Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"Shane, what's with that attitude?" Gary said, his face all stern.

"Dad..."

Sandy quickly reached out and tugged gently at Shane's shirt.

Shane frowned and glanced down. He saw her small, pink hand pressing against his waist. Her touch was soft-so different from her usual icy demeanor. He'd been holding her last night, and he couldn't get enough of it. Her hands were so much warmer than her cold, stubborn heart.

The sensation made him pause, and his slim waist tingled. He reached back, half- tempted to catch her hand.

But Sandy immediately let go, keeping her composure. She wasn't here to flirt.

His hand grabbed at nothing but air, his long fingers curling in frustration. He barely paid attention as he replied to his parents, "The truth is already out. I've had my eyes on her for a long time. Sandy just lost her memory, so she doesn't remember. And I... well, mostly because of you, Mom, I didn't want to push things or force the issue."

"What do you mean, because of me?" Mrs. Nelson snapped, not hiding her irritation.

Sandy thought Shane was getting too comfortable at home-always saying whatever he wanted, no filter.

at him again, hoping

to,

was warm, his fingers gentle but

flushed pink. All she could do

to tickle a brick wall. His rough palm just got warmer,

handsome, but the glint in his eye now made him even more irresistible. Sandy could feel Mrs. Nelson's sharp gaze drilling into her, and she

Now Mrs. Nelson would probably think she

at her son-he was supposed to be talking to his parents, but here he was, openly flirting with this girl

fine. Butler, please show our guests the door." Mrs. Nelson sat down with a dramatic flourish, her

"I'm trying to help you here, and you're busy playing Romeo. Can't you see how

enough!" Shane's face turned beet

half choking, "I didn't do anything, okay? I just held her

definitely thinking Sandy's been working overtime to turn

him another

straightened

that