Against the Sky Read Online Free Page A

Nick’s flight left at a very early six.
    As the cab rolled down Las Vegas Boulevard, carrying them back to the Mandalay Bay, both of them were quiet. Their time together was nearly over. Nick lived in Alaska, Samantha in San Francisco. Both of them were smart enough to know long-distance relationships didn’t work.
    Neither of them suggested a late-night drink, just continued through the casino, heading for their rooms upstairs. His great time in Vegas had come to an end.
    The notion put a dull edge on the evening.
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    Samantha was quiet as the elevator swept toward her room on the thirtieth floor. All evening she’d been dreading these final moments with the amazingly handsome man who had given her such a wonderful time in Las Vegas.
    At the door to her suite, she turned and smiled, but the curve of her lips held a tinge of sadness. For days, they had laughed together, shared personal stories and incredibly passionate kisses, made memories she wouldn’t soon forget.
    It was time to go home, but if she said good-bye to Nick now, the memories would feel incomplete. She looked up at him and took a breath for courage.
    â€œI’ve had a great time, Nick. I won’t forget this weekend for a very long time.”
    He reached out and traced a finger down her cheek. “It’s been great. I won’t forget, either, Samantha.”
    â€œWe’re going home tomorrow. We probably won’t see each other again.” Her heart was beating, thumping away in her chest, her nerves strung taut. “I want one last memory to take home with me. That is . . . if it’s what you want, too.”
    His broad shoulders tightened. He knew what she was saying, knew she was telling him if he wanted her, she would invite him into her room. Nick didn’t hesitate, just moved closer, backing her up against the wall, sinking his hands into her hair to hold her in place for a very thorough kiss. Soft at first, he took it deeper, bolder, hotter, arousing her the way he had every time he’d touched her.
    â€œI want you,” he said gruffly, nibbling the side of her neck. “I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you in the hall, going toe-to-toe with that big bastard twice your size. But I’ve got to leave before dawn to catch my plane. Are you sure this is what you want?”
    She reached up and cupped his cheek, felt the roughness of his late-evening beard. “The time we’ve spent together has been perfect—at least for me. I want it to have a perfect ending.”
    Nick kissed her softly. “I want that, too, Samantha.” Taking the key card from her hand, he unlocked the door and shoved it open, waited for her to walk past him into the living room, then followed her into her suite.
    Nick put the lock on the door, turned and drew her into his arms. Kissing her deeply, he swept her up against his chest and carried her into the bedroom. As he set her on her feet next to the bed, some of her courage faded.
    â€œI’ve . . . umm . . . never just hooked up with a guy before. I’m . . . umm . . . kind of nervous. I didn’t think I would be, but—”
    â€œWe aren’t just hooking up,” Nick said. “We’re making a memory. I promise you, baby, I’ll make it a good one.” Then he dipped his head and kissed her, and desire slid like honey through her veins.
    Nick took his time, nibbling and tasting, then delving deep and plundering till Samantha could barely think. Her body was humming, her lips tingling, her skin sensitive to the slightest touch. She was hot and wet and on fire. The thought occurred that a woman had never been kissed until she’d been kissed by Nick Brodie.
    The kiss went on till her knees felt weak, her body pliable and completely at his mercy. It barely registered that he had stripped off the backless white sundress she had been wearing, that she was naked except for her super high heels and a pair of