Fool Me Once Read Online Free Page B

when she sensed a potential
story.
    She
walked slowly down the steps, her decision made. It was a perfect morning for a
ride. Long strides took her to the stable where she hesitated for a moment
before stepping into the comparative gloom.
    “Good
morning, Olivia.” His voice curled around her like a lover’s arms, awakening
every fiber of her being. Dammit, why did he have to affect her like this? He
stood between two horses, holding their bridles loosely. He turned to her
horse. “She’s a beauty,” he murmured. The horse whinnied softly in response. It
was impossible! He’d even charmed her horse.
    “I
know I’m imposing, but I have to return to London today to take care of some
business. This seemed like a good time to see if you’ve made a decision.” He
waited for her to mount, and then swung up into the saddle. Impressed with his
ability to handle Alex’s temperamental horse, Olivia watched him covertly. In
spite of his size, he moved easily, his hands gentle but firm on the reins.
Smiling to herself, she led the way, giddy with the sweet smell of the morning
air and the undeniable appeal of the man riding beside her. Riding in
companionable silence, he matched his pace to hers. They reined in on a rise
overlooking rolling farmland. In the distance, a tractor made the first cut
around the perimeter of a hay field. From this vantage point, it resembled a
child’s bright toy.
    “Let’s
sit for a moment.” She tied her horse to a nearby tree and sat down
unceremoniously, draping her arms over bent knees. He copied her position,
watching her expectantly.
    “One
question,” she blurted, turning to him. “Why do you want me to pose as your
fiancée. Why not introduce me as your girlfriend? It would be so much simpler.”
    He
studied her silently for a moment, a range of emotions flickering across his
face. “Mostly out of respect for you.”
    She
gazed across the valley as the morning mists curled upward, evaporating under
the heat of the sun. His answer took her by surprise and she sucked in a deep
breath. “Do you still want me?”
    The
words hung between them like an unexploded bomb.
    “Absolutely.”
    Olivia
avoided his eyes. “You know what I mean.”
    “Yes,
I know what you mean, but I’m wondering why you decided to do it.”
    “Does
it matter?” She looked at him levelly.
    “I
suppose not.” His eyes searched her face, lingering on her lips for a
tantalizing moment. “At the risk of angering you, I think that now would be a
good time to go over the rules.”
    So
much for hearts and flowers. “Aha,” she said. “The Rules. That rather takes the
romance out of it, wouldn’t you agree?”
    He
chuckled softly. The sound was like dark, liquid velvet. “That’s up to you,
Olivia, but we both have to know where we stand.”
    “Well
yes, of course.” She bristled slightly. What had she expected? Happily ever
after? After all, she had her own agenda now. She needed to get a grip. “So
what did you have in mind?”
    “I’ll
be introducing you as my fiancée. If anyone asks, we met in Scotland and I’ve
been pursuing you ever since.”
    A
small smile flirted with her lips and she nodded her head. “That’s such a
ridiculous story, people just might believe it.”
    “And
we’ll have to sleep together. After all, if we’re engaged…”
    She
couldn’t believe her ears. “Let me get this straight. Not only do you expect me
to open doors for you, but you expect me to sleep with you as well?”
    “A
poor choice of words.” He seemed to be enjoying himself. “We have to at least
occupy the same suite or our cover story will be blown.” His voice lowered.
“Ideally, we should sleep in the same bed, but I suppose that’s too much to
expect on such a short acquaintance.” He stood up, towering over her.
    Olivia
jumped to her feet. “You know, I thought I could get to like you, but you’re
just another cocky American, aren’t you?” She walked a few steps down the hill,
then