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.

tried to tug at him again, hoping to avoid

to, Shane's long fingers reached

warm, his fingers gentle but

skipped a beat. Her cheeks flushed pink. All she could do was bow her

pull away, but she was no match for his grip. It was like trying to tickle a brick wall. His rough palm just got warmer, and her efforts only seemed to

already dangerously 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 wanted to

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

supposed to be talking to his parents,

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

help you here, and you're busy playing Romeo. Can't you see how awkward

Shane's face turned beet

do anything, okay? I

mom's definitely thinking Sandy's been working overtime to turn

gave him

finally straightened up,

radiating that natural