Cindy Stark [Argent Springs Whispers (epub)

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.”“That’s kind of you, but, as I just said, Melinda and I are no longer together.” He stood and walked to her side, helping to slide back her chair so that she could stand.“If she says something to Melinda, I’d rather she tell her something else.Something like she saw me do this.”He moved before she could react, pulling her into his arms, claiming her lips in a powerful kiss.When he separated from her, his gaze was hot with damnation and desire.She stood, shocked by his public display and unable to move.He quickly gained control of his features and leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear.“I’m sorry.I promised to be a gentleman, and I’m already breaking it.I hope you’ll forgive me for that.”“Of course,” she whispered, refusing to look in Janice’s direction again.Rick helped her with her coat and led her from the restaurant, neither of them speaking until they were outside with the frosty air nipping at them.Soft snowflakes floated down from the heavens before landing silently around them.They’d crossed the street, heading for home when Rick suddenly stopped and turned to face her.He shook his head, briefly closing his eyes as though he couldn’t believe what he was about to say.“I wouldn’t blame you if you never spoke to me again, Erin.I’ve done nothing but abuse you, and you deserve better.”She stared into his dark eyes, her heart pounding harder from being near him.She gave a soft laugh.“I have to admit, that’s the first time I’ve ever been used to make a point.Although I’m not sure if you were trying to prove something to Janice or to yourself.”He nodded but didn’t address her comment.“Can you forgive me?”“There’s nothing to forgive.” To be honest, he really could kiss her for any old reason, and she wouldn’t care.“Thank you.” He tucked her hand around his elbow before he started walking again.“I don’t deserve you as a friend.”If he said that word one more time, she would punch him.They walked in companionable silence the rest of the way home, his thoughts probably stuck on Melinda whether he’d admit it or not, and hers centered around the electrifying mark his kiss had left on her lips.She paused on the front porch after she’d removed her boots, her hand on the doorknob as she turned slightly to face him.“I would like to give you a little bit of advice, though…as a friend.The next time you kiss a woman like that, make sure you mean it.Otherwise, it sends all kinds of confusing signals.” She smiled though it hurt before she turned and went inside.* * *Rick stood rooted to his spot, not sure if he’d heard Erin correctly.She hadn’t chastised him for kissing her, only for sending mixed signals.And hell if he hadn’t.Did that mean then, that she’d enjoyed his kiss?He’d been stupid for letting Janice push his buttons, and for kissing Erin in front of everyone to prove that he was over Melinda.But the truth was, he’d seen the opportunity to kiss Erin again, and he’d jumped at it.The fact that it would set Janice’s flapping lips in motion was a secondary benefit.His mind raced back over the feel of Erin’s soft lips beneath his, the way her body fit perfectly against him.Damn.He wanted more of that.And he needed to tell Erin.He was sorely disappointed though when he found their bedroom empty.She’d obviously gone in to enjoy the company of the two self-proclaimed snowboarding studs.And why wouldn’t she? She was a beautiful woman, and those guys had proven they were more than happy to shower her with attention.No confusing signals from them.One or both of them were probably trying to get her into bed at that very moment, and that ate at him like no other.He tried to reassure himself that she wasn’t dumb enough to fall for their tactics, knowing they would only offer her a one-night stand.Then again, maybe that was all she wanted.If that was the case, he’d be more than happy to satisfy her urges.Except he could only envision long-term when it came to Erin.Ah, hell.If he went downstairs and tried to stake his claim, Annabelle would see right through him, and who knew how Erin would react? If Erin was interested in him, he’d really like to take things at his own pace and not have the elderly cupid interfering.He waited another long ten minutes, listening to the revelry downstairs, before deciding he wasn’t wasting any more time.Her days were numbered in Argent Springs, and he intended to take advantage of each second if he could.Rick found her on the couch again, sandwiched by the two Europeans.Annabelle sat in her chair nearby, all of them looking like they were having a great time.The blond had his hand on Erin’s knee, setting off a possessive need that made Rick want to punch the guy.“Excuse me.” His words were like a wet blanket, stopping the conversation as all eyes turned to him for the second time that day.“I hate to butt in, but I was hoping to employ Erin’s massage services.I have a couple of muscles that could really use her magic hands.” He couldn’t think of another plausible reason to steal her away from her newfound friends even though his back was much better.Erin’s eyebrows shot toward her hairline as the snowboarders’ grins grew wider.“We didn’t know you had those services available,” the blond one nodded to his buddy as though he’d just received an insider-trading tip.“My niece hasn’t formally set up shop, yet, but I’m sure she could be convinced,” Annabelle added.“What’s the going rate, love? One hundred dollars an hour?”“Um, yeah,” Erin said, glancing from Annabelle to the snowboarders to him.Fuck.The last thing he wanted was Erin in a room with one of those guys.“I can do it,” she said to Hans.“But I’ll need to purchase more massage oil first.I’m sure I have enough for Rick’s massage, but that’s probably it.”Thank God.Erin stood, and Rick watched both of the snowboarders’ gazes drift to her ass, both smiling with appreciation.He caught the blond one’s eye and sent a warning full of fire in his direction.The dumbass was at least smart enough to look away.She walked to where Annabelle sat and leaned down to kiss her on her cheek.“Good night, love.” Annabelle smiled at her.“I’m so happy you’re here [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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