Julie Kenner - Silent Desires (Harlequin Blaze, 98)

So how exactly do you plan to teach me about erotica? Bryce asked

Joan squirmed nervously in her seat. I was just pondering my lesson plan, she murmured. I think well need to take a hands-on approach. Very hands-on.

Her words washed over him like a caress. Bryce slid his hand over hers, twining their fingers. Then he lifted their joined hands and pressed a slow kiss to her fingers. It was time to get their school for scandal under way. Im ready for class to begin.

She shivered, a slight tremor that brought him tremendous satisfaction. Soon, she said, closing her eyes. He brought the tip of one finger into his mouth, his tongue spiraling around her soft skin. Her breath hitched. Very soon, she whispered.

His teeth grazed lightly over her finger as he slipped the digit free, then pressed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. Good, he said. Just so you know, I always ace my classes.

Dear Reader,

When Joan first introduced herself to me in Silent Confessions, my latest single-title release, I knew I had to give her a story of her ownparticularly one that explored the erotic fantasies Joan discovers daily between the pages of the rare books she works with. But what fun is a fantasyespecially sensual fantasywithout the perfect man to share it? And what man could be more perfect than Bryce Worthington, a sexy-as-sin multimillionaire whos more than willing to take Joans academic interest in erotica to new and intimate heights?

I had a lot of fun writing Joans story. Shes definitely a dreamer, a woman who believes in happily ever after. But this fairy tale definitely isnt for kids.

I hope you enjoy Silent Desires. And if you missed it, be sure to look for Silent Confessions, which was available last April.

I love to hear from readers, so please let me know what you think. You can e-mail me at julie@juliekenner.com or write me at P.O. Box 151417, Austin, TX 78715-1417. And please visit my Web site at www.juliekenner.com for contests, news and more.

Happy reading!

Julie

Books by Julie Kenner

HARLEQUIN BLAZE

16L.A. CONFIDENTIAL

HARLEQUIN TEMPTATION

772NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

801RECKLESS

840INTIMATE FANTASY

893UNDERCOVER LOVERS

SILENT DESIRES

Julie Kenner

For Brenda.

Contents

T HE LITTLE BELL above the door of Archers Rare Books & Manuscripts jingled as Jack Parker slipped out the door and into the dark. Joan Benetti looked on, amused and, if truth be told, a little sad. After almost a year of marriage, Veronica Archer Parker, her boss and friend, was about to follow her husband out the door and head off on her belated honeymoon.

How cool was that?

Joan sighed. Pretty damn cool, actually. For years, Joan had done the New York singles thing, hopping from bar to bar and guy to guy. It had been a hoot and a half, no doubt about that, but nowwell, maybe now it was time to get serious. And not just about a man. About a lot of things. Lately Joan had been using Veronicas life as a mirror, and over and over Joan had found her own reflection wanting.

Hey? VeronicaRonnie, as everyone called hertapped a fingernail on the glass display counter, her voice pulling Joan from her reverie. You in there?

Joan looked up, manufacturing a grin. Of course. Im just tired. This four in the morning thing sucks.

Ronnie laughed. Cant help it. The plane leaves at six and I needed to grab a few things from the office. But you didnt have to get up.

Joan yawned, the talk of sleep making her tired all over again. I didnt get up. I was already up. She was temporarily living in Ronnies old apartment above the bookstore, so shed thought she might as well come down when she heard Jack and Ronnie come in for the reference books and notes Ronnie was taking with her to Paris and London. The honeymoon was a working trip, but Jack didnt seem to mind.

Awake all night, Ronnie said, her expression amused. And what does this one do?

Joan rolled her eyes. I wasnt with a guy.

Ronnies brow furrowed. But its Saturday night. Well, Sunday morning.

Yeah? So? Joan knew she sounded defensive, but she couldnt help it. Instead of dating, shed spent the weekend reading and thinking. Big, sweeping life thoughts. Who-Am-I and What-Should-I-Do-With-My-Life type questions. Ones best pondered in the dark with a Nina Simone CD and a bottle of merlot. Of course, while she was pondering in the dark, shed missed flirting with Roy, the DJ at Xylos, and shed really missed the bars famous chocolate martinis. But, for the most part, shed enjoyed her weekend alone. Well, okay, so it was only one night alone, but still Shed made some important decisions, and that was the key.

Ronnie shrugged. Its no big deal, she said. I just assumed youd have a date.

Yeah, well, Im on hiatus. Joan grinned, then waved to Jack whod stepped back inside. Ronnie moved easily into his arms, and Joan felt that little tug at her heart again.

The truth was, it was Ronnies impending honeymoon that had kick-started Joans meditative mood. Jack had rolled out the fairy-tale golden coach for Ronnie and he was whisking her off to the ball. And as far as Joan could tell, Ronnies coach showed no signs of turning back into a pumpkin.

That was the trouble with all of Joans dates. Trey, Andy, Martin, Jimand all the rest of them. They were no princes, and no matter how much fun she might have had at the ball with them, the fantasy always came to an end. It sucked, and Joan was tired of it.

Im swearing off drive-by dating, Joan blurted, trying her resolution on for size. Ronnie and Jack both looked up, their expressions curious but not too surprised. Okay, so maybe Joan did tend to make a lot of resolutions, but they usually involved diets or exercise. This one she intended to keep.

Swearing off? Ronnie repeated.

Well, yeah, Joan said. She lifted her chin, reminding herself why she was doing this. If it looks like there might be something real there, then sure Ill date. But no more of this random stuff.

A woman with a plan, Jack said. I almost feel like I should issue some sort of warning to my poor, unwed brothers in arms.

At that, both Joan and Ronnie rolled their eyes. We have a taxi waiting, Ronnie said to Jack as she pointed toward the door. Go make sure the driver doesnt take off with our stuff.

He kissed her. Ill meet you out there, he said. He paused at the door. I asked Donovan to drop by now and then. Just to make sure everythings okay.

Joan grinned. Jack was a homicide detective and his partner, Tyler Donovan, was a good guy who looked about ready to tie the knot himself with a nurse hed been dating steadily for months. Both men tended to be overprotective. Joan pretended to be annoyed, but in truth, their concern made her feel special. Thanks, Jack, she said, then grinned when his expression of surprise revealed that hed been expecting a protest.

Youre welcome, he said, and she wondered what argument for her safety and well-being hed had to toss by the wayside.

Once he was outside again, Ronnie moved back toward the counter. So youre really giving up dating?

Sure. Its no big deal, Joan said.

Uh-huh. Ronnie didnt look convinced. Which made sense. Joan wasnt certain she was convinced, either. Are you sure youll be okay?

This time, Joan knew she wasnt talking about her dating life, but about running the store. Fine, she said. Ive been working here four years now. I think Im getting the hang of it.

Ronnie had the good grace to look a little sheepish. Still, its a big responsibility. Youve never done the books or payroll before. And its not like theres a lot of room in the budget. She frowned. Youve got the number for our hotels in case theres an emergency?

Im fine. Everythings under control. She licked her lips, wondering if this was the best time to broach one aspect of her resolution to get serious about life. Ronnie? she started, jumping in. Are you still planning on, you know, cutting back?