Free THE REBEL AND THE RICH GIRL by Emma Daniels Page A

enough to melt what remained of her defenses. He was far too handsome, much too persuasive. His ultimate goal was to make love to her and for the first time Nicole found the prospect rather exciting. Despite his abrasive manner, his arrogance and overconfidence, she knew he would be gentle with her. There had been nothing forceful about his kiss, and his hands had only touched her with tenderness.
    But he would never love her. No matter how much she enjoyed his kisses and caresses, she couldn’t allow him to overwhelm her. He wasn’t the type of man she’d ever envisaged herself getting involved with, and she couldn’t allow herself to do so now.
    Yet, she felt flattered that he desired her, perhaps more than she should. No man had ever wanted her before, and she was still stunned that one so good-looking and world-wise should show an interest in her.
    “I think it’s time we headed back,” Philip said, glancing over his shoulder. He started getting to his feet, pulling Nicole up with him, but as he stepped back, he winced. Releasing her from his grip, he brought his hand to his ribcage.
    “What is it?” she asked, watching in concern at the way he clasped his side.
    “I’d forgotten about the injury a perturbed young woman inflicted on me yesterday,” he grimaced. Nicole realized that he wasn’t acting. She had hurt him.
    “I’m sorry,” she murmured uncomfortably.
    “Do you really mean that?” The grave way he was looking at her made her realize that he didn’t entirely believe her.
    “I didn’t mean to hit you so hard, but -“
    “I deserved it. That’s what you were going to say, wasn’t it?”
    “It was the way you said it.”
    “Shall we call a truce? I promise not to make any more comments which might offend you, and you promise not to thump me again. Deal?”
    He smiled whimsically, and Nicole realized there was another, more considerate side to him. She couldn’t lose sight of his dark, piratical side, but decided it couldn’t do any harm to be civil to one another for the next few days.
    Once she left for her tour there would be no need to see one another again. No matter what he said about developing a sexual relationship, Nicole had to ensure it never eventuated. A relationship based only on physical fulfillment would never do.
    “Deal,” she said.
    They headed back to the waiting bus, arriving at the same time as Trisha and Jim. Nicole wondered what was going through her friend’s mind as she watched Philip slip into the seat beside her. Robert also cast them a curious glance, for it was his spot Philip had commandeered. But with a small shrug, the teenager headed for the seat beside the attractive young girl Philip had kept entertained on the outbound journey.
    Nicole knew she’d overdone it by going out for the day. She rested her weary head against the cushioned seat, and soon found herself dozing off. She became aware some time during their journey of Philip slipping his arm around her shoulders, and of snuggling against him, resting her head against his chest. It made her aware that all too soon life would return to normal. He would go his way and she hers. She would be left with nothing more than sweet memories of his strong arms holding her close, and the way his sexy kiss had torn her senses asunder.
     
    If he could go on holding her forever he would. She felt so right in his arms, her head on his shoulder and her small hand against his chest. Kissing her had been sweeter than he’d ever imagined a kiss could be, and the way she’d stroked his hair and pulled him close had sent his senses scattering to the four winds. Even her words about togetherness and commitment hadn’t deterred him. Those things were obviously important to someone who’d spent the past four years studying people and their psychology.
    It should have sent him running, but Philip didn’t want to run from Nicole. He wanted to get as close to her as a man could get to a woman, and stay