The Millionaire Door Prize (Erotic Romance) Read Online Free Page A

compose himself when he turned to face her with remote in hand. She was hugging her pillow. God, if only that could be me sometime soon!
    Xander sat in the middle of the couch , as close to her as he thought possible without causing her alarm. He glanced at Alyssa several times, noting how enthralled she was in watching the dancers. She was smiling and practically swooning. He had to bite his lip to keep from laughing aloud at the sweet sight of her.
    Just as the third disc ended, he noted a yawn from her which caused him to yawn but he hid it behind a hand. He hurried to put in disc four, then returned to her side, this time sitting just a few inches closer. He was paying close attention to the dances, because it had been a while since he’d actually danced. He hoped to treat her to their own dance . . . and soon!
    They managed to make it through half the first season. Alyssa was showing signs of tiring, and her eyes were getting heavy. Xander turned off the TV and set the remote on the coffee table. This was it . . . the moment he feared. She would leave him now, and it was breaking his heart.
    He tr ied to think of something fast. What could he possibly do to keep her from going home, severing the bond between them, and possibly going back to him . . . after he pleaded and begged, saying it meant nothing, it was a mistake, and she should take him back!
    “Alyssa ,” he said softly, but no ideas came to him.
    “Yes?” She looked at him.
    He could only look at her. “I don’t want you to go . . . especially back to him.”
    She lowered her eyes in thought. She licked her lips and then bit her lower one, obviously pondering something. “I don’t know what to say.”
    “Say yes, if that is what you honestly want.” Xander stood and held his hand out to her; she took his invitation and stood. He pulled her into his arms, and she gave a surprised yelp. She swallowed the lump of fear that had lodged in her throat and stared at his chest, her breathing ragged and truly uncontrollable. “Alyssa.” He spoke her name so softly, so . . . sensually.
    “It wouldn’t be right ,” she said, her voice wavering with uncertainty.
    “Why? He did whatever he wanted to. Why should you not have the right to do whatever you want?” he pressed. He could feel her trembling in his arms. “I’m sorry; I am forcing you into something you’re not ready for. Forgive me.” He took a step back from her and slowly walked with his arm across her back, leading her to the door. She stumbled as if her feet didn’t want her to leave.
    Alyssa paused a few feet from the door. His heart nearly stopped beating! She nervously licked her lips. “If I stay . . .,” she mumbled, but couldn’t finish.
    “What , Alyssa?”
    “I am truly grateful for your kindness . . .” She drew in a deep breath and blew it out.
    “However, the idea of sleeping with me is not quite appropriate ,” he finished for her. It was not a question. 
    “When you say it that way it sounds so . . .” She shook her head.
    “It wasn’t meant to sound bad , in no way, shape, or form. You honestly don’t know me, though barely from our school days. It is inappropriate of me to think so greedily like a typical guy. Again I apologize for my ignorance,” he said, trying hard to contain himself.
    “I don’t know what to do . . . honestly.” She spoke softly, finally finding the strength to look at him. “I’m scared,” she admitted. He reached up and caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. She closed her eyes at the body numbing touch. He then brushed the hair back from her face.
    “You could sleep in my bed . . . and I could sleep on the sofa,” he boldly stated.
    “I could not ask you to do that,” she murmured.
    “It ’s my place, and I do believe I have the right to set the rules, especially if it eases your fears.”
    She looked away , not sure what to do. Alyssa twisted her fingers anxiously. Xander dared to turn her in the direction of his