Free Recipe for Love (Entangled Select Suspense) by Dyann Love Barr Page B

tell you that?” She wanted to prove she could walk on her own, but her weak attempt to push away failed.
    He tightened his grip and gave her the tiniest of shakes. “I haven’t had any complaints so far.” His dark eyes bored into hers, so intense and unrelenting that she gave up the struggle for freedom. “So simmer down. I’m taking you to your suite.”
    “Let me go.” She gave him another weak thump on the shoulder in protest. “I’m all right now.”
    His voice softened, as did his eyes. “I’d believe it if it weren’t for your wonderfully pasty complexion.”
    “You’re just loaded with compliments tonight, aren’t you?”
    “Truth hurts, Matilda .”
    “It’s Tilly!”
    His mouth quirked to one side. “I thought that would put a little color back in your cheeks.” He stopped at the front of the door to her suite. “Where’s your key card?”
    “In my front pants pocket.”
    “Promising.” He hefted her closer to his chest, his arms tightened around her as he slid his hands over her hips to find her pocket.
    Her heart stammered, the growing warmth low in her body sending out red flags of warning. First Tyler, and now Jordan. How had she turned into a sex maniac in the course of a few short hours? No matter what, she was determined to nip it in the bud. Jake had taught her a valuable lesson on trusting her own judgment. She hadn’t listened and she’d landed in hot water. This time she’d be smarter.
    Tilly glared up at him. “Put me down.” She bucked in his arms in an effort to break his hold. “You don’t tell a woman she’s got a lead butt and then expect to dig around in her pants for a key card.”
    “Believe me, it would be purely platonic. Colleague to colleague.” He set her gently on her feet and held out his hand. “Give me the key card.”
    No matter how hard she tried to stop it, her lower lip stuck out in a pout. “I can let myself in.”
    “You have to be the most stubborn woman in the world.” He tsked, motioning for her to give him the key card. “Come on.” From the set of his jaw and the tone in his voice, she knew it was a losing battle.
    “Ruby used to say I could nag a marshmallow through a concrete walk.”
    “I think I’m half in love with Ruby.” His eyebrow rose. “The key?”
    “She’s too much woman for you.” She slapped her card into his waiting hand.
    “Maybe I’ll take up that challenge one day.” He unlocked and opened the door to her suite.
    She snorted. “My foster mother is in her seventies.” Head high, she walked into her room, in spite of her wobbly legs. She turned to shut the door, to flee his disturbing presence, but he leaned against the doorjamb.
    “Wine gets better as it ages.”
    “Or turns into vinegar. And believe me, she’s full of piss and vinegar.” She sighed and sagged, holding onto the edge of the door for support. “Thank you for helpin’ me. I hope I didn’t sound ungracious, but I really need to lie down.”
    He gave the door a gentle push and stepped inside. “I’m not going anywhere until I’m sure you’re okay.”
    She walked over to the dark green tweed sofa. She sank down, grateful her legs held up this far. “All I want is a shower and bed.”
    “Both sound good to me. Maybe I should join you.”
    Her eyes shot up to his, her emotions in such turmoil that she didn’t know whether to laugh or snarl at him.
    “Bad joke.” He sat beside her, took her hand in his, and leaned back against the sofa. “I’m merely concerned. How will I sleep if I don’t know that you’re really all right?”
    “I’m fine. Go to your own suite if you need a shower.”
    “Nope.” He put his arm over her shoulder and tightened his hold as he tried to pull her closer. She stiffened against him.
    “What are you doin’?”
    “Chill. I won’t bite, unless given permission. Tell you what, I’ll forego the shower and bed, as enticing as it sounds.” He enfolded her until her cheek rested against his chest.