Catch of the Year Read Online Free

ago, he’d kept his attraction for his boss firmly quashed. Not only were office affairs a bad idea, as he’d learned to his own detriment in his previous job, but he didn’t want to get involved with someone who was so aloof. So if he played his charming cards right, he might get to explore this prickling fascination he felt.
    â€¢ • •
    Braced for an attack, Jade was surprised to see Paul’s smile.
    â€œDid you think I was the big bad wolf?” he asked. “Was that why you decided not to stop for me?”
    She licked her lips. How right he was. Many a time she’d imagined cool-dude Paul gobbling her up. She sucked in a breath and remembered to use her higher, untrained tones.
    â€œA woman has to decide which opportunities to take and which to pass up.”
    â€œOuch. That certainly puts me in my place.” He pulled off his dark glasses and looked down at her with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “But now we meet in any case. There’s no such thing as coincidence, they tell me.”
    She lifted her chin and looked him straight in the eye. “Woo-woo stuff. I don’t buy into all that.” Bad enough that her mother did. Swallowed every flaky notion that came her way.
    Paul’s gaze held hers.
    â€œYou look hot.” His raised eyebrow indicated he meant the comment as a double entendre. “Do you know, when you took off, I had to wait all of thirty minutes in the blazing sun before I was rescued? I’d say you owe me a drink — something long and cool.”
    She chewed her lip, unsure whether to acquiesce or not, and thinking something long and cool was a pretty apt description of Paul. Spending time with him could prove dangerous. On the other hand, what else was she going to do for the next hundred and eighty minutes? Better to take the gamble. Live a little.
    â€œYou sure you want to consume something guaranteed to have lots of ice?”
    â€œMeaning after you gave me the cold shoulder when I was stranded?”
    Her mouth twitched. “That’s it.”
    â€œI’ll take my chances. Who knows, I might even be able to warm you up enough … ,” his glance flicked down to her midriff and back up again, “ … to suggest we might eat something together.”
    Her heartbeat accelerated, its sound almost as loud as the Harley’s motor.
    â€œOn second thought,” Paul went on, “maybe it would be wise to head straight for the nearest Dairy Queen.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œSo I can ply you — ”
    â€œThey don’t sell wine.”
    â€œ — with the milk of human kindness.”
    She ignored that. “I gotta admit I’m hungry.”
    â€œMe, too.”
    Side by side, they drifted along the paved path along the historic wharf’s sidewalk.
    â€œSmells like fish and chips,” Paul commented.
    â€œThere’s a shack just a little way ahead.”
    He turned his head to look at her. “Want some?”
    â€œYou bet.”
    Ooops. Now she’d gone and done it. Especially as she had the scary-thrilling feeling she might get more than she’d bargained for.

CHAPTER THREE
    Boxes and pop cans in hand, they found a bench in the shade, just the perfect place to sit and eat lunch and admire the view. Jade picked up a golden chip and bit off the end. Paul’s gaze followed her movements; he licked his lips and did likewise.
    â€œYou know, the fresh air and being here, far away from my usual surroundings, are having a weird effect. I don’t remember fast food ever tasting this good.”
    She nodded her understanding. “I know. Gets to me every time.”
    It wasn’t long before every last chip and morsel of fish had disappeared. Paul hooked an elbow over the back of the bench and took off his sunglasses.
    â€œI’d love to know your name.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “Believe me, you wouldn’t.”
    And wasn’t that the