The-Spanish-Love-Deception-www.indianpdf

“What exactly, Catalina?” he asked very slowly. “Almost being
exchanged for a man with a boat or having a questionable dancing partner?”
“Neither.” Feeling the smile tugging at my lips, I went on, “Women
flaunting themselves at you. I saw how tense you were on the stage. You
looked ready to jump out and get out of there.” I thought about that for a
second. Him bringing me here … it kind of made sense now. “Does that kind
of attention make you uncomfortable?”
“Not always.” I felt the brush of his jaw against my cheek, the simple and
light gesture causing an electrifying wave of sensation to trail down my neck.
“I’m not scared of a woman’s interest in me, if that’s what you’re asking. I
don’t send them all away.”
“Oh, okay.” My voice came out breathy and unsure.
Of course he didn’t. I was sure he had needs. And those needs were
something I wasn’t willing to think about with his arms around me.
Aaron’s right hand shifted on my back, trailing down an inch or two.
Meanwhile, the skin of my face—no, my whole freaking body—burned.
His arms tightened around me one more time.
“Thank you,” he said.
And I felt those two words like soft puffs of air against my hair.
“What for?” My voice was barely a whisper.
“For not stepping on my foot.” I opened my mouth to apologize, but he
continued, “But also for not being deterred by Mrs. Archibald. Last year,
things got a little … uncomfortable when she found out our date consisted of
cleaning dog kennels and spending a couple of hours walking and playing
with them.” I felt his sigh on the skin on the side of my neck. “Not that it
dissuaded her this year.”
Something that felt a lot like protectiveness flickered in my chest.
I shook my head lightly, trying to make sense of myself. All this dancing
and spinning was clearly messing with me. “Well, as much as I am sorry for
your wallet, considering the amount the donation reached, I am happy I got to
see that sulky face when I beat her,” I admitted, shocking myself at how
pleased I had really been. “I’m also sorry for those doggies and what they had
to endure last year with that woman. What kind of hypocrite donates money
for a charity that focuses on animal shelters and doesn’t like dogs? Those
poor guys. I’d adopt them all if I didn’t live in a tiny studio apartment. Hell,
I’d happily volunteer to spend some time with them any day.”
“I can take you, if that’s what you want.” Aaron’s words hung in the air.