Free Words of Seduction by Dara Girard Page B

the sound of thunder. Allthose dormant feelings came rushing back like an avalanche and again there was no father to stop her.
    Just as she had done that night all those years ago, she threw away her inhibitions and surrendered to her feelings. “I do,” she said, placing her lips on his.

Chapter 8
    S he tasted even better the second time, Rick thought as Suzanne’s soft lips welcomed his onslaught. His plan had been to wait until after the picnic for this moment, but he always seized an opportunity that presented itself. But something was different with this kiss from that one in the attic. This one was too close to the first kiss they’d had. The one that had changed everything for him and he would never let that happen again. He was the master seducer, but he had to make sure he wasn’t the one being seduced.
    He went still then drew away from her. It took all his effort to do so because at that moment his body was tense and hot and he wanted nothing more than to seek release between her thighs, but he wasn’t going to be used again. He wasn’t going to relinquish his control.When she was in his arms again it would be because she wanted him . Not just because he was handy and useful. He wasn’t going to repeat the past. One day Suzanne would be his completely, but today wasn’t that day. He spun away from her and gripped the porch railing.
    “What’s wrong?” Suzanne asked. He could hear the worry in her voice. He was glad she was worried, she needed to be.
    He took a deep steadying breath to compose himself before meeting her eyes. “That’s what I asked you.” He raised his hand when she opened her mouth. “And don’t waste your time lying to me.”
    Suzanne smiled and leaned forward, giving him a tantalizing view of her cleavage. “I didn’t realize you were that interested in my problems.”
    He forced himself not to notice the invitation as a bead of sweat slid down his back. “So you admit that you have some?”
    Her smile dimmed and this time worry entered her eyes instead of her voice. Her weakness was his advantage and he regained control. “Do I need to ask you again?”
    “Let’s eat first.” She scooped up the blanket, plates and utensils and went inside. He grabbed the bag and followed. He sat at the table and watched her spread things out—each movement deliberate and swift. She wasn’t upset or angry. She was furious and that made him only want her more. Her anger made her more human. He loved seeing the fire flow through those ice veins of hers. However, she was back on her pedestal, but he wouldn’t let that last long. He knew that one day she’d be knocked off that high perch and would fall intothe gutter where she thought he belonged. Now they were equals and one day she’d have to admit it. Suzanne finally sat down at the table and fixed her plate. She ate as though she were dining at a high-priced restaurant in downtown Durham. Rick watched her for a few minutes. “So why did you come back here?”
    “You know why,” she replied with cool politeness.
    Rick shook his head. “At first I thought your kitchen was bare because you didn’t plan to stay long, but then I began to wonder why you came back at all.”
    “I’m taking care of things. You know that.”
    “You could have had someone else sell the house for you. Isn’t that what your family always did? It’s what you’re used to. Why didn’t you hire someone to mow or keep the garden up? Tell me the truth.”
    Suzanne gripped her fork before slowly setting it down and clasping her hands together. “I think you already know the truth.”
    “I just want to make sure.”
    “You mean you want me to admit it.”
    “Yes.”
    Suzanne pushed herself from the table and folded her arms, staring at Rick like they were adversaries at war. “Oh, I see. Your moment of triumph has arrived. This is what you wanted. You weren’t just after the house or even me,” she said with a bitter laugh. “You wanted to hear me