All About Charming Alice by J. Arlene Culiner Read Free Book Online Page A

couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
    “I see.”
    They had reached the spot where the Land Rover was parked.
    “Can I drive you back? There’ll be enough room in the back for all the dogs.” Jace tried not to think of the mountain of dog hair he’d be cleaning out.
Going soft in the head, old boy.
    “Absolutely not.” Already she was moving away. “There’s nothing I like more than walking.” She stopped, her eyes mischievous, yet defiant. “In the desert. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
    • • •
    Jace lounged in a chair while Alice shredded a zucchini. He was making her exceedingly nervous. It wasn’t only because he was sitting there. No, it was also the way he watched her. The way he lounged in the chair … as if he belonged there. Which he didn’t.
    Just look at those clothes of his. City stuff, those expensive jeans, those gorgeous shoes, that sweater that was obviously cashmere. The trappings of a city man playing at country life. An actor, playing a part. Of course, she had to keep saying things like that to herself, to make an effort not to sneak little glances at him. He looked mighty good — city slicker playing a part or not.
Keep your distance if you know what’s good for you
, she ordered herself.
    “Have you lived here all of your life, Alice?”
    “No. My mother grew up here, but left when she was young. Sixteen.”
    “So where else have you lived?”
    “California.”
    Jace was obviously waiting for more details, details she wasn’t about to give him. He whistled, waited a minute or two. Then he said, “Mighty big place, California.”
    She looked up sharply. Was he making fun of her? Yes, he was. His mouth was twitching. He seemed to like riling her. It was a game to him, breaking down her barriers, softening her up. She’d keep on resisting too.
    She concentrated on rubbing the zucchini, pushing it furiously through the grater. How long had he said he would be staying? A week? A month? She couldn’t remember. Or had he even set a time limit at all?
    “Where in California?”
    She threw him a look guaranteed to turn the most stouthearted soul into salt. “Nosy, aren’t you.”
    Before she knew what was happening, he had sprung out of his seat and was standing beside her. She looked down at the bowl of grated zucchini. What was he doing? Why was he standing so close! She tried to move away but he arrested her movement with strong hands.
    “Alice? Look at me.”
    His touch seared through the thin cotton of her dress.
Fool. Letting him touch you when you know exactly where it will lead. Get your desire under control
. She recoiled. And felt how reluctant he was to let her go. But her rejection had cooled him. He took a step backward before grabbing the shredder and what remained of the zucchini.
    “Let me do it,” he said, his voice gentle.
    “I’m perfectly capable … ”
    “I’m not saying you aren’t. But you were getting so violent with this poor vegetable, you’d have scraped your knuckles raw. And this is supposed to be a vegetarian dinner.”
    She fought to get her nerves under control. The shock of his touch had sent live current zipping through her body and logic spiraling out of the picture. Leaning back against the counter, she tried to steady her trembling hands. Well, it was pretty clear what he was after, wasn’t it? Yes, it was. Intimacy. And what if … what if she just let it happen? How would it feel to lie in his arms? As good as she thought it might?
    Repressed desire propelled her into action. She had to do something …
anything
…
move, busy herself with a plate, a glass, fork, knife, and spoon. She had to push all the hot, dark, sexy ideas out of her mind.
    “What were you thinking of doing?”
    Her throat was dry, her heart pounded. “What?” It came out as a croak.
    He was watching her curiously. “I’m finished grating the zucchini. What will you do with it?”
    Relief followed confusion, turned into