The Millionaire Meets His Match by Kate Carlisle Page A

key, he opened the door and held it for her to walk inside.
    â€œOh,” she said on a quick intake of breath as she looked around the large king-size hotel room, then walked directly to the stone fireplace. A fire had been set recently and was going strong, radiating warmth throughout the room.
    There were throw pillows piled on the wide stone hearth for cozying up close by the fire, and the mantel held a sweet display of old-fashioned portraits in small Victorian frames. Hanging on the walls on either side of the mantel were vintage tinted photographs of mountain and lake scenes.
    â€œSo pretty,” she murmured, then turned away from the fireplace and noticed the carved wood king-size bed for the first time.
    â€œWow.” It was a masterpiece, covered in richly brocaded silk with a colorful cluster of pillows. Whole logs made up the frame and headboard, and tall, braided willow branches acted as bedposts. The willows were adorned by gauzy drapes that looped from one branch to the next, giving the room a light, ethereal feel.
    The room smelled of pinecones and forest rain. She breathed it all in.
    â€œI’m in awe,” she said, spinning around to see more. “I love it.”
    â€œI’m glad.” He leaned against the sliding-glass door leading to the balcony. His arms were folded across his chest and he looked relaxed and confident and too sexy for her own good, Trish thought.
    He unlocked the glass door and stepped outside. “I know it’s cold, but you should come out and see the view.”
    She joined him, grateful for the chilly air. Maybe it would cool off the heat washing through her. Adam stood at the rail, staring out at the lake and the mountain rising on the opposite side—dark, vast and mysterious. The moon had risen and was reflected in the water’s surface.
    â€œIt takes my breath away,” she said. “I wish we could stay for a week.”
    â€œDo you?”
    â€œWho wouldn’t?” she demurred. “It’s lovely.”
    â€œSo are you.”
    She looked away. “No, I’m not.”
    â€œYou take my breath away,” he said slowly, his dark eyes shining with intent.
    She looked up at him, in time to see him lower his head to hers. In time to tell herself to stop this.
    â€œAdam, I’m not sure…” Trish’s thoughts scattered as he covered her mouth with his. His lips were soft yet demanding and the thrill was instant, the warmth so all-consuming, she wondered if she might go up in flames.
    â€œYou’re not sure what?” Adam murmured against her skin as his mouth traveled along her jawline.
    Trish barely heard him through the cloud of sensation fogging her mind. “What?”
    His deep chuckle reverberated as his hand cupped the nape of her neck. “I’m going to kiss you again.”
    She was aware of her heart pounding rhythmically in her chest as she pressed her hand against him. “You shouldn’t.”
    He met her gaze. “You don’t want me to kiss you?”
    â€œWhether I want you to or not isn’t the point,” she whispered.
    â€œThen it’s settled,” he said, and returned to ravage her mouth.
    The vague thought that nothing was settled flitted away. A soft moan escaped her and her knees nearly crumpled as his tongue urged her to open for him. She obliged him, wanting to taste him, wanting to feel his touch everywhere on her body. He was all heat and hardness as he pressed against her. The world around her dissolved and all that mattered was his mouth on hers, his hands gripping her backside as he aroused and devoured her.
    â€œOh, Adam, I…”
    â€œI want to make love with you, Trish,” he said, his dark blue eyes gleaming.
    She gulped and felt the last of her resolve drain away. “I—I want that, too, Adam.”
    â€œI’m glad,” he said. “It’s cold. Let’s go inside.”
    He took her hand and led her