Free In Bed with the Enemy by Kathie DeNosky Page B

get that idea? “No, Elise. I kissed you because—”
    â€œOh, come on, Yardley.” She glared down at him as she grabbed a plush towel. “Do you think I was born yesterday? Your actions speak for themselves. But you’re forgetting something.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” he asked, fascinated by how gorgeous she was when she was angry.
    She shook her head. “We’re not sharing information. Or don’t you remember your statement that you work alone?”
    He watched her vigorously dry herself. The towel skimmed over her creamy skin and touched places he wished his hands were touching. His groin tightened to an almost painful state and he sucked in a sharp breath. What the hell was wrong with him? Elise Campbell didn’t even come close to the type of woman he preferred. So why did he want to throw her over his shoulder, take her to a nice secluded place and find out if she was as passionate when she made love as he suspected she’d be.
    Cursing under his breath, Cole kicked away from the side of the pool without a backward glance and started swimming laps as fast as his aching muscles would allow. If he swam long enough, maybe he’d be able to forget that kiss, and the fact that he was harder than he’d ever been in his life for a woman who was quickly driving him out of his mind.
    Â 
    When Elise walked into the ladies’ locker room, her knees felt as if the cartilage had been replaced with soft rubber. Cole Yardley was the most arrogant, insufferable soul she’d ever encountered. But he kissed like every forbidden fantasy she’d ever had and made her want to forget all about her rule of never becoming involved with a co-worker.
    Stripping off her suit, she stepped into the shower, and closing her eyes, stuck her head beneath the spray. She hoped the warm water would wash away all thoughts of the man and how alive he made her feel when he pressed his rigid body to hers. Her lower stomach fluttered and a coil of tension tightened deep inside her feminine regions at the thought of his bare skin touching so much of hers.
    â€œI’ve lost my mind,” she muttered. “That’s the only explanation for this insanity.”
    But twenty minutes later, as she walked out onto the clubhouse patio where the barbecue was being held, her lips still tingled and she couldn’t seem to stop the restless feeling deep inside her. “It’s just hunger,” she muttered.
    She’d skipped breakfast and it was well past noon. Like everything else in town, the inn’s dining room had closed down for the festivities taking place at thecountry club. If she didn’t eat here, there wasn’t much chance of finding something anywhere else.
    â€œIt’s good to see you again, doll.”
    At the sound of the gravelly male voice, the skin along the back of Elise’s neck prickled and a chill slithered up her spine. Turning, she barely controlled the urge to draw back. “Hello, Mr. Valente.”
    â€œHave you eaten yet?” His beady eyes peered at her like those of a rattlesnake watching its prey.
    â€œI was just about to order.”
    His grin made her feel as if she needed a trip back to the locker room for another shower. “I already have a table. I insist that you join me.”
    â€œNo, thank you. I have work to do,” she said, turning to place her order. She hoped he’d get the message and leave her alone. “Could you make that to go?” she asked the teenager working behind the counter.
    When Valente placed his hand at her elbow and jerked her away from the booth, Elise winced. His fingers bit into her skin, and his smile had turned to a deep scowl. “I insist, doll. It’s not polite to give someone the bum’s rush when he’s cooperating with your investigation.”
    Elise felt a tiny tremor of trepidation skitter through her. Surely he wouldn’t try anything in the middle of a