The Seduction Request

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Book: Read The Seduction Request for Free Online
Authors: Michelle Celmer
yes, he’d been protecting himself, too. But last night he realized just how much he’d missed her friendship. He wanted that deep connection back in his life. He yearned for it. But she needed time.
    Ironically, time was the one thing he didn’t have.

Four
    M att leaned back in his chair, draining the last of his coffee, doing his best not to flinch as the bitter sludge slid down his throat and sat like a rock in his stomach next to the overcooked chicken. “That was an amazing meal, Mrs. Douglas. Thanks again for having me over.”
    â€œAren’t you sweet.” Emily’s mother beamed with pride and reached across the table to pat Matt’s hand. “You know you’re always welcome, dear.”
    Beside him Emily, who had been quiet throughout the meal, made a “pfft” sound. Matt glanced over at her, eyebrow raised, and she looked back, the picture of innocence. More than once during dinner Matt had found himself watching her out of the corner of his eye, intrigued by the subtle changes since he’d last seen her. And some not so subtle. Her hair was the same pale shade of blond, but instead of theshort, boyish cut she used to wear, it now hung halfway down her back in silky waves. Her neck was long and slim, her face thinner, accentuating the high arch of her cheeks and full mouth. Despite her height, which he guessed to be at least five-nine, and the muscle tone that indicated she was no stranger to vigorous exercise, she was distinctly feminine.
    And then there were her breasts. Not too big, not too small. Not that he had a right to look, but damn, they were as pretty as the rest of her. He let his gaze wander down to the front of her tank top, where he could barely make out the pattern of a lace cup beneath the white cotton.
    At the sudden, intense pull of lust, and a death glare from Emily, he tore his gaze away.
    â€œHey, Matt, I’ll bet you can’t get a home-cooked meal like this in California,” Mr. Douglas boomed from the opposite end of the long dining table.
    And thank God for that, Matt thought wryly. Mrs. Douglas had a heart of gold, but she still couldn’t cook worth a damn. “No, sir, not even close.”
    â€œOh, Phil.” Emily’s mother waved a hand at her husband. “Don’t be silly. Matt probably has an entire staff of cooks in that fancy house of his. Don’t you, Matt?”
    â€œI eat out most of the time,” he admitted. “And when I’m home I like to cook for myself. I only hire kitchen staff when I’m entertaining.”
    Ty lifted an inquisitive brow. “Entertaining?”
    Matt knew exactly the kind of entertaining Ty was referring to. But it was rare that he invited a woman home. Most of his relationships were far too superficial and short-lived. “Dinner parties mostly or holiday meals.” He turned to Emily’s mother andgrinned. “I’ve yet to find someone who cooks like you do.”
    â€œYou flatter me,” Mrs. Douglas said, her smile radiant. Her face had a taut, stretched look he didn’t remember, and he wondered if she’d had some work done.
    Emily cleared her throat and Matt could swear she mumbled something that sounded a lot like “brownnoser.” He looked over at her but she was sawing at the rock-hard pecan pie.
    â€œWould anyone like a warm-up on their coffee?” Mr. Douglas asked, holding up the carafe.
    â€œThere’s more pie in the kitchen,” his wife added.
    â€œNone for me,” Ty said. He leaned back and stretched his arms high over his head. “I’m stuffed. I’m gonna go turn on the game.”
    Emily stood and began gathering the dishes. “My turn to clear and load the dishwasher.”
    â€œDon’t you even think about it, young lady,” her mother scolded. “We hand -wash the good china.”
    â€œWonderful,” Emily muttered under her breath, shooting Matt a look of contempt,

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