The Truth of the Body (Templer Series) Read Online Free Page A

caused my skin to tingle. I sit, sipping my champagne rather too eagerly.
    Alison reaches across to pat my arm. “You look a complete vision, Amber. Every man in this room stopped to look in your direction when you entered. Even the Major could not take his eyes of you.” She throws a playful laugh at the Major.
    “I’m sure that is not true, Alison.” I retort scolding her, feeling a warmth build in my face. “But thank you for the compliment”
    ***
     
    We have dined and drank our way through three courses of exquisite food while being entertained by Adore, a favourite operatic quartet of The British Forces Foundation. We have laughed through Jim Donaldson, and struggled with our emotions viewing film reels of the current tours of our troops, some present in this ballroom, including Major Logan Grant.
    Watching him on screen, dirty and weary in the dust of Afghanistan, talking about his men, I feel a tremor in my lips. I sneak a glance at this incredibly handsome man sat opposite me, and am stunned to find him staring directly at me, rather than watching himself on screen. I avert my daze quickly , remaining transfixed on the screens until the showing is finished.
    As the films draw to a close, I excuse myself to the powder rooms. I am gripping tightly onto the edge of the wash basin, mentally talking to myself in the gilded mirror. The reality of war, of maintaining strength and relationships, of loving a man or woman who is risking their life daily, comes to a head. A violent sob breaks in my throat. I am twenty four years old, basically a spoiled and pampered girl. He is thirty and has lived through war, death and what else I cannot imagine.
    And he doesn’t do relationships. He w ill not have a woman wait for him. In case he doesn’t come back.
    I pat my cheeks dry, take several deep breaths, and head out towards the ballroom.
    ***
     
    I must have been in the powder room longer than I imagined. The ballroom is now overflowing with couples dancing. There is laughter and conversation intermingled with the sound of the band. I try to make my way through the throngs of swaying bodies before my elbow is lightly tugged. As I turn around I am encircled in the strong arms of Major Grant. He presses me snug against his chest, one hand wrapped along my lower back, the other gently holding the nape of my neck. Instinctively, I fold my arms around him. No words are spoken. Just his warm breath as he lowers his head to lean against mine, while we begin to sway in motion to the music.
    Suddenly as the music quietens towards the end of the dance, he tilts my chin up to face him. His eyes are soft but his expression is serious.
    “Stop thinking about the films, Amber” He says gruffly.
    “H-how did you know?” I reply, puzzled.
    “I’m not stupid.” He thumbs the crease between my eyes. He lowers his lips just enough to brush against mine without actually kissing me. I feel and hear his next words as they vibrate along my mouth.
    “ I can’t seem to stay away from you. I can’t give you anything more…….but I can give you tonight”
     
    Chapter Seven
    Anticipation and sexual tension are suffocating the air of the elevator as we ride up to the rooftop suites. We are stood facing each other, both our backs pressed hard against the outer edges of this enclosed space. It feels as though the moment we touch we will combust, so we dare not. Our chests rise and fall in unison, each breath, each pant harsher and heavier than the last. His eyes are drowsy with greed, the blue iris fierce and penetrating. Watching each rise of his chest, and breath expel out his mouth, my nipples harden and scrape painfully against the fabric of my gown. My sex is pulsating growing sodden as each second passes.
    I run my gaze through the length of his powerful frame finally settling on his groin. I can see the thick outline of his erection pressing hard against the material of his dress trousers. I am mesmerized. I ache to have it fill