Read Online Wife for a Day by Patti Berg - Free Book Online Page B

“Come on back,” he urged.
    She shook her head. “It’s been a long day, and Chip’s right. People like me don’t belong here. If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather go home.”
    â€œThen I’ll take you.”
    She started to say no, but he put a finger to her lips and silenced her.
    â€œDo me a favor, Whiskey. Just this once, don’t argue with me.”

four
    J ack’s suite seemed different now. Personal, filled with many special reminders of the man who’d turned her into a princess for a few hours. As he closed the door behind them, Sam walked about the room, absorbing the scents of gardenia, tobacco, and the musky aftershave he wore, which had smelled so wonderful as they’d danced cheek to cheek. She swept her fingers over the exquisite fabrics that covered the backs of chairs and sofas, capturing a few additional memories of the night she went to the ball. Slowly, she turned around and looked at Jack. He was the best part of the entire evening.
    A man she would always remember.
    He’d been silent on the short ride to the hotel, as they walked through the lobby and rode the elevator to his floor. Even his eyes had been silent, betraying none of his thoughts.
    She wished the things going through his mind mirrored her own. She wanted more time with him. She wanted to get to know him better. She wanted to dance together again, and kiss while they were doing it. But she didn’t hold any hope that he wanted more than just one night.
    The kisses, the gentleness of his touch, so many of the things that had made the evening perfect were all part of the charade. After all, a handsome, society-loving millionaire could never be interested in one of those people Chip Chasen had talked about.
    Mama had fallen for a man from Palm Beach once. He went to her street corner every Thursday night for nearly two months, and he’d told her she was worth far more than he paid her. He’d made promises, too, about taking her home to meet his family, about taking her out on his yacht with his friends.
    Mama had tried to laugh—she had known all along he was lying to her. But Sam remembered her tears. She’d been hurt anyway; Sam didn’t want to suffer the same fate with Jack Remington.
    â€œWould you like a drink?” Jack asked, capturing her attention again. He loosened his tie, looking casually elegant as he went to the bar and removed the stopper from a crystal decanter.
    â€œNo, I’m fine. Thanks.”
    â€œYou missed Lauren’s dinner. I could order something from room service.”
    She shook her head. Part of her told her to accept his offer, but that would only prolong the agony of saying good-bye. “You’ve got a party to get back to, and I should change clothes and head for home.”
    He returned the stopper, his hand resting on top the crystal knob. “Lauren knows I’m with you. She’ll understand if I don’t go back.”
    â€œThe charade is over, Jack. You’re with me —the woman who altered your tux—not with Arabella. Had you forgotten?”
    â€œI haven’t forgotten a thing,” he said, his eyes hot, enflaming her skin as they blazed over her body. “I told you before that you’re not at all like Arabella. And she’s not the one I want right now.”
    She was foolish to listen to his words. Crazy to think he meant anything more than that he wanted her just for tonight. She turned away, yet she didn’t run. Instead, she watched his reflection in the picture window as he moved toward her and cupped her shoulders in his hands. His head tilted toward her. His lips were warm, teasing, as they trailed the length of her neck, over her shoulder. He fingered the thin straps on her gown, and she dragged in a deep breath, trying to remain calm when histouch was making her anything but.
    â€œYou’re beautiful,” he whispered, slowly sliding the straps over