Handsome Wrangler (Handsome Devils #6) - Lori Wilde Page 0,26

was a jerk, but he seemed so ...” She shrugged. “He seemed nice enough at dinner. And Vanda had nothing but wonderful things to say about him. Plus, when things turned bad, I handled the situation. I drove us home.”

Brent looked away from her. “Yeah. That was smart. But I can’t help wondering what will happen when you live in Dallas. Who will you call if you need help?”

His comment irritated her. “Okay, I’ll admit that Mason isn’t exactly the poster boy for nice like I’d expected, but I deserve more credit than you’re giving me. I’m not a child, Brent. I can take care of myself.”

“I know you’re not a child. I’m worried about you, that’s all. I can’t help it. That guy could have . . .” He met and held her gaze. “He could have hurt you.”

The sincerity and concern in his voice made her anger fade. Brent wasn’t trying to be her big brother. He was just a good guy who didn’t want to see something bad happen to her. And, if she didn’t know better, there also seemed to be more than a trace of jealousy in his voice.

“Mason didn’t do anything to me other than really annoy me,” she reassured him. “I was fine. And I’ll be fine in Dallas, too.” She tipped her head, studying him. He was obviously still upset. Hoping to tease him into a good mood, she nudged him with her elbow and said, “Guess I’m going to have to pay you off so you won’t tell Dad or the boys about tonight.”

An odd light flashed in his dark eyes. “Now you know I’d never tell. I never told on you when we were growing up, and back then, I had a lot more I could tell about.”

She laughed. “Yeah, come to think of it, you do have a lot of blackmail material on me. Thank goodness you’re so honorable, or Dad would have grounded me for life a long time ago.”

Brent smiled that sexy half-smile of his, and Caitlin drew in a deep breath. The man was so handsome, and genuinely nice, and seriously tempting that she completely lost her ability to make small talk. And as he continued to look at her, it only got worse. Oh, boy. Desire was getting the better of her, and she knew her ability to handle this situation logically was fading faster than a vacation tan.

Brent’s gaze was intent. What was he thinking? Did he feel the same need she did? The same heat that was coursing through her veins? Brent was the wrong man at the wrong time, but that message didn’t seem to be reaching her body. Right. Wrong. It didn’t seem to matter once her hormones kicked in.

“So you think I’m honorable?” he asked.

His husky voice only made her heart beat faster, the chemistry bubbling between them again. Strong. Urgent. She knew he felt it, too. It was in his gaze, his darkened eyes that watched her closely. But she could escape if she wanted to. Brent wouldn’t stop her.

She stayed where she was.

“Yes. I think you’re honorable.” The words came out as a mere whisper in the silence of the car. Clearing her throat, she added, “That’s why you came for me tonight. That’s why you won’t tell my father and brothers. I want you to know how much I appreciate our friendship. I’ve always appreciated it.”

Without considering the wisdom of her actions, or perhaps because she wanted to tempt fate, Caitlin leaned over and dropped a kiss on his cheek. “You’re sweet and a terrific buddy.”

When she moved away from him, he said softly, “I’m not feeling like your buddy right now, Caitlin.”

Her heart skipped a few beats. With effort, she tried to keep her voice steady as she asked, “You’re not?”

“No.” Reaching out, he ran the back of his hand down the side of her face, his gaze still holding her own. “Tell me again why being close is a bad idea. Why we shouldn’t kiss each other until we both forget our own names.”

Truthfully, she was having a hard time remembering the reasons herself at this moment. Right now, she could almost taste his lips on hers, almost feel his arms holding her close. Her gaze dropped to his firm lips. She wanted his kiss, desperately, and when he leaned toward her, she eagerly met him halfway. Oh, yeah. This was what she’d wanted all day.

5

Kissing Caitlin was a really bad idea, but Brent couldn’t