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.

him

if he knew what she was up to, Shane's long fingers reached back and hooked

gentle

beat. Her cheeks flushed pink. All she could do

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

glint in his eye now made him even more irresistible.

Now Mrs. Nelson would probably think she was the one seducing

to be talking to his parents, but

stand up straight! I'm talking to you! If you don't want to have this conversation, fine. Butler, please show our guests the door." Mrs. Nelson sat down with

side, wanted to kick Shane out the window. And she did, nudging him hard and hissing under her breath, "I'm trying to help you here, and you're busy playing Romeo. Can't you see how

Shane's face turned

didn't do anything, okay? I just held

definitely thinking Sandy's been

him another

straightened

that natural