Crazy for Lovin’ You by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page A

talking about?”
    â€œYou can get even with both Stevens’ sisters in one fell swoop.” She stuck her hands into the pockets of her khakis. “In fact, this is the perfect way to get back at my father, too, for the way he treated you.”
    â€œHe’s gone, Taylor. Why would I want to do that?”
    She shrugged. “I just wanted to put it out there. It crossed my mind. I think we should put all our cards on the table.”
    â€œBut only now that you know I remember.”
    Her mouth turned up slightly. “Yeah. I’m a lot of things. But no one ever accused me of being stupid. If that unfortunate incident by the pool had slipped your mind, it wouldn’t be very bright to remind you, now would it?”
    â€œI suppose not,” he agreed.
    â€œSo, what’s your plan? Revenge or a single benevolent act to show that we’ve buried the hatchet?”
    Hands on hips, Mitch stood by the pool, thinking. Her father was gone; he hadn’t the will to speak ill of him. He had no feelings for Jen, so no wish to get even. But Taylor had never done anything to hurt him. He’d deserved that cooling off in the pool ten years ago. And he found the idea of doing anything that would harm her bothered him—a lot. She would be the one most affected by his decision.
    With an effort, he pushed the thoughts away. No way was he going soft.
    â€œI’m here to find a rodeo site. That’s all. Your ranch meets the criteria. But I have one more place to check out. Grady O’Connor’s spread.”
    â€œBut he’s the sheriff. I didn’t know he was interested.”
    â€œActing sheriff. He said he would agree to hold the event there. If necessary.” He hooked his thumbs in his pockets. “If the Circle S is the best, you’ll get the nod. If not—” He let the words hang between them.
    â€œFair and square?”
    â€œAbove reproach.”
    â€œAll I ask is an honest and objective evaluation as compared to the other choices.”
    â€œThat’s what I’ll give you,” he answered. “Because this event is important for the kids.”
    She nodded. Then the corners of her mouth curved up and she smiled. “You’re sure there’s nothing I can do that might tip the scales in my favor?”
    Uh-oh. Danger ahead. Her words were innocent teasing. He knew that, although he wasn’t sure how. She wasn’t being deliberately seductive, but damn it all, she was sexy as hell. He shot her a skeptical look, struggling for nonchalance even as his breathing quickened a notch at some ideas that popped into his mind. Top of the list: hot, slow kisses and tangled, scented sheets.
    â€œWhat did you have in mind?” he asked, his voice going deeper than normal.
    â€œThey say the way to a man’s heart—or in this case, his approval—is through his stomach. I could cook you dinner.”
    â€œOh.” Did he sound as disappointed as he felt?
    He shouldn’t even be thinking that way. For one thing, Taylor was nothing like the groupies on the rodeo circuit who had come on to him for their own agenda. For another, she was a member of Destiny’s founding family. And he was Riffraff Rafferty. He always would be. That wasn’t bitterness talking, just fact.Time and experience had shown him why he and Jen hadn’t worked out. Because he wouldn’t work with any woman. Certainly not her little sister. No matter how much he was attracted to Taylor’s curvy shape, big brown eyes, and hair he wanted to bury his hands in, he wasn’t about to let this be anything more than business.
    â€œI wish I could stay for dinner,” he said. “But I’ve got an appointment. Then I’ve got to get a place to stay and set up a base of operation to get things rolling.”
    â€œOkay.” She nodded. “Maybe another time.”
    â€œMaybe,” he said.
    But he would be a fool to close the