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,

if he knew what she was up to,

fingers gentle but firm, and

flushed pink. All she

It was like trying to tickle

in a smirk. He was already dangerously handsome, but the glint in his eye now made him even more irresistible.

doing? Didn't he realize how inappropriate this was? Now Mrs. Nelson

to be talking to his parents,

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

"I'm trying to help you here, and you're busy playing Romeo. Can't you see how awkward you're making Sandy? What are you, a monk who's been starving for

that's enough!" Shane's face turned beet

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

not have done anything, but your mom's definitely thinking Sandy's been working overtime to

him another

straightened up, his

that natural