Connected (Twists of Fate #1) by Jolyn Palliata

back.
    Addison, baby, you’re killing me. Of all the damn luck; to be stuck in the head of some searing hot babe. He groaned as if in real pain.
    She laughed at his dramatics, and closed off the image. “What does it matter what I look like? I’m still me . The irritating woman you fight with constantly.” Yeah, but before I was getting a rise out of you ‘cause I could.
    “And how has that changed?”
    His voice shifted low, almost sultry. Now I’m kinda thinking of it as foreplay.
    It was her turn to make the choking sound, followed by a wave of heat planting itself firmly in her cheeks. “Oh, please.”
    That’s right, baby. Beg.
    She couldn’t help but laugh, refusing to take the man seriously. “This is going to be a long night.”
    His chuckle joined hers. Count on it.
    “You better behave yourself, Rhys.”
    To that, he had no response.

Chapter Eight

    “I mean it, Rhys,” Addison whispered, heading to answer the door. “You better behave yourself tonight.”
    I will if you will.
    “For crying out loud, it’s just dinner. Now shush. I don’t want to hear another word.” Throwing her shoulders back, she tried to compose herself. After a deep breath, she opened the door with a beaming smile.
    “Jonathan. How are you?”
    Jonathan’s generally polite gaze took a quick dip down and back up as he appraised her.
    “You look lovely, Addison, as always.”
    Stepping forward, he took her hands in his and leaned in.
    Addison felt a quick anticipatory thrill as his head tipped toward hers, but it banked hard when she heard Rhys’ voice.
    Whoa. Whoa. What the hell was that?
    She shoved back at their connection, refusing to let him ruin this moment for her. But she was so focused on Jonathan’s lips as they got closer, that she accidentally projected the image to Rhys.
    Oh, hell no! Don’t you dare fucking kiss that bastard. Do you hear me, Addison? I am not going to be a part to this bullshit!
    She was so flustered by the rant, and the impending kiss, that the only way she could cut off the image was to close her eyes. It seemed Rhys could tell the difference.
    Did you just close your motherfucking eyes?! Shit, woman! Talk about an open fucking invitation!
    It took all of her concentration, but she managed to close the connection a split second before Jonathan’s lips brushed hers.
    It didn’t stop Rhys from trying to barge right back in.
    Son of a fucking bitch! You swore not to block me! Do your promises mean nothing? Talk about kicking a man when he’s down. And, oh yeah…let’s just add molestation to the list, shall we? Who the fuck cares about the dead guy?!
    She mentally blanched at their connection as Jonathan kissed her, his tongue dipping in and sweeping against hers. His contact was firm and she felt the purpose behind it; he was testing the waters, checking her receptiveness.
    She would have been a helluva lot more into it if it hadn’t been for asshat rock star in her head. His bombardment of complaints slammed into the weak mental hold she had managed, and it slipped free as she pulled back, gesturing Jonathan inside.
    “Won’t you come in?”
    You’re inviting him in now, too? Are you insane, woman? Do you have any fucking idea how a man reads into that? Do you?! You seemed like such a smart chick; don’t tell me you’re totally dense?
    Addison ignored Rhys the best she could.
    She had agreed to keep their connection open during the date, under duress; the threat of repeated sleepless nights hanging like an guillotine blade over her neck. But she didn’t agree to let his comments go unanswered. With a smile at Jonathan, she mentally shoved at Rhys.
    Shit! Easy there, sweetheart. You pack one hell of a mental punch.
    “Will you excuse me for just one minute, Jonathan?”
    Jonathan smiled. “Take your time, beautiful. We have all night.” She smiled appreciatively, then ducked down the hall and into the bathroom. Clenching and unclenching her fist, she elbowed the door closed