Romantic Acquisition Page 0,41

the kind of personality that would allow him to take advantage of her drunkenness. But he wanted her totally cognizant of that kind of decision.

“So why should I ignore that comment?” he said smiling at her hazy gaze in the moonlight.

“Because you don’t know if I’m telling you the truth or if I’m lying to you because I’m currently your captive and am hoping for leniency.”

“I never grant leniency. Ask Jeff or Peter, they’ll confirm it.” He pulled her closer, liking her teasing manner.

“I don’t doubt it,” she said and stopped talking, suddenly aware of the fact that they were all alone and Carlo was so close her breasts almost touched his chest. “Will you kiss me?” she asked.

“No,” he replied.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re drunk.”

“I’m not drunk, just very warm.”

“Whatever. Kissing you could be dangerous.”

“Don’t you like to live dangerously?” she whispered, leaning closer, her eyes looking at his lips.

“Not with you. Why don’t we get you to bed,” he suggested and took her hand in his to lead her down the stairs to her room.

“I suppose that would be the safest plan of action. Coward,” she challenged.

Carlo stopped and laughed. “You’re in an odd mood tonight,” he said but continued on after only a moment.

He didn’t say anything to that. Before she knew what was happening, they were standing in front of her door and Carlo was pushing her through it.

He left her with a swift kiss and closed the door behind him after he left.

Kate sighed as she stared at the closed door. She shrugged her shoulders in regret. Then turned to the room and took off the lovely dress, hanging it carefully in the closet. She washed her face and searched the drawers for a nightgown. Unfortunately, she didn’t find one. By that time, the wine was making her so sleepy, she just gave up and climbed between the satin sheets naked.

Chapter 4

Carlo knocked on Kate’s door one more time. It was almost ten thirty in the morning. He’d already knocked twice and he was starting to become concerned. He remembered how he’d left her the night before and wondered if she’d been drunker than he’d thought.

When she didn’t answer again, he opened the door and stepped into the room. He saw her then, sleeping between the sheets as if she had no cares in the world. Her face was beautiful with long, black eye lashes laying against her gorgeous skin. Her hair was fanned out behind her and almost fell off the side of the bed.

She looked like an angel; a beautiful, seductive angel sent from heaven to torment him.

Carlo walked over to the bed and watched her sleep for a moment. He considered letting her sleep but since everyone else was getting ready to leave the ship and go on shore in Aruba, he thought she’d probably want to see a little of the island.

“Kate, can you wake up?” he asked softly, shaking her naked shoulder.

She stirred slightly and Carlo tried again. “Kate, wake up. It’s a beautiful day,” he said and pulled her hair out of her eyes.

Getting that close to her was a mistake. By pulling her hair back, he realized that she was completely naked and the sheets were satin. He groaned as his body reacted to his view.

Then she rolled over onto her back. The sheet slipped from her hands that had previously been holding she sheet against her chest. The satin slipped down to reveal the luxurious swell of her breasts. With just a slight move, he knew a nipple would pop out and he groaned. He wanted to look away but his eyes were transfixed by the beauty of her and his body reacted instantly, becoming painful as he looked down on the perfection of her skin.

But what was new? he asked himself. He’d been in an almost constant state of arousal for the past two months. Why should today be any different from the last sixty?

A moment later, her eyes opened slightly. With a languid movement, her arm came up and wrapped around his neck, bringing his face closer to hers. Then she kissed him, slowly, sensuously, her fingers tangling in his hair, her body lifting to come closer to his. The sheet slipped down and Carlo could no longer fight the temptation. His hand reached up and pulled her closer, taking over the kiss and adding his passion to the fire slowly building between them.

Carlo knew she was still only half asleep. He knew he should stop her