New Year Revelation (Kismet Bay Book 2) Read online

  “What are we drinking to?”

  Belle turned toward the man she’d been thinking of a few moments prior. Damn he was sneaky and quiet. Where had he come from? “My freedom for the evening. You?”

  “I’m not much for drinking.”

  She wanted to call bullshit, but refrained. It hadn’t been her imagination that he’d been nursing his own glass of champagne earlier. Though she supposed he could have not finished it. Maybe he’d grabbed a glass for show. These events could be rather tedious and boring. Sometimes it helped to have something to hold onto.

  “Your loss.” She grinned. “I rather enjoy a good glass of champagne every now and then.”

  He lifted it from her hands and set it aside. “Why drink when you can do other things to make you feel just as pleasurable.”

  Belle shivered at his words. More pleasurable indeed—what did he have in mind? Down girl—you don’t even know his name. “I agree.” She licked her lips. “However I don’t have anything else to elicit such feelings so I’m opting for a known quantity.”

  Let’s see what he takes from that. She itched to pick her champagne glass back up and take a sip. She resisted, but only because what she really wanted was to put her hands on his chest and see if he felt as good as he looked. When had she turned into a wanton? What was it about this man that made her want to throw all caution to the wind and take a chance? This was not her, and yet she liked it.

  His steel grey eyes filled with something she couldn’t quite identify. Desire? Interest? Whatever it was it made her tingle from the inside out. “Maybe I can help you with that.”

  She bet he could. He was so damn delectable. “Why sir I’m not that kind of lady.” She leaned into him and ran her hand across his jacket. “At least not without a proper introduction first.”

  “What’s the fun in that?” He leaned down and whispered in her ear. His hot breath caressed her cheek. “Don’t you like a little mystery?”

  Ah hell. He was smooth. “Does this usually work for you?”

  He chuckled lightly. “Yes, actually it does.”

  Belle believed him. She was about to throw herself into his arms and beg him to take her in front of everyone. Her body lit up hotter and brighter than a firework on the 4th of July. What would it hurt to give in and take what she wanted? His words promised they could enjoy each other and leave any and all expectations behind. Could she do it? She might need a little more liquid courage to throw away all her inhibitions. She glanced up and was mesmerized once again by the gray pools of his eyes. All she had to do was reach up and she could run her fingers through his dark tresses. Would he let her? Ah, yes, he would. He wanted her to give in and take what he was offering.

  “Your offer does sound—intriguing,” she replied. “I’m not sure it’s for me though.”

  “Oh sweetheart,” he said huskily. “You’re the only one it could ever be for. Don’t think, just feel.”

  He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. A rush of tingles spread throughout her entire body. The jolt pushed her forward and she gave in. She wrapped her arms around him and allowed herself to become lost in his kiss. Working in the hospital drained her and left her without any motivation to do anything other than crash in her bed. This man did things to her that she’d never experienced before. She wanted all of it.

  The kiss ended as abruptly as it began. He stepped back and lifted his hand to caress her cheek. “Let’s get out of here.”

  She should say no. It wasn’t a wise choice to leave with a man she didn’t know. “Where would we go?”

  His lips twitched into a smile. “As luck would have it I have a room here. Say the word and I’ll take you there.” He leaned down, his nose touching hers. “I promise you won’t regret it.”

  That showed how little he knew her. She’d regret it, dissect it, and question every part of it. It would bother her until the day she died. The very fact she was contemplating going through with it was so out of character for her she might as well be someone else entirely. He was so enticing, and out of her league. His touch was magic and she wanted to drown herself in it.

  Was she really going to do this? Yes, absolutely she was. For once she’d take something she wanted and the consequences be damned. “Lead the way, Mr. Mysterious.” She promised herself she wouldn’t think to hard about what she was about to do. If she did she’d back out of it. So she focused on what she wanted. One night where she’d have all of him, and he’d have all of her. Tomorrow wasn’t always promised after all. So she’d take it and keep it as a treasured memory.

  “Thank Heavens.”

  He didn’t wait for her to change her mind. The enigmatic man pulled her hand into his and led her away from the ball room. The time for conversation had ended and the promise of something wonderful awaited her on the horizon. They rushed to his room. He caressed her every step of the way. In the elevator he kissed her breathless. In the hall outside his room he pushed her against the wall and ran his hands up the skirt of her dress. Her body was alight with sensation. It took a long time for them to even make it into his room and make good use of the bed inside. It was wild, thrilling, and more than she could have ever imagined.

  Every part, every inch, and every single touch was perfect.

  It truly was. That night was one she’d never forget. He kept every one of those promises he made and then some. She was loved in so many different ways she’d lost count. Her body ached in a good way. He was an amazing lover, and he ruined her for all other men.

  Somewhere in the aftermath of passion and the contentment only found after truly unforgettable loving she’d thought she heard him whisper, “I’m better as a memory than as your man…”

  Then he left without a word. It broke her heart into a million pieces. He promised she wouldn’t regret the night in his arms. In a way he was right. She’d not have traded it for anything in the world, but she did regret one thing.

  Belle never did get his name.

  About The Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  Earl of Harrington

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake

  Surrendering to My Spy

  Spellbound by My Charmer

  Stolen by My Knave

  Separated from My Love

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  Heart’s Int
ent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  Kismet Bay

  Once Upon a Christmas

  Coming soon…

  New Year Revelation

  All Things Valentine

  Luck At First Sight