Read A Bid For Love for Free Online Page A

in." A warm hand guided Scott's fingers against Asher's cheek, gorgeous changeling eyes drifting closed in more bliss than Scott had ever seen on those aristocratic features. "I have to admit, being pursued has an appeal all its own." Full lips curved and pure imp peeked out from under those long lashes. "Do forgive me for temporarily stopping your momentum."
    "No problem, baby. Gives me a chance to do this." Scott leaned in for a slow kiss, wanting to feel Asher go breathless again.
    Maybe not completely breathless this time, but the way Asher's solid body melted against his sure was nice. Fingers twined into his hair without hesitation, gentle and searching, pulling him closer to that talented mouth. Lord, Asher hadn't exaggerated at all, some years back, when he reported some woman told him his tongue wasn't silver just for his flattery skills.
    "I think we need to plan to spend lots of evenings home. I can see a real advantage to it." Yeah, Scott could definitely envision nights curled up watching TV and exchanging kisses. He couldn't think of a better way to decompress at the end of a long case, either. "I'll have to remember to do little things to keep you from thinking I'm boring."
    "Boring?" Oh, Scott knew that flash of imp in those blue eyes all too well. "Why on earth would you think I consider you boring? Keeping up with your cowboy lingo is more challenging than the Times crossword."
    "I see I'll have to beat you regularly, darlin'." God, Asher's smile held such warmth Scott could feel it on his skin. "So, let me feed you supper to build up your strength for that beating." He let his own imp free. "And a few other things I think you might need some energy for."
    Asher's grin nearly lit the candles all by itself, rich British tones suddenly rolling off his lips. "I say, old chap, that's a bloody brilliant idea. By all means, have at it." He laughed at Scott's expression. "Oxford, son. I can accent you right back."
    Damn. Visions of role-playing nearly left Scott a puddle on the marble floor. "Darlin', I can see boredom isn't going to be an issue at all." He managed to pull away. Barely. Only the idea of the crusty rolls he'd insisted be sent up piping hot kept him from taking Asher back to bed on the instant.
    "Not at all." That smug little smirk generated as much lust as it did the desire to swat his lover upside the head. "I'll warm the bath back up while you finish what you need to."
    "I'll just be a sec." More than that and Scott might have withdrawal. After the bit he'd already experienced, he found himself more than addicted to Asher's touch. He hurried to light the candles scattered about and dim the lights. God bless all Italians for being overly sensual creatures and setting up their hotels for romance. Though he worked in silence, the looks exchanged with his lover made it quite clear he'd managed to surprise Asher.
    He wheeled the cart into the bathroom and pulled the sparkling wine from the ice with one hand, while he gathered up a pair of flutes with the other. "Thought we'd go with an Italian vintage, being we're here and all. Michelob just didn't seem to fit."
    Oh, the expression on that handsome face! Scott knew it well from those moments when someone did something charitable for Asher. Usually after he more than didn't deserve it. Mouth open just a bit, eyes gone light gray in just...awe. No real indication of surprise; Asher held his emotions closer than a mama cougar held her cubs. The utter innocence of that expression...and it didn't vanish into courtesy the way it so often did. Scott thought his heart might just implode with joy.
    A soft break wrinkled that brushed velvet voice and Scott would never admit he saw the little gleam of tears in the corners of Asher's eyes. "You did all this...for me?"
    "Yeah, baby. I did. I told you; I know this is my one chance to show you I'm worth your time and effort." He set the flutes and wine on the edge of tub so he could trail his thumbs over the contours