The Monte Carlo Affair: Across A Crowded Room (IATO Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

stroked intimately up her calf while they measured each other.
    Heat raced into her, through her, but she took her time examining him, evaluating his fine chiseled good looks as he studied her painted toes. She found him surprisingly fascinating, as well as appealing and amiable. The sun shimmered off his oiled body, a magnificent looking male specimen. Defined muscles rippled in his arms as he moved his hand up her thigh. She put her hand on his, stopping him before he reached her apex.
    He lifted his glasses to stare into her eyes. Looking for what, she wondered. What would he see in her expression? Arousal? Admiration? Yes, definitely that. It was impossible not to appreciate all that beautiful masculinity. Power? Hmm, he exuded that.
    Charming, wealthy, and there was no doubt a definite chemistry simmering between them. She wondered why he of all men affected her when no one except Jason had ever appealed to her this way. Damn her luck, it would have to be now and under these circumstances that her libido decided to step up.
    Although she should feel revulsion for who and what he was, when he touched her, what he could be didn’t faze her. None of that mattered to her body, and he was very good with body language. There was no doubt, the man would take what she offered if she dared. He might take it even if she didn’t. His body recognized the invitation from hers no matter how many times she tried to deny it. How many times had he taken the opportunity to push her when her pulse kicked up a notch? He read her like a headline, knew exactly what she liked, how she liked it, and when she wanted it. The minute heat pooled low in her body, he moved in like a shark sensing blood.
    Her heart couldn’t afford to let her mind forget her mission even if her body wanted to. The sparks flying between them couldn’t ever ignite. There was the mission to consider, and always, there was Jason. Her heart sank when she thought about him, wondering if he was the one watching.
    Despite Mosel’s wolfish approach to her, she trusted him to a point. She felt remarkably comfortable with him in so many ways, and yet she knew when to draw the line. What she felt toward him was more than pure lust. Strangely, she thought he’d be insulted to know that she liked him and she wished that she didn’t.
    He might believe lust was enough for him, but she was getting the distinct feeling he might be mistaken. The sensations he inspired in her with a glance or a light touch were electrifying, far from a mild infatuation. Mosel had her insides quaking like only one other man ever had.
    With Jason, often a touch wasn’t necessary to set her body blazing with need. With him, a look, a glance, or a flick of his head could set her off like a bottle rocket. It had been three years since she reacted to a man that way, and still everyone failed to match the standard Jason set. Emily wondered if he set the bar that high or if the fault lay with her. The explosive arousal Emily experienced just thinking of him could bring her to her knees, and if he touched her, her body tingled, anticipating more.
    Then perhaps there was a good reason for her special reaction to Jason—he had been her first lover—but now she suspected he wouldn’t be the last man to satisfy her. The way her body responded to Mosel was proof Jason hadn’t effectively ruined her for all other men.
    She pulled off her glasses, squinted as she caught up Mosel’s hand, affectionately weaving her fingers through his. “Can we take the skiff into port and come back later?” she asked.
    “As long as you agree to join me later. I have a short appointment this afternoon.”
    “Wonderful. I have a few things to pick up from my apartment. And then, you know, I have to get back to work or at least check in on the project by Monday.”
    He smiled that slow sexy grin. “Not a problem,” he said, and her heart missed a beat.
    He was hot, and God, she loved the chemistry between them. At least