Free A Stallion's Touch by Deborah Fletcher Mello Page A

brothers,” Nicholas said. “I would think they know you.”
    â€œThey’re usually wrong. Just like I’m sure you and your brothers are with Natalie.”
    â€œMy sister is spoiled rotten.”
    â€œExactly! My family says the same thing about me, but I assure you that I am not spoiled. I’m perfectly okay with not getting my way.”
    Nicholas chuckled. “Are you selling bridges now, too?”
    â€œAs a matter of fact, I have a pyramid deal you might be interested in!”
    Nicholas shifted his body, adjusting his computer screen to follow. “Okay, so you really aren’t spoiled. You’re an okay cook, not great, just okay, and you should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.”
    â€œI’m also very philanthropic, and despite what some people might think, I don’t have a vain bone in my body. I might be a little self-absorbed, but I’m definitely not vain,” she concluded, her laugh floating through their video connection.
    Nicholas shook his head, amusement dancing across his face.
    â€œBut what about you?” Tarah asked, changing the subject. “I hear you’re a bit of a playboy. Is that true?”
    â€œYou did not hear that about me!”
    â€œOh, yes I did. In fact, there was an article about it in one of those supermarket rags. Something about you having dated a lingerie model, a stripper and a reality star all in the same month. It said you get around.”
    He paused, pretending to be contemplating the statement. “I did date a reality star once a long, long time ago, but I don’t recall a stripper.”
    Tarah laughed and a warm tingle rippled across his spine. “How could you not recall?”
    â€œThat’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I have no recollection of ever making it rain. Ever!”
    â€œSo, you’re not only a bit of a playboy but also insensitive to the women you date. You don’t even remember them!”
    â€œNot at all. I’m a very sensitive individual.”
    â€œDo you date a lot?” Tarah asked, her humor brimming with curiosity.
    â€œI date when it’s convenient. How about you?”
    â€œI don’t date at all.”
    â€œI find that very difficult to believe. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman. I’m sure men are falling all over themselves trying to take you out.”
    â€œYou think I’m beautiful?”
    Nicholas laughed, the chortle gut-deep. “I thought you said you weren’t vain?”
    â€œHow’s that vain? I didn’t say I was beautiful. You did.”
    â€œBut you liked me telling you that you’re beautiful.”
    â€œI didn’t say that. I didn’t say that at all.”
    â€œYou didn’t have to. I read your mind.”
    â€œSo you’re a mind reader now?”
    â€œI am,” Nicholas said matter-of-factly.
    â€œThat means you can tell what I’m thinking right now.”
    â€œYep!”
    â€œWell, don’t keep me waiting.”
    â€œYou’re wishing that I was there...right now...and that I would kiss you.”
    â€œI’m thinking about you kissing me?”
    â€œYou are. You really want me to kiss you. One of my toe-curling, back-arching, tongue-twisting kisses that will make you weak in the knees.”
    Tarah’s eyes widened as she stared at him, his expression smug and confident. She shook her head. “That’s not what I was thinking about.”
    â€œAre you saying I’m wrong?”
    Tarah giggled. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
    â€œWhat were you thinking, then?” Nicholas asked.
    â€œThat it was time for me to say good-night. Sleep well!” she concluded, and then she disconnected their call, barely giving him a second to say it back.
    Tarah sat upright, pulling her knees to her chest as she wrapped her arms tightly around her legs. She shook her head as she reflected on what Nicholas had said,