Crazy in Love by Kristin Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

truly admired that. Plus, she got the feeling he regretted how things ended with Tori West.
    An Adonis body with a steel resolve and a sweet heart?
    She might’ve hit the jackpot…or maybe the Jameson made Cole Turner seem dreamier than he really was.
    Cole took a shot at one of the last striped balls on the table, and missed. His angle was off.
    “So? Did you love her?” Rachael’s stomach flipped. Did she really want to hear?
    “Probably not.” Even from the opposite end of the table, Cole’s whiskey-brown eyes smoldered. “But she ruined any chance of figuring out if we could get there when she tried to make me profess my feelings in front of everyone. The last thing I need is my private life to collide with my professional one.”
    Rachel walked around the table and bumped into his shoulder, sending chills ratcheting down her arms. “We’re not so different after all.”
    “How’d you figure?”
    “I’ve dated a few guests who’ve stayed at the inn, and I think I’ve loved a few of them.” She bent over the table to take her shot. Her vision blurred and suddenly there were two balls with red stripes. “It’s all fun and games while they’re sleeping two doors down, but then they leave and go on their way. I’m left with the memory of a great week. That’s it.”
    His gaze bore into her back. “I see.”
    “That’s why I can’t date someone who stays there.” She fired the stick through her fingers. And missed. “It’s how I protect myself. Probably the same reason you date woman after woman without getting serious with any one.”
    Before she could take her next shot—or was it his turn?—Cole was standing beside her. The crisp aroma of his aftershave and the smell of rich leather tickled her nose. His body radiated heat and hers responded, the blood in her veins heating to molten lava.
    Slowly, he took the pool stick out of her hand and rested it behind her. He planted his arms on the edge of the table, pinning her within the strong cage of his body. Her eyelids fluttered closed and her lips pouted, but not because she was trying to be cute. It was the alcohol, the way it made her warm in her belly and weak in the knees.
    Okay, okay…it was him.
    “I didn’t realize this was a problem,” he said, his voice a lover’s caress against her ears. “But I’ve had my eye on you since I came into town and you caught me in my towel.”
    She shuddered from the memory.
    “Consider this my notice.” He leaned in, his breath fanning warm against her cheek. “I’m checking out early. Like now.”
    He dropped his head and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. Gone were the thoughts of Cole Turner skipping out of town. Gone were the worries of being left behind, broken-hearted. She wasn’t marrying the guy, she was kissing him.
    There was nothing serious about a little, innocent peck.
    And then, when she thought he’d pull back, he slid one hand around her waist and yanked her against him. She sucked in a surprised breath. He took advantage of the opening, sliding his tongue past her lips.
    God, he tasted good. Like spice and whiskey mixed into a warm, yummy blend that made her stomach whirl.
    Her lips were deliciously numb, so she mashed them against his and drove her fingers through his hair. He groaned at the contact, and suckled her bottom lip into his mouth. A fierce blaze of desire lashed through her and blew that innocent kiss to smithereens.
    It was the night, the whiskey, the taste of Cole’s mouth and the skill of his tongue as it tangled with hers. Whatever the reason, she hopped back onto the table and drew him closer with her thighs. Pool balls scattered behind her; out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the eight ball dropping into the corner pocket.
    Game over.
    “Whoa, hold up,” Cole said, ripping his mouth from hers. His gaze trailed over her shoulder. “As much as I like what you’re doin’ right here, there are people watching. I can’t afford pictures