Hotter than Texas (Pecan Creek) - By Tina Leonard Page 0,55
you always so guarded about this darling little town?”
“Because Peyton Place was minor league compared to Pecan Creek.” He looked at her. “Promise me you’ll tell me if you ever hear a rumor that upsets you.”
She raised a brow. “A rumor like you’re getting back together with Averie?”
He frowned. “Who told you that?”
“No one.” She studied his face, noting the suddenly tight frown line and drawn mouth. He was so handsome, even when he was annoyed, like right now. It made her want to kiss the annoyance away—and yet, she had to keep her distance. “Would you tell me?”
“I can honestly tell you that there is no way that will happen. But, Sugar, it won’t surprise me if people try to tell you things to make you change your mind about being in Pecan Creek.”
She studied his face. “You were coming here to peace out, and now you sound so serious. What is going on?”
He sighed. “Can’t I tell you after I make love to you?”
“Wow. It must be bad.” Sugar tugged his raft closer to hers and flicked water at him again. The droplets looked good lying against his deep brown skin and strong muscles. She could barely take her gaze from his body—which was a trap, because she couldn’t be blinded by the amazing packaging. “Are you saying you think we won’t be friends if I know whatever’s on your mind?”
“I’m pretty sure I won’t be getting into bed in the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas room with you.” He winked at her. “Process of elimination. I know Lucy got the Belle Watling room. I figure Maggie didn’t want the American Gigolo room, because she’s more the type to go for J.R. Ewing. I knew that after she wrapped Lassiter around her finger.”
He sighed. “Okay. If I tell you, you have to promise me you won’t jump in my canoe and paddle off.”
“I never make promises I can’t keep.”
“Figures. Are you sure you won’t let me make love to you before I tell you?” Jake looked hopeful. “Believe me, you’d be surprised how good raft sex can be. In fact, canoe sex doesn’t exactly suck, though it requires a little more balance.”
“You know this from first-hand experience?”
“No.” He laughed. “A guy has fantasies.”
“So does a woman,” Sugar said. “How do you know that I won’t reward you for your secrets by tearing off your clothes?”
“You might tear off my clothes, but it will only be to leave me here stranded.” His tone was morose.
She got off her raft and slipped onto his, straddling him. “Start talking, or I take off my top. And you will not be allowed to touch. I’m not exactly bragging, but my top hides some things you’ll probably like.”
“I heard.” Jake sighed. “Believe me, I’m a man who lives in daily hell.”
“What are you talking about?” Sugar bounced on his midsection, making him ooph.
“Oh God. Here ends the best month of my life,” Jake said. “Kel was up on the roof one day and saw you ladies enjoying quiet time in the backyard.”
Sugar stared down into his face. “Quiet time? You mean, he saw us without our tops on?”
He nodded.
“That sneaky piece,” Sugar said. “And he told you?”
“He was in some kind of supernatural ecstasy when he gasped the story out. The problem is, I think he told a lot of people.”
Sugar shook her head. “The next time I see him, I’m going to jerk out that ponytail he’s so proud of.” She looked at Jake. “You tell him to stay the hell off our roof, and that goes double for you.”
“Me?” Jake looked indignant. “I don’t want to see them from far away. I’m waiting to be invited for the up-close-and-personal view.”
Sugar wasn’t amused. “Is there more?”
“Yeah.”
She respected the fact he didn’t even put his hands around her backside or try to make a move. He kept one hand behind his head and the other in the water, holding her raft, though it was tied to a line and wouldn’t go anywhere. “So?”
“Vivian had a background check on your family.”
Sugar blinked. “The only person necessary for a background check might have been me, since it’s my name on the lease. She wouldn’t have needed one for Maggie and Lucy.”
“This was more than your average background check.”
Sugar gasped. “She hired a PI to snoop into our lives?”
“And there goes my chance at realizing my sexual fantasies,” Jake said softly. “Yes, she did. I’m sorry, Sugar. I didn’t know.