Dangerous to Know by Nell Dixon

Jerome Mayer is tall, dark and dangerous to know. Normally, Gemma would run a mile but with a freshly broken heart maybe it's time for this good girl to take a walk on the wild side. However the danger to them both turns out to be more than just emotional when someone objects to their attempts to uncover a corrupt land deal.

Dangerous to Know
by Nell Dixon

Nathalie’s words about her elder brother, Jerome, resonated in Gemma’s mind.
"Strawberries taste better when they’re dipped in chocolate." Jerome suggested and dangled one near her mouth.

Gemma licked her lips, a gesture that was purely automatic. It felt very warm inside Nathalie’s sitting room and she struggled to draw enough air into her lungs.

Why had she decided the best way to get over being dumped yet again was to boost her confidence by flirting with Jerome? The corners of his deep blue eyes crinkled and she knew he found her naïve attempts at flirtation amusing.

Gemma leaned forward and took the fruit from his fingers with her teeth. She chewed and swallowed as Jerome’s pupils darkened in the soft light from a nearby lamp.

"You’re right. The chocolate makes all the difference." Even to her own ears her voice sounded husky.

He smiled, and her heart skipped a beat. "Well, there’s more chocolate if you want some." His fingertips were coated in melted chocolate from the fountain that stood in the centre of the platter of fresh fruit.

His words held the unmistakable note of challenge. Gemma sucked in air. This was not a good idea. She was in too deep. She tried not to stare at his fingers or imagine the taste of his skin. Phew, she felt hot…

© Nell Dixon 2007