Free Dead Ringer by Annie Solomon

and into something more comfortable. Stripping out of her clothes, she sank into the tubful of water and let the warmth soak away her lingering resentment She knew she was bad news, but would it kill Finn Carver to like her just a little?
    She didn't know how long she spent in the tub, but Finn must have been doing a whale of a job because she hadn't heard him come back in all that time. When the water had saturated her muscles and melted into her bones, she climbed out and reached for the towel. Slowly, she dried off, realizing she didn't have clothes to change into; they'd left their luggage downstairs for the bellhop to bring up. Holding the towel against her, she opened the door and peeked out to see if the suitcases had arrived.
    "Sharkmanr
    No answer. He must still be in the lobby. Or wherever the hell TCF agents go to "scout" things.
    She found the luggage in the living room, and was hunting through a suitcase for a pair of leggings, when the latch clicked and the door swung open. Whipping around, she clutched the towel tighter,around herself as Finn came in.
    He took one look at her and his whole body tensed.
    "What are you doing?"
    "What does it look like I'm doing? Getting dressed."
    His gaze ran over her, searing every inch. For a minute she thought he was going to stand there and watch. Then slowly he turned his back, letting her finish in privacy.
    "You do have a bedroom." He clipped the words. "With a door. That closes."
    "Yeah, but you know me. Too much of an exhibitionist to go for anything as dull as a bedroom."
    She wiggled into the black leggings, all too aware of who was standing a mere ten feet away. But it was the leftover warmth of the bath-and not his presence-that made her face hot as she slid into a glittery pink tube top. Glad to be in comfortable clothes at last, she slipped her feet into a pair of shiny black thongs with tiny heels and said, "Okay, you can look now."
    But when he turned around again his eyes widened with instant heat that he immediately doused with a frown. Ignoring the scowl, she picked up her key card and headed for the door. He caught her arm and pulled her around to face him.
    "Where do you think you're going?"
    "Downstairs for dinner. I'm starved."
    "You're not going anywhere looking like that."
    "What's wrong with the way I look?"
    "Nothing if you want to work a street corner."
    She flushed and yanked her arm out of his grip. "Did anyone ever tell you you're a real asshole?"
    "Did anyone ever tell you to get your mouth washed out with soap?"
    That was it. She pushed past him toward the door, but he got there ahead of her and blocked her way.
    "You're going to starve me now?"
    "You're supposed to be Carol Borian's double. How did that"-he gestured up and down her body-"even get in your suitcase?"
    "I put it there. We're in the hotel, for God's sake. Borian's out on his ranch a million miles away. What does it matter what I wear?"
    "It matters. Someone could see you and report back to him. It's stupid to take chances."
    "I'm tired of mincing around in panty hose and ugly shoes."
    "Stay here. Order room service."
    "I just got off a plane, dammit I'm sick of being holed up."
    "Then change your clothes."
    Her mother's sensibly styled shoes were still on me floor where she'd kicked them off. She picked one up and threw it at him, but he ducked and it missed his head. And then, without knowing she was going to, she launched herself at him. Arms flailing, pared-down nails scratching, she screamed at him, cursing. He made a grab for her wrists and she kicked him in the shins. He yelled in pain, and before she knew what had happened, she was facedown on the floor, arms pinned behind her. With a quick flip, he turned her over, knees straddling her stomach.
    "I ought to take you over my knee."
    "Go ahead. Taking me is what you've wanted to do ever since you laid eyes on me."
    He'd been breathing hard, his blue eyes fired with anger, but her words stopped him instantly. Without another