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Excerpt
Unexpected
Truths
by Cheryl
Bonner
Chapter One
Jessie York checked over her shoulder before slipping into the room.
Her back to the door, she took deep breaths to slow her rapid
heartbeat. Note to Shelby, no more large parties, especially if I
have to watch him flirt with other women. Jealousy was a feeling
Jessie didn’t like. She didn’t need him as a complication. Didn’t
need the hassle. Didn’t want him in her life. Why couldn’t he just
stay a friend?
She
opened her eyes and blinked. Moonbeams skipped across the ocean into
the space illuminating the study in soft pale colors. Luxurious
floor to ceiling windows overlooked the ocean. The restlessness of
the sea matched her mood. Dark. Demanding. Destructive. On the
opposite wall, an oak mantel fireplace competed with the view for
attention. Books were scattered on tables, a large desk and on
shelves. Pillows of every shape and hue graced the chairs and floor,
creating colorful sitting areas throughout the area.
She
kicked off her shoes, and her feet sank into the deep pile carpet as
she moved closer to the windows. “Impressive.”
“I’m glad you approve.” The baritone voice interrupted her musing.
Panic chased away her calm, settling
in her stomach like greasy food. Jessie rubbed her damp palms
together, turned and tried to make out the man in the shadows. There
was something familiar about the voice.
He
moved into the light.
Nick Sirius.
She
hoped he hadn’t noticed the excitement as it surged through her body
and into her voice. “Oh, it’s you.”
His
black hair accented his dark clothing. The pants, collarless shirt
and jacket wrapped his frame like a second skin. Earlier thoughts of
envy faded as she clenched and unclenched her hands.
His
eyes mirrored the ocean.
Holy bells.
“Nick, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you would be here.” Jessie
glanced around. “I assumed everyone was downstairs at the party
enjoying themselves.” She moved toward the door, trying to put
distance between them. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your space. I
was looking for a place to escape from all the fuss.” She motioned
toward the papers scattered near a set of cushions. “I’ll leave you
to your work.”
He
moved, cutting off her escape route and touched her arm. “You’re not
interrupting. I’ve finished.”
Warmth traveled from his fingertips and up her arm. She paused and
looked into his eyes. Her world expanded and exploded into a
thousand pieces. I shouldn’t want him. Breathing became
difficult, and her heartbeat pounded in her ears.
“Please stay.” He slid his hand down the length of her arm.
“Okay.” Jessie stepped away from him and moved closer to the
fireplace. Gazing into the red flames, she hoped for comfort. But
none could be found.
Who
was she trying to fool? He’d been the fuel for her nighttime drama
for weeks now. In her imagination, a wicked human traps him because
he tries to stop the stripping of a coral reef. She saves him from
death. After the rescue, they are together. His sweat-covered bronze
skin moves against hers, slow at first and then demanding. Those
dark fathomless eyes belong to her.
His
voice disturbed her sensual dreams.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch the last thing you said,” she said.
“How do you like the party, Lady of the Mer? Isn’t that what some of
your readers call you?”
She
noticed one of his eyebrows raised, daring her to argue. She sensed
Nick, underneath the expensive clothes, had a wild streak in him.
His picture, no doubt, could be found in the dictionary under
‘trouble’ with a capital ‘T.’ She wouldn’t take the bait.
“Why did you leave the party?” His voice was soft, warm and subtle,
reminding her of a summer night, long and full of promise.
“It
was over the top.” Jess glanced around to figure how far she needed
to travel to escape. Four walls, a ceiling and floor. Nowhere to go,
she swallowed past the lump in her throat and hoped he didn’t
notice. The fireplace didn’t provide the needed relief.
“Isn’t the festive atmosphere what most writers want? A launch with
a new publisher. Everyone connected gets bragging rights for fifteen
minutes. A few reporters interview and write about how we love our
writers. Win-win for everyone.”
She
watched him move from the door toward the desk. The man walked with
a purpose. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was trying to
impress her. “All right, not over the top, but just too much for
someone like me.”
“Someone like you.” His gazed traveled down her body and up to her
face.
The
heat in his eyes made her shiver with excitement. She shifted,
looking for relief from her wet panties. It figures, the first man
in months that sends my hormones raging owns the publishing house.
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