His for the Taking - By Ann Major Page 0,48

doesn’t have to be an ordeal, you know. It could be a mutual pleasure.”

She shook her head. “I don’t see how.”

“Looks like I’ll have to show you,” he said.

Before she knew what he intended or had time to steel herself not to respond, he pulled her to him and kissed her hard.

As always when in his embrace, she lost the ability to control herself or think coherently. His muscular body was rock-hard and her softer figure melted against him. Her wanton pulse raced while flames lit her nerve endings with a hunger that reduced her to a primal, craven creature.

She knew what he wanted—what she wanted—but she was determined to fight it. She wouldn’t let him break her heart as he’d done six years ago.

“Stop,” she pleaded, even as her body trembled beneath his onslaught. His caressing fingers on her flesh made her blood run hot. “Not in front of Noah!”

He tensed, and she sensed his reluctance to do as she asked.

“For now,” he whispered roughly, letting her go.

Shaken, too aware of Noah watching them, she hugged herself tightly.

For his part, Cole stepped back a few feet, as if removing himself from temptation.

* * *

Hell, Cole was stunned by how much fun he’d had tossing the football to his son and Tristan while Maddie dealt with the cops. He’d enjoyed helping the kids nail a board over her window, as well, while a flock of grackles fought noisy battles in the highest limbs of her oak trees.

How long had he spent hanging out with the boys while Maddie got ready for the fundraiser—a mere hour and twenty minutes? And already paternal pride swelled inside him. He’d liked Maddie watching them from the windows; he’d liked making himself useful to her while enjoying the boys. Even in this brief time he’d had with his son and the mother of his son, he was surer than ever that he wanted to be a permanent part of their lives, all the time, not just for weekends and holidays.

Noah, who was as bright as a new copper penny, was quirky and cute. He’d shown Cole the Shining Star medal he’d won at school and had liked it when Cole had teasingly started calling him Shining Star.

The boy had a good arm. He could catch passes, too, and run like the wind. Funny how in such a short time, Cole already felt like his father.

He had to find a way to make Maddie see they could be a family.

* * *

The fundraiser was under way in the ballroom of one of Austin’s fanciest hotels overlooking Town Lake. Shifting masses of elegantly dressed people danced, drank and chattered as Maddie seized the opportunity to slip outside while Cole was surrounded by board members.

Maddie wanted to stay furious at him forever for the high-handed way he’d treated her ever since he’d stormed into Austin. In one afternoon, he had rid her of Greg and made significant advances toward winning his son’s affections. Tonight, with her on his arm, he’d easily worked the crowd, seducing most of the shelter’s board members and important donors with smiles and witty remarks.

Maybe she hadn’t sold as many tickets this year, but Cole had dazzled everybody who mattered when he’d produced a second check that was more than enough to pay the shelter’s expenses for a year…and ensure her job.

Leaning against the railing, she stared at the shimmering reflections in the dark lake. He was outmaneuvering her by making himself useful. He’d helped straighten her house; he’d called her alarm company and arranged for them to rewire the window as soon as she had the glass replaced.

The music stopped. When Cole’s voice came from behind her, she shivered.

“There you are,” he said. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“It’s the first minute I’ve had to myself all day.”

The music in the ballroom started again.

“Dance with me,” he whispered against her ear.

When his arm slid around her waist, her heart began to beat to the seductive pulse of the music. Then he swept her around and around in a series of expertly executed turns. As they whirled, the brilliantly lit buildings of downtown Austin flashed by. Soon, she was breathless and feeling lightheartedly reckless.

He made her feel young and almost happy. She’d never gone to prom or done much dancing. She wanted the music to go on forever, to dance with him always.

Was he good at everything? Oh, why did it have to feel so treacherously wonderful to be in his arms?

“You look fabulous,”