Big Girls Don't Cry by Taylor Lee Read Free Book Online

whistle.
    Reaching around her, he stroked the custom leather seat. He gave her an appreciative glance then stepped closer to run his hand over the solid wood dashboard. He peered inside, his large body filling the doorway.
    When he stood up and turned to face her, a wide grin split his face.
    “Damn, girl, this is one tricked up ride. Did you buy it like this? Or, don’t tell me you did this? Tell me you did and I’m a goner. I’m an admirer for life. Hell, more than that, I think I’m in love.”
    Lexie stifled a laugh. He seemed genuinely bowled over. If he was putting her on, he had found her soft spot. She loved this car. She’d bought it with the money she earned her first year teaching in the dojo. It was barely drivable when she bought it. It cost almost as much to restore as it cost to buy. She’d spent months outfitting it, pouring over catalogues and searching the internet for genuine parts.
    “First generation?” Jake asked, his eyes gleaming.
    When she nodded, he persisted, “1967 or ’68?”
    He shook his head with a low admiring whistle when she responded. “1968.”
    She watched him circle the Camaro, touching the door handles then reached down to run his hands over the rims. He looked up at her with a question, “Alloy?”
    When she nodded yes, he gave a gleeful shout.
    He rounded the car and ended up in front of her, his bright blue eyes twinkling.
    “That does it. Now you’re having dinner with me for sure. Hell, I’m gonna bring a tape recorder. I want to know how a beautiful woman like you decided to buy a “68 Camaro and restore it like this.”
    She stiffened, immediately her guard rose. “I…I didn’t say I would have dinner with you.”
    He grinned. “You didn’t? Hmm, something must be wrong with my hearing. I could have sworn you agreed to let me take you to the finest, most authentic Mexican restaurant this side of the border. In fact, I’m sure I heard you say that you’d be ready at six.”
    She felt her face heat. She shook her head clenching her fists at her sides. “No…no…I can’t.”
    Jake’s eyes narrowed. His voice was soft. Once again, he reached out and grasped her chin in his big hand and gazed down at her.
    “There’s a big difference between ‘can’t’ and ’won’t,’ Alexis.” He smiled at her and reached in his pocket and took out a business card.
    “Tell you what. My cell number is on this card. Let’s make a deal. If you decide that you don’t want to have dinner with me just call and let me know. Okay?”
    When she nodded, he winked at her. “Here’s the rest of the deal. You can only decline for one of three reasons. One, because the last time you ate Mexican food you ended up in the hospital with hives. Two, because you’re prejudiced and don’t eat with southerners, or three--because you’re chicken.”
    She gasped, too startled to respond.
    He reached out and stroked her cheek.
    “See you at 6 p.m. Wear something casual. It’s a family place.”
    When he turned to walk away, she struggled to speak, to tell him no, to give him back his card. To her shock, the only thing that came out of her mouth, in a squeak at that, was, “But, you don’t know where I’m living.”
    He looked back over his shoulder and shook his head. “You forget, Alexis. I’m an investigator.” He faced her, walking backwards across the lot. “Come prepared to talk, Alexis. About that hot car.” He winked at her again. She could hear his chuckle as he walked away.
     

 
     
    Chapter 5
     
    Lexie stood in front of the mirror glaring at her reflection. She was surprised her lips weren’t bleeding she’d bitten them so much. What could she have been thinking? Agreeing to go out to dinner with Jake? She reminded herself with a frown, she hadn’t agreed. He’d tricked her into it. The thought raised her hackles even more. First of all, she didn’t want to go out with him; second, she didn’t want to go out with anyone, and, most important at the