want to open a bed and breakfast.” She clapped her hands and laughed. “God, that felt good to finally tell someone, even if it’s just you. It makes it real. I am going to own a bed and breakfast. There. My secret is out for the next two weeks. Hey, maybe I’ll even name the honeymoon suite — ” she raised her hands and made air quotes “ — Dominic’s playroom.”
    He jerked his gaze off the road to Diana. “What?”
    Her brows shot higher and her jaw dropped. “That didn’t come out right. Forget I made that suggestion. It just hit me that this is really happening. I can do this, and no one can stop me.”
    He stared at the road. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. Was that some hidden message? Did she fantasize about him? Maybe she thought he was a playboy.
    “Maybe you should think longer about your plans for the future. It’s a huge business decision for a woman.” He entered the highway and set the cruise control.
    “A woman?” She leaned forward and narrowed her gaze. “I’ve dreamed about that house since I was in high school. When I came back to Cottage Grove after college and started working at the hotel, I knew what I really wanted to do is run my own business. I’m good at my job. My success or failures in life has nothing to do with being a female.”
    “Whoa.” He shook his head. “I didn’t say that.”
    “Sure sounded like it.”
    “I, um, apologize.” He grimaced, hoping the advice he received from the guys on the team about always letting women think they were right would work with Diana. The words sat bitter on his tongue. No woman had forced him to take responsibility for his actions as if he was a six-year-old who’d been caught swiping the cookies.
    “Good. Because I’m buying the house and property, and no one is changing my mind.” She leaned back.
    He relaxed, feeling successful at dodging another argument and continued driving, thinking there was more to Diana than he originally thought. Bossy and independent, she was also determined and goal oriented. He liked that.
    “San Jose,” he said. Proud of himself for finally remembering the city he called home nine months of the year.
    “Huh?”
    “That’s where I live.”
    “Oh.” She glanced over at him. “I’ve been there a few times when a group of us drove over on spring break when I went to Berkeley.”
    “I’ll show you around.” He glanced at her and winked. “We’ll go on a date.”
    “Nice try, but no.” She turned to gaze out the side window.
    A genuine smile came over him. Because right before she’d turned away, he’d seen the corners of her mouth twitch. Oh, she’d fight her attraction to him. She’d give him one hell of a challenge. But she wanted him.

Chapter Three
    No sooner had Dominic shown her around the gated community where his upscale condominium was located and got her settled in the spare bedroom with the navy colored curtains with matching bedspread and bare walls lacking any homey feel,