Heart Tamer (9 page)
Authors: Sophia Knightly
Cameron’s gaze swept over her with censure. “You look too smart to believe everything you read.”
“Wow, and you haven’t seen me in my glasses yet,” she said, picking up steam.
“Now that’s hot. You in horn rim glasses, a prim white blouse and a pencil skirt.” The corners of his mouth lifted as his brazen gaze flicked over her. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you dressed up as a naughty librarian.”
“Repress the fantasy, it won’t happen anytime soon.” She placed a hand on her cocked hip. “You just confirmed the
Daily Beat’s
reports about you.”
Cameron’s eyes darkened. “I can’t be arsed by tabloid rubbish. Why do you read such garbage?”
She wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by not being arsed, but it didn’t sound good. “So shoot me. I enjoy tabloid magazines. We all have a guilty indulgence. What’s yours?”
“At the moment? You.” His mouth eased into a slow grin.
Evie shook her head. What a cad! She wanted to put him in his place, but he was Alec’s friend, and Kate for some peculiar reason considered him a good match for her.
Cameron glanced at his watch. “It’s already three o’clock. Let’s go. We can get better acquainted on the ride over.”
The slightly rough pad of his fingertips touched her elbow, sensitizing her body as a powerful ripple of awareness shot through her. She hadn’t been touched by a man in a long while, she realized woefully. His mere touch made her heart flutter. Evie stiffened and Cameron’s hand dropped to his side.
“Wait here. I have to get my things.” She walked toward the polished walnut desk in the center of the taupe and cream-colored room. She lifted a mauve velvet jewelry pouch and retrieved a long strand of tasseled pearls. Keeping her back turned, she draped the necklace backward, with the vintage rhinestone clasp resting at the hollow of her neck and the two strands of pearls cascading down her bare back.
“Nice,” Cameron murmured, his tone deeply male and admiring. “Verra nice indeed.
Evie ignored him. “I’d better bring my coat. Arriving with you, no doubt there will be paparazzi. I’d rather not be exposed in
The Naked Truth
this week.”
She turned and caught him checking out her backside.
A wide grin appeared, revealing straight white teeth. “You’ve a lot of cheek for a wee lass.”
Evie’s cheeks burned. “That’s rude and…and not true.” She stared daggers at him. “I do Pilates three times a week.”
“What does Pilates have to do with being cheeky?” When realization dawned, he gave a shout of laughter. The relish in his twinkling eyes grated on her nerves. “Ah, I see. You thought I meant your bum. No need for improvement there, wee Angel. Looks good enough to…”
“Don’t say it—” she cut in. He really was fresh. “And quit calling me Angel.”
His maddening smile remained intact. Her lack of interest in his flirting seemed to entertain and challenge him. “There’s an angel in Evangeline, isn’t there?”
“Not in this one,” she replied tartly. She might be acting like a prig, but she had to set boundaries if they were to be paired for the wedding weekend. Turning her attention to her beaded handbag, she opened it and made a quick inventory. Everything she needed was there: her smart phone, powder compact, red Lady Danger MAC lipstick, cash and an ID. She snapped it shut and joined him at the doorway.
Cameron inhaled deeply. “You smell wonderful. What perfume are you wearing?”
“Chanel 1932.”
“It suits you.”
“Thanks. It was a gift from Kate.” The perfume was a gorgeous fragrance, heady with notes of jasmine, bergamot and neroli. Everything about Kate and Alec’s wedding made Evie feel pampered, especially the old world opulence of the boutique hotel. She was grateful for all of it.
Evie shut the door and straightened her spine as she walked down the spacious hotel hall beside him. When they reached the elevator, she watched Cameron run a hand through his dark, wavy hair leaving it sexily rumpled. A tremor skittered through her and she shivered involuntarily.
“Cold?” Cameron put a strong arm around her shoulder. “If you nestle close, I’ll warm you.”
“No, thanks. I think I’ll put on my coat now.” She went still as he helped her into it. Up close he smelled delicious, an all male combination of sandalwood and spice. Nestling close and being warmed by him was exactly what her body craved, but she was no fool. Cameron was a wolf down to his highly polished ghillie brogues.
Evie punched the L button for lobby and avoided his gaze. He might have an amazing bod and a handsome face, but he was bad to the bone, the promise of wild lust, hot passion and no-holds-barred sex—all the things missing from her life. But she couldn’t afford to lose her head and live to regret it. She was looking for love to fill her heart, not break it.
Bad boys like Cameron were erotic and as tempting as Belgian chocolates. But they were also unapologetically selfish as they wreaked havoc on a girl’s tender feelings. Bad boys didn’t get married, they plowed through girls like they were a commodity, using and discarding them the moment the girls wanted a stable relationship.
Again, Evie wondered what Kate had been thinking—or drinking—to have paired them up for the weekend. Cameron was not husband material, or daddy material, though he might have a few love children wandering about. Evie was looking for someone like Michael. Steadfast, protective and kind, not a cocky player who could easily charm the pants off a statue.
Heartbreak Hunter was hot sex in a kilt…and trouble.
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author, Sophia Knightly, loves to cook up hot romance and delicious humor in her feel-good stories. Whether it's romantic suspense, romantic comedy or chick lit, her books are fun and sexy contemporary romances that feature hot alpha heroes and strong, smart women.
She is traditionally published by St. Martin's Press, Kensington and Samhain Publishing. Her popular
Tropical Heat Series
books and
Heartthrob Series
books have consistently been on multiple bestselling lists.
When not writing or reading, she loves walking the beach, exploring museums, going to the theatre, enjoying good food, and watching movies. One of her favorite pastimes remains simply watching people, especially those in love!
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WILD FOR YOU Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/XtVlFBdaHvs
SOLD ON YOU Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/X20NbJElrvM
GRILL ME, BABY Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/6Y07iUPt3rg
HEART RAIDER (Heartthrob Series, Book One)
Stranded together during a rampaging hurricane...
Hot passion explodes between a reclusive billionaire and a headstrong reporter seeking his exclusive story...a story that could get her killed.
Hunted by someone desperate to silence her...
Daredevil TV reporter Veronique "Ronnie" Whitcomb is charismatic, fun-loving, and loyal to a fault. Especially to the man she fell in love with fifteen years ago. He's now a self-made billionaire, and at the center of a public scandal so hot and juicy, Ronnie must get an exclusive interview...an interview that will vindicate him and expose the real criminal behind the scintillating headlines. Her life is in jeopardy, but her love for Nick might cause the real danger.
He'll risk his life - and his heart - to keep her alive...
Financial whiz, Nick Cameron rose from an underprivileged life to become one of America's youngest corporate billionaires. Now he's laying low on a barrier island, far away from the raging media storm that nearly destroyed him. When little Ronnie Whitcomb shows up on his doorstep, all grown up and heart-stoppingly beautiful, he tries to deny his feelings for her, but a hurricane strands them on the island together. Keeping Ronnie at arm's length becomes impossible.
* * *
HEART MELTER (Heartthrob Series, Book Two)
When dazzling Broadway star Natasha White lands in Dr. Ian MacGregor's office wounded, the healer in him can't turn his ex-fiancée away. Still bitter over their break-up, Ian tries to deny the combustible attraction that re-ignites as he becomes her fierce protector.
Natasha White has no idea why anyone would knife her on a crowded street in Times Square. At first she thinks the cut on her thigh is an accident, but as frightening events unravel, she learns the mob is after an incriminating flash drive they think she has.
After their break-up years ago, Natasha never stopped loving Ian and when he whisks her away to his Highland castle, their hot chemistry consumes them as they dodge impending danger. Ian will do anything to guard Natasha, but will their love be strong enough to survive the shocking secrets revealed?
* * *
HEART TAMER is the sequel novella to HEART MELTER
It can be read as a standalone.
Kate Hayes has something she wants so desperately she's willing to swallow her pride and plead with her ex-husband, Alec MacLeod, for help. Up against a ticking clock, she must somehow convince him to go along with her unusual request. She and Alec parted on bad terms. Will he be able to put past hurt behind and embark on a life-changing journey?
Kate is the last person Alec expects--or wants--to see at his sister's wedding, but damn he's missed her. Her unforeseen arrival in Scotland makes him suspect she's up to something. Alec remembers why they parted and he's determined not to get pulled in, but seeing her again ignites a desire so intense he's tempted. Will he be able to resist?
In this fiery second chance at love, whose heart will be tamed?
* * *
Cameron and Evie – HEART HUNTER (A Heartthrob Series Novella)
Heart Hunter follows Heart Tamer, but can be read as a standalone.
