Free Back in Black by Lori Foster Page B

his hand to the small of her back. Even through her jacket and sweater, he felt the vitality of her. “What do you say, Audrey? Okay if I drive you home?”
    Put on the spot, she stalled, then nodded. “Sure. That should be fine. Thank you.”
    Millie asked, “Are you sure?”
    Brett didn’t know if he should be amused or annoyed. If either of them really considered him untrustworthy, why accept his invitation in the first place?
    “I’m sure.” Audrey leaned down. “Thanks again, Millie. See you tomorrow?”
    “Noon. I’ll be there.” When Brett shut the door, she gave a friendly wave and put the car back in gear.
    Audrey shivered in the brisk wind, giving Brett the perfect excuse to pull her protectively against his side. “Where did spring go?” he asked her as he led them inside.
    “The weather report said it’s just a temporary cold front. It should be nice again by Wednesday.” She wore a puffy down jacket with skinny jeans, black ankle boots, and a black turtleneck. Her fair skin and blonde hair made a striking contrast against the dark sweater.
    She hadn’t exactly piled on the makeup, but Brett could see a hint of lip gloss and her lashes looked darker, longer, surrounding her deep brown eyes.
    When she cleared her throat, he realized that he stood there staring down at her.
    “Is there a place for us to put our coats?”
    Shaking himself, Brett grinned. “Yeah, sorry.” He helped her out of her jacket and, along with his, gave it to the coat check. “I got distracted looking at you.”
    “Why?” She put her palms to her cheeks. “Is something wrong?”
    “Not a thing.” Running a hand along her ponytail, Brett took in the sleek softness . . . he’d love to see her hair fanned out on his pillow as he made love to her. “You look terrific tonight.”
    Her shy smile flickered. “Thanks.” Indicating her jeans, she said, “I wasn’t sure what to wear, but I figured jeans went everywhere.”
    Because he couldn’t help himself, Brett put his hands on her slim waist. “On you, jeans look especially sexy.”
    Her eyes widened, but she didn’t move away.
    Bending down, Brett put a butterfly-soft kiss on her cheek. Her scent, that of shampoo, woman, and fresh air, left him feeling like he’d had one too many drinks. She gave him a buzz, and he liked it. For only a moment, he lingered, relishing her closeness.
    But unwilling to push his luck, he straightened, took her hand, and headed into the main bar area. “Are you hungry?”
    “I could eat.”
    Honest. He liked that. Too many women picked at their food. Audrey was slight, but he had a feeling it was a fast metabolism that kept her that way, not a perpetual diet. “Let’s get some food first then.”
    “First?”
    Weaving around couples on the dance floor, Brett waited until they’d reached the other side of the main room to speak again. “We’ll try everything tonight, okay?”
    Speechless, her lips parted, but she said nothing.
    This time, Brett gave her a quick, very unsatisfying kiss on her mouth. Staying close so she could hear him, he teased her. “Get your mind out of the gutter, woman.” He rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. “I meant pool, dancing . . . the bar activities.”
    Even more flustered now, Audrey stared up at him and seemed to melt. Her eyes darkened and her lids grew heavy.
    Taking Brett by surprise, she went to her tiptoes—and kissed him.
    A real kiss. A hot kiss.
    Her fingers sank into his hair and her lips moved over his with barely restrained hunger.
    Not one to pass up an opportunity, Brett wrapped his arms around her and turned so that she had her back to the wall. He had a feeling that public displays of affection were not the norm for Ms. Audrey Porter. In this position, with one hand braced on the wall beside her head, and her small body tucked in close to his, he protected her from view of anyone else in the place.
    Taking over the kiss, Brett cupped her face in his free hand and leaned into