Desiree Holt Finding Julia (pdf)

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pulled her from her chair. Kissing her lightly, he reached for her coat.
Let s get the check and get out of here. What I m hungry for is something other than
food.
Chapter Seventeen
A light rain had started to fall as Luke maneuvered carefully through the streets. Julia paid
little attention to where they were going, wrapped heavily in her own thoughts. If this was a
mistake, then so be it. She had been a good and committed wife during the balance of Charles s
illness, a condition that had made him even more difficult to deal with. But she had gritted her
teeth and handled it all with as much grace as she could muster. Andy and Beth had turned into
amazing young adults. She had done her best with Courtney, although at the moment she felt like
a terrible failure in that department.
But tonight was going to be for her. One last night with Luke, she told herself. She wanted
it and she would have it. One last stolen moment. Whatever happened next would happen.
She roused herself from her reverie when they turned into the garage of a new all suites
hotel.
My temporary home, he explained, helping her from the car and leading her to the
elevator. I haven t taken the time yet to look for something more permanent. Most of my time s
been occupied with learning about the company and getting ready for this new product line.
They said little as the car ascended smoothly.
Go home, Julia. One last little bit of sanity jabbing at her brain. But her heart thudded
with mixed anxiety and anticipation. It had been fourteen years since she d last felt Luke s hands
on her body, his mouth on hers, his hard erection entering her and joining their bodies. The
images took possession of her brain and buried all the reasonable objections she could think of.
Go home, Julia, while there s still time.
But her feet were rooted to the floor.
Luke put his arm around her and leaned his cheek against her hair, sensing her anxiety and
offering her reassurance. Then the doors slid open and they walked silently down the thickly-
carpeted hall to a door that Luke unlocked.
A little ostentatious, he said, ushering her into a large suite furnished in what Julia could
only call stark opulence.
How nice, she said softly, walking into the living room. Certainly not your average hotel
suite. The carpet was thick under her feet and a wall of windows opened to a spectacular view
of downtown San Antonio. Couches in butter-soft leather were grouped for conversation, and
against one wall a fireplace was surrounded by an entertainment center.
But no television, she commented, surprised. Luke was a huge sports fan. Where did he
watch his games?
In the bedroom, he answered, knowing the question before she spoke it aloud. Also in
the den. I often work at home on the weekends.
This place has a den, too? She was amazed. The so-called suite was beyond any
accommodation of this type she d ever seen.
The place was built for corporations that like to have a residential facility available at all
times. He waved his hand at the space. A little much for me, but Connell Wilson has a
permanent lease on it and at least it s comfortable.
It s certainly luxurious. She was making idle conversation, hugging her coat to chest,
stalling to give her nerves time to settle.
But not very homelike, he said quietly. Right now I m not too interested in discussing
accommodations, though.
Standing behind her, he reached around and undid the buttons on her coat, slipping it off
her shoulders. Almost casually he turned her to face him. God, Julia, I have missed you so
much.
Don t admit anything. The little voice was still busy in her head.
I& I ve missed you, too, Luke.
He cupped her face with his hands, his eyes searching hers. I have so much I want to say
to you, so many questions to ask. He rubbed his thumb gently over her lower lip.
Butterfly wings were beating in her stomach. She knew where this was going and she was
far from ready for that discussion. Maybe she d never be ready.
Can t we just enjoy tonight? Can t this be enough? She didn t know if she had the
strength to take him into her life, to deal with the complexities of this relationship and the
inevitable fallout. Especially with Courtney hovering over everything like the Sword of Damocles.
No, Julia. Not anymore. His face was inches from hers. I let you walk out of my life
once. I can t do it again. I want a lot more than this one night.
You do? She could hardly breathe. Her lungs felt as if all the air had been sucked out.
Yes. I want it all. But if one night is all you can give me right now, I ll start there. The
tips of his fingers brushed her cheek.
Her skin tingled beneath the feathery caress and her heart, which had yet to settle down,
now pounded so thunderously she thought it would burst from her chest. She could feel herself
trembling.
Walk away. Last chance.
But if she did, could she ever again see him in a public arena, as she knew she would, and
not want him? Not crave the feel of his body against hers?
I don t know what s wrong here, Julia, he persisted, his lips almost touching hers. I only
know that right now I have to have you, have to make up for all the lost years.
His nearness was overpowering her, drowning her. Making her forget about everything
else. The rush of need and desire that consumed her melted her body.
All right she whispered. She d worry about tomorrow later.
His mouth came down on hers, fierce and hard, claiming it. Claiming her. His tongue
pressed against her lips until she opened them, his tongue thrusting to mate with hers. And all the
yesterdays began to fade away. She was transported back to the cabin in the snow, bathed in the [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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