Expecting the Cowboy's Baby by Charlene Sands Read Free Book Online

his mouth.“You wouldn’t dance with me last night. How about it? Want to dance now?”
    He ran his hands up and down her arms; a brief touching that heated her skin instantly. Inwardly she flinched at the raw power he had over her, the way a single touch could make her come alive. She gazed into a set of dark, appealing eyes and knew she should refuse. Jake had been by her side all afternoon, touching her at every turn, creating more heat inside her body than a fiery furnace. He’d been attentive, aware of curious eyes and playing the game, but Cassie had begun to enjoy his attention a little too much. He almost made her forget that this wasn’t real. He’d be leaving after the rodeo tomorrow and she’d return to Los Angeles. They’d head off in different directions and never see each other again.
    â€œI’d love to dance with you,” she blurted.
    His grin reminded her of a swashbuckling pirate, of a handsome rogue, but most of all, that particular lifting of his lips reminded her of a devilish outlaw ready to ride into the sunset with the girl.
    He lay a possessive hand to the small of her back and led her onto the dance floor. “I don’t remember you asking me to dance last night,” she said as he took her into his arms. She’d better keep a conversation going, she thought, or she’d get too wrapped up in the soft music, the sway of their bodies and the solid, warm feel of him.
    â€œDoesn’t surprise me. You weren’t thinking too clearly yesterday.” There was a note of irritation in his tone.
    Cassie pursed her lips. “What do you mean by that?”
    â€œI mean,” he said, loosening his hold on her to gaze directly into her eyes. “Brody Taylor would’ve been your worst kind of nightmare, Cassie. I couldn’t stand there another second and watch him manhandle you.”
    Cassie lifted her chin with defiance. “I don’t recall any manhandling.”
    Jake pulled her in close with a strong tug, causing the air in her lungs to swoosh out. She fell against the solid wall of his chest, her breasts crushing into him. A little groan escaped his throat. He sucked in oxygen then continued. “Exactly my point.”
    Cassie didn’t want a lecture from Jake. She didn’t need to be reprimanded. She’d done what she’d had to do last night and only by the grace of good fortune had things worked out in her favor today. Well, she mused, that still remained to be seen. If Jake was going to bully her, then neither of them was going to have a good time tonight. “Nothing would have happened with him, Jake. I knew enough to keep my head, achy as it was.”
    â€œHow can you be so sure?”
    Why did he care? They’d only just met and he acted as though they were a real couple. From his tone he seemed to be more than a little curious about her answer. Had he been jealous of Brody?
    â€œBecause, Mister-Know-It-All Cowboy, I told you before, I didn’t find him the least bit attractive.”
    â€œRii-iight,” he replied with a twist of his mouth. “The perfect guy for you. Someone who doesn’t make your hair curl.”
    He made her hair curl, and her toes and her stomach. Darn him. Why did she have to find him so attractive?
    â€œAnd I don’t claim to know it all, but I do know what’s on a man’s mind when he’s holding a beautiful woman in his arms.”
    He thought she was beautiful. Cassie’s heart fluttered.
    â€œCare sharing those insights with me?”
    He shook his head. “Not a chance, honey.”
    â€œDoesn’t matter. I’m not looking for anyone, anyway. I’m through with men.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    And if he were the type, he would have rolled his eyes, but Cassie heard disbelief in his tone. “You don’t believe me?”
    â€œNope. You’ve got too much going for you to live the rest of your life alone. You’re