Belonging to Bandera by Tina Leonard Read Free Book Online Page B

“I can’t look. I just discovered I have a fear of heights.”
    She looked at him, concerned. “You do?”
    “I think so. I’ve never been higher than the back of a bull. I’ve never even been to Six Flags to ride the roller coasters. I don’t mind the second floor of the barn, but I suppose that’s different.”
    “Very different. Barns don’t float away, except maybe in The Wizard Of Oz. ”
    “Oh, jeez.” He closed his eyes, trying not to think about the tiny blowing flame above his head keeping the balloon aloft. Hard ground lay below, andHolly was at his side, staring up at him as she clutched his arm.
    “You’re not going to faint, are you?” she asked, her voice sweet and worried. “I really wouldn’t advise it in this basket.”
    He noted her hands felt good on his arm, and the concern in her voice made him feel better. Still, he was in trouble. “I feel very out of control of this situation.”
    “Well, you are out of control, which is okay if you relax,” she coaxed. “Keep your eyes closed if it helps.”
    Because she told him to keep his eyes closed, he snapped them open to stare down at her. Looking at her made him feel a whole lot better. “When we crash-land in some trees—and I’m sure that’s the only possible ending to this dilemma I find myself in—you’re going to be in big trouble. As soon as I get out of the hospital.”
    She laughed at him. “We’re in this together. Enjoy the adventure until we crash.”

Chapter Four
    Holly knew she should take pity on Bandera—he really did appear terrified—but she sort of liked the way he was leaning on her instead of being withdrawn and cocky. “Remember when I got into your truck and said I’d entered the danger zone?”
    “And I said you had no idea?”
    “Mmm. Looks like we reversed roles.”
    He sighed. “Actually, no. You disturbed everything in my aura when I saw you by the side of the road, flashing your sign.”
    “I wonder if our meeting was something more than chance.”
    The look on his face was priceless, but Holly held back a laugh. If she was going to enjoy baiting him, she wanted to do it to the fullest.
    “Meaning what?” he demanded.
    “Think about it. You’re in a balloon, far from safety, with a wedding planner.”
    He frowned. “Yes. That makes you a bride in flight.”
    “I’m not really,” she said. “You rescued me from all that.”
    He stared at her. “All that what?”
    “The trauma. The broken heart. The barren field of dreams.”
    “Yikes. I was trying to keep Mason from leaving us. I wasn’t looking for a dramatic woman in white.”
    She laughed. “Admit you’re having fun.”
    “No.”
    “And you liked it when I kissed you.”
    He slid his eyes back her way. “Lady, you are alone with me in a basket, apparently on your way to some unknown destination. Do not tempt what you know nothing about.”
    “Maybe I like the unknown.”
    His gaze warmed. “You’d best figure out how to keep yourself safe,” he growled. “The possibility of crash-landing is not your only worry.”
    “And if I’m tired of being safe? If minding the rules didn’t get me anywhere and I feel like throwing caution to the wind?”
    “You might find your caution caught,” he said.
    Her heart pounded, and suddenly, the scenery outside the basket didn’t seem nearly as interesting as what was inside it.
    “I think you’ve been running and merely want to be caught,” he said, leaning in close. “I’m very, very fast.”
    “I’m glad,” she whispered.
    “And I have the stamina for long chases. Though I’ll warn you, most of my prey gives up pretty quickly.”
    “Are you planning to run me to ground, cowboy?” she asked, knowing in her heart that she’d waited too long for a man to make her feel the way Bandera did.
    Before she could think twice, he kissed her, long and hard, his tongue searching, his lips possessing hers with fierce urgency. Holly gasped, feeling magic and a storm of longing