Read Withholding Evidence for Free Online Page B

sipped the wine. Heat infused her, and she felt a slight buzz that couldn’t have anything to do with wine she’d only just sipped, but had everything to do with Keith.
    “Sledge puts you in the battle, no doubt about that, but sometimes I find the first-person account too narrow.”
    She waved her hand to indicate his library. “You read a lot of history.”
    “I went from high school straight to the navy.” He cleared his throat as if embarrassed. “Reading makes up for my lack of education.”
    “You served in the navy for nearly thirteen years and completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Your life experience is worth ten times my PhD.”
    He glanced down, making her wonder if he felt self-conscious and if she’d just said the worst thing possible. He could think she was being condescending, but she’d meant it. She had absolute respect for every man and woman who donned a uniform and served.
    “Is pasta with mushroom sauce okay?” he asked in an obvious change of subject. “Everything else is frozen.”
    “Sounds perfect.” If she was botching this with words, she’d stop talking. She set her wineglass on the shelf next to his and took a step closer.
    He flashed a sexy smile. “Careful, Trina. I might forget about dinner.”
    She felt a little reckless and leaned into him, breathed in his scent. He wore some awesome aftershave that practically caused a nose orgasm. She placed her hands flat on his pecs and slid upward, loving the feel of his firm body through his shirt. She surprised herself with her forwardness. She was usually the type to wait for the guy to make a move. But she felt strangely impatient, and from Keith’s heated gaze, she knew he’d didn’t mind being on the receiving end of her advances.
    He dropped the book on the floor and slid both hands around her waist, pulling her snug against him. “Screw it. I’ll order a pizza.”
    She laughed and rose up on her toes. He leaned down to meet her halfway, and his lips found hers. Heat unfurled with the first invasion of his tongue. Her mouth moved under his, his tongue slid along hers, and she wanted to purr with the warm, wonderful sensation. She stroked his cheek, so sexy smooth; he must have shaved right before the party.
    She opened her mouth wider, and he delved deeper. It was a good thing his arms circled her waist, because her legs turned to jelly, or maybe she just forgot how to stand. He caught her as she started to drop and plucked her up, carrying her to the sofa without breaking the kiss.
    He sat so she straddled him. Her short dress rode up, allowing her center to press directly against his erection with only her insignificant thong and his slacks between them. The pressure felt insanely good. She lifted her head and wiggled her hips, increasing the friction. “I’m really glad you came to the party, Senior Chief.”
    He dropped nipping kisses along her collarbone, then his lips trailed lower, into the V of her cleavage. “Me too,” he said against her skin.
    “And leaving was a good idea too. This is way better than making small talk with stuffy politicos.”
    He unzipped the back of her dress. “This is way better than just about anything. Ever.”
    She chuckled and found the top button of his shirt. “So you don’t think I’m fooling around with you just to get information, I suppose I should ask my three questions now.”
    She felt his body tense between her thighs. Dammit. She’d said that wrong. She stroked his cheek and said, “I like you, Keith. That’s why I kissed you. It has nothing to do with my research into Somalia. I wouldn’t do that.”
    His gaze didn’t leave hers. “I know.”
    She leaned down and kissed him again, but his lips were stiff. He kissed her back, but without the heat of a moment before. She slid from his lap and stood. “Let’s just get the questions over with, then.” She dropped back onto the sofa, leaving two feet between them. “Was your team able to