Chasing Paradise. Sondrae Bennett

scampered away like a frightened rabbit as soon as the cheetah had walked up.

      Ethan looked down at the woman clinging to him. When he’d seen her out on the beach, he’d thought she was one of the sexiest women he’d ever seen. Yet, for some reason, the attraction he’d felt earlier had vanished. Sure, she was pretty. Gorgeous even. But he no longer wanted to hump her leg.

      Something was definitely wrong with him. The woman was sex personified. Of course he was interested. Who wouldn’t be?

      Acting on reflex he’d taken years to perfect, he flashed the woman his most charming smile.

      “I don’t believe we’ve met before. I’m Jacqueline,” the woman purred.

      Common sense made him swallow the laugh before it could escape. Here she was, her body practically wrapped around his, introducing herself. But he didn’t think he would gain any points by drawing attention to the fact. She was so close, Ethan felt her breasts rise and fall against his chest with every breath.

      “I’m Ethan. Can I buy you a drink, Jacqueline?” He forced the words out. Whatever reluctance he had, he needed to get over it. This vacation was about letting loose and having fun. Jacqueline seemed like the perfect place to start.

      The cheetah stepped impossibly closer, pressing against him from toe to chest. “I’ve got a bottle of wine in my room I’ve been dying to try out. You like wine, don’t you, Ethan?” The fake pout on her lips should have turned him on, but instead had the opposite effect. Man, he needed to get a grip.

      He hoped the wooden smile he threw her was believable. “Oh, I definitely like wine.” It felt like a lie and hung heavily in the air, taunting him.

      With a come-hither look, Jacqueline led the way and Ethan forced himself to follow. The elevator doors had barely closed when the cheetah pounced. Her tan arms clung to his shoulders as her tongue forced itself into his mouth.

      Ethan had kissed his share of women, and Jacqueline was an expert. But as the elevator made its way to her floor, he realized, kissing skills aside, the hard-on he’d sported from the moment he’d put his hands on the otter, had deflated in the presence of the cheetah.

      Whether it was the way she’d thrown herself at him, or perhaps that he’d found more appealing prey, he wasn’t the least bit interested in a night of debauchery with Jacqueline. His wolf wanted to chase. She wasn’t giving him much of a run.

      Ethan was gentle but firm as he pushed the persistent cat away when the doors opened onto her floor.

      “I think I’m going to grab a drink downstairs instead. Another time, maybe.” Ethan tried to be polite but there was no easy way to turn her offer down. Apparently I didn’t try hard enough, he thought as Jacqueline’s expression quickly give way to anger.

      “Excuse me?” A lesser man would have winced at the incredulous tone. “I know I didn’t hear you correctly.”

      “Afraid you did. I’m sure you can find a replacement easily enough.”

      Jacqueline huffed, sticking her arm out as the elevator started to close between them. “You won’t get another chance.”

      “I understand. Have a nice vacation, Jacqueline. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” She didn’t bother responding, whipping her head around and storming down the hallway. Ethan watched her tight butt as the elevator doors closed and couldn’t help but question his sanity. What the hell was holding him back?