Cooper's Woman by Carol Finch Read Free Book Online

he reminded her. He studied her thoughtfully, fascinated by the contradictions that he saw in this breathtakingly beautiful woman.
    â€œWell then, good night, Coop.”
    â€œYou didn’t answer my question,” he reminded her.
    She tossed him another impish smile as she passed beneath the second street lamp. Then she was gone and he was left to wonder if Alexa had doctored her bodyguard’s food or drink so she could dart off in the night to do as she pleased.
    Right there and then, Coop made a mental note not to eat or drink anything that passed this siren’s hands…just in case.
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    Two hours after Alexa’s encounter with Coop she checked on Miguel and was relieved to find him sleeping comfortably. The bottle sitting on the nightstand indicated the physician had paid a visit and prescribed medication to soothe Miguel’s stomach.
    When Alexa returned to her own room, she doffed her gown. She smiled impishly, remembering her conversation with the ruggedly attractive detective. Matching wits with Coop had been more fun than she’d had with a man in years. Her longtime friendship with Miguel being the exception. He was like the brother she never had.
    Coop had teased her and tried to shock her rather than bowing and scraping, attempting to win her favor. She had teased him right back, especially when he quizzed her about poisoning Miguel. Which of course she hadn’t. Miguel was sensitive to certain foods but he refused to consider the possibility because the reactions weren’t long-lived or serious. She’d known when he’d ordered the main dish smothered with a sauce containing pecans and almonds at dinner that he’d be down for the count.
    She’d never been able to convince him that something as simple as eating walnuts caused his stomach ailments. Therefore, his temporary illness was self-inflicted. He couldn’t exactly call that her fault, now could he? She had mentioned the possibility years ago, but he refused to believe it and she had stopped bringing it to his attention.
    Her smile faded as she brushed her fingertips over her lips, remembering the impulsive kiss she had bestowed on Coop. She knew she had no business making the slightest contact with Coop, for fear of complicating this case. Not only had she struck up a conversation with him on the street that morning, but she had also kissed him that night. Perhaps she’d been caught up in the exciting intrigue of following Elliot and talking her way out of the situation with Coop. Maybe that had led to her impulsive embrace.
    Although her father forbade her from taking an active role in the investigation, she had discovered that she thrived on the challenge and adventure. She had also experienced the most delicious tingles of desire when she brushed against Coop’s masculine body and tasted his sensuous lips. That kiss in the dark was guaranteed to incite erotic dreams tonight—
    â€œStop that,” she ordered herself sensibly.
    Her startling reaction to Coop was one-sided, she knew. No doubt, he’d been with his share of women. One brief kiss wouldn’t turn his world upside down and she was determined not to let it upend hers, either.
    â€œYou have another objective to accomplish while Miggy is out of commission tonight,” she reminded herself.
    She was on a crusade to help her father and to prove to him that she was worthy of his respect and his pride.
    Alexa dug into her carpetbag to retrieve the second disguise she carried with her. Not Mr. Chester, but rather the elusive cloaked rider who blended with the darkness. She fastened herself into the trim black breeches, black shirt, boots and cap. Then she donned the cape that concealed her size and shape and gender. She had rented a mount from the livery on her way back to the hotel and tethered the steed in the alley. It was ready and waiting for the midnight jaunt.
    She planned to be at the brothel when Elliot exited so she