The Cowboy's Temptation Page 0,7

lies and their manipulations. And one insensitive cowboy was not going to get in her way of a happy reunion with her best friend. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested,” she said curtly and turned away again, taking her cell phone out and pressing buttons, hoping he would get the hint.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think you understand,” he started again.

Elissa ignored him and waited for Veronica to pick up her phone. “Hello?” Veronica’s voice came on the line.

“Ronny? Are you there?” Elissa asked.

“Lissy? I’m so glad to hear from you. Please tell me you are still coming. Don’t say you’re bailing out on me at this point. You need this vacation just as much as I need you.”

“No, no. Don’t worry. I’m at the airport waiting for you. Are you going to be long?”

“I’m at the doctor’s office. He’s poking me again because I’ve been having so many contractions. Rick asked Jake to come and get you. He should already be there. Did he not show up?”

Elissa’s mind froze. Veronica had sent someone else to pick her up? And there was a man standing behind her, patiently waiting for her to get off the phone. Elissa turned and looked at the tall, handsome man.

He raised one eyebrow at her look. “Elissa Stone?” he asked, curtly.

Elissa could only nod her head, the cell phone falling several inches away from her ear as the reality of her offense registered in her mind.

The man didn’t blink an eye but his lips thinned slightly, indicating his irritation. “Jake Callahan, at your service. Let’s get your bags,” he snapped and turned to head towards the baggage claim area.

“Uh oh,” Elissa whispered into the phone. “What’s wrong?” Veronica asked.

“I think I just insulted Rick’s boss,” she said. “I’ll see you later,” Elissa said and hung up the phone to rush after the retreating man.

“I’m sorry,” Elissa said as soon as she caught up with him. His legs were so long, she had to run to keep pace with him. It didn’t help that she was wearing three inch heels and he was wearing cowboy boots. “I thought you were trying to pick me up and…”

Jake stopped short, whipping around to look down at her. “I AM trying to pick you up,” he snapped. “Now which are your bags,” he said, waiving his hand toward the baggage cart.

Elissa had been so intent on apologizing she wasn’t aware that he had stopped. She ran right into his chest and almost fell onto her bottom. She would have completely embarrassed herself if two strong arms hadn’t reached out to grab hold of her at the last minute. But as soon as she righted herself, he released her as if she were on fire, taking an immediate step back.

“The red ones,” Elissa said breathlessly, staring at his hard, angry eyes.

Jake watched her for a stunned moment, surprised at how small she was. And how good she’d felt. She wasn’t all skin and bones like she appeared. She was actually quite soft in all the right places if his one, brief touch was any judge.

Jake pushed that thought aside and turned towards the baggage that was piled up on the side of the cart. There were four large red suitcases. “Which red ones?” he snapped.

Elissa didn’t understand and her eyes told him so. “All of them,” she stated calmly as if that was the only reasonable answer.

Jake looked back at the piled bags and shook his head. “All four bags are yours?” he clarified.

Elissa looked at the baggage rack to make sure she was referring to the correct bags, then turned back to him, nodding. With determination, she moved over to the pile. She hefted one onto the other, carefully balancing the weight so they wouldn’t topple over, then pulled out the arm that would allow her to roll them down the airport terminal to the parking lot. She did the same with the other two, stacking them up as well. Once she had them all situated so she could roll them together, she turned expectantly towards the still angry man.

”I’m ready,” she said and waited for him to lead the way to the car. “Ready for what? To move in?” he asked, staring at her proud expression, then at her four, huge bags neatly stacked one on top of the other.

Elissa flushed but continued to stare at him expectantly. Jake swore under his breath, then walked over to where she was waiting, prettily ready to carry all her own bags.