Page 17 of Love on the Line

“Well, that alone gives me my answer. Andthere’s nothing wrong with you enjoying erotic romance. In fact, I just mayhave to research the genre and select a read. Any recommendations?” His teasingtone made AJ laugh even more.

“You’re really not going to let this go,are you?”

“I’m really not.”

“Fine. But I’m only going to give you aname, and then it’s up to you to do the research and decide from there.”

Mathias chuckled. “Okay. I’m ready.”

“Sam Crescent.”

When there was no response, the silencemade AJ curious, and nervous. “Um, Mathias, you still there?”

“Mm hmm,” was his only reply.

She chuckled. “Okay, so what are youdoing? Why are you suddenly quiet? What happened to our conversation?”

“Shhh, I’mresearching so I can make an informed decision.” AJ snorted into the silence,causing Mathias to chuckle. “It’s really cute when you do that.”

“Snort?Pfft,it’s not very ladylike.”

“Who says you always need to act like alady?”

“Well, my mother, for one.”

“Which reminds me, we never got around totalking aboutyourfamily. Parents? Siblings?”

“Oh, sure, change the subject again.”

“Fills the silence.”

“All right. I have an older brother whojoined the Army and is currently an instructor in Georgia. My parents are happilyretired and split time between here and New Mexico. I had planned to spend NewYear’s with them down south this year.”

“New Mexico is wonderful. Besides theHeritage sites, there are plenty of other amazing sites to see and activitiesto enjoy.”

“I had a brief visit this past springafter my parents settled into their home, but it wasn’t near enough time to scopeout wish-listdestina—”

“Got it!” Mathias suddenly exclaimed.

“Okay,” AJ chuckled. “Whachagot?”

“My next read. A couple, in fact. Such a variety.”

“Care to share?”

“Nope, I’m going to leave it to yourimagination and we’ll discuss when I’m finished.”

“Sheesh,” she mumbled.

“Maybe a better idea would be to read toone another. What do you think, Amelia Jane?”

AJ involuntarily moaned. His voice, thosewords, the thought of reading erotic to one another suddenly made her pantieswet.

“That’s a sexy little moan. Care to tellme your thoughts?”

“Not so much,” she strained to say.

“Maybe another glass of wine to loosenyour inhibitions?”

---