Courting Trouble (The Texas Two-Step Series, Book 3) by Kathy Carmichael Read Free Book Online Page A

slid over to the passenger side while Alec climbed behind the wheel.
    He turned the ignition. Two years ago, when he'd tried the ignition, Diedra's car had started right up. Unfortunately, he'd spent over an hour checking out the engine, the battery cables and the gas before insisting that Diedra let him try starting it. This wasn't the same car, though, and the situation was different. Completely different. Now, the engine didn't turn over. It really was dead. He checked the inside lights. Nothing.
    He got out of the car and looked under the hood, then returned and tried the engine again without success.
    "I checked the timing belt, but it seems fine. I think it's the starter or the alternator, which I don't think even you have the ability to destroy without touching." Alec slumped over the steering wheel. "I'm sorry, Diedra. I should have known you wouldn't do it again."
    "That's fine. That's just fine. But I didn't do it last time, either." She was silent for a moment and then softly added, "At least, I didn't do it on purpose."
    Alec wanted to shake her. "What do you mean?"
    Her face looked pale in the moonlight. She didn't speak, just stared into his eyes. She looked—Scared? Humiliated? Vulnerable?
    All he was aware of was the sound of crickets and a gentle breeze and the dark night reflected in her eyes. If any female was ever fatal, this one was. If he were smart, he'd get out and start walking.
    But he wasn't very smart.
    He leaned closer, fighting against the pull of her. Her eyes fluttered closed. Waiting. Only an inch or two separated him from sampling her inviting lips. No longer able to hold back, he kissed her.

 
     
     
    Chapter 6

     
    Diedra tasted like fresh cherries. Soft, moist, sweet, with just a hint of tartness. He deepened his kiss, taking a moment to linger in the scent of her, in the heat of her, in the soft surrender of her lips. His tongue played about her lips and explored deeply inside her mouth. Cupping her face with his hands, he ached to feel her entire body pressed against his. He was needy. So needy.
    She met him with tender greed. Judging by her response, she was pretty darn needy, too.
    He ran his fingertips from her face down her neck and shoulders, then drew her closer. The aroma of cherries became stronger and almost hypnotic. Her skin was firm yet soft. Ignoring all the little warning bells going off in his head, he pulled her closer still, wanting to feel more of her warmth.
    As she leaned into their embrace, she bumped against the steering column. The engine revved. The headlights came on. So did all the interior lights.
    A.C. jerked up straight. What on earth did he think he was doing? The last thing in the world he wanted to do was get involved with Diedra, despite the fact that his body very much wanted to explore every inch of hers.
    He could thank his lucky stars that things hadn't gone any farther than a kiss. He'd never planned to kiss her. He'd never been willing to find out what they might have if things had been different.
    Diedra was the last type of woman he should get involved with, unsuitable in every way. For all her sexiness, she was flighty, outrageous, a disaster in every meaning of the word.
    Besides, they were on a mission. They still needed to find Meagan and Jeff. Jeff needed to know he would soon become a father.
    He gazed down at Diedra's peaceful, soothing face. Her eyes remained shut and she looked ready. Ready for him to kiss her again. But that lovely, placid exterior hid the hell about to break loose around her. She was trouble with a capital "J" for Jinx.
    Whatever had possessed him wouldn't again. "You know... tomorrow you should probably get a mechanic to go over your car."
    Her eyes snapped open. They gradually narrowed. "Get out."
    "What?"
    "You heard me. Get out of my car."
    She was the most unreasonable, lunatic woman he'd ever met. She made his mother seem sensible. Why had he ever wanted to kiss her?
    He looked at Diedra in the stark clarity