Fast and Easy by Betty Womack Read Free Book Online Page A

affection, each having known the crushing blow of rejection from a heavy handed man.
    After having coffee and a look through the new items of Ruby’s small, thriving jewelry boutique, Carmen headed home. She needed sleep to face another night with Don. She had to be on top of her game to keep him from proving she wasn’t worthy of her coveted promotion.
    Three blocks from her apartment, Carmen remembered her mother’s shocking observation. In love? It’s not love when you’re the only one feeling the emotion.
    A kernel of an idea settled in her brain. Maybe a cruise, or a couple weeks in the tropics would help her get over Genonese.
    Of course, you’d cut it short and run right back to see if he’s really as hot as you pictured.
    Spotting a liquor store, she drove into the parking lot, intending to buy a six-pack or a case of soft drinks. Bottles of wine sparkled on the glass display shelves. She carried a soft Merlot to the counter along with the colas.
    “Celebrating?” The older man smiled at her while bagging her items.
    “No, just thirsty.”
    She went back to her car, groaning when she spotted two high school kids hanging around the trash dumpster, taking swigs from an open beer. She wouldn’t hassle them tonight. Not too much. She drove up next to their shadowy party area and flashed her shield.
    “You guys twenty-one?”
    The beer bottle hit the concrete and shattered in the bag. “No ma’am. We wuz just going home.”
    “See that you do.” She let the car ease forward a few feet. “I’ll be back around, and if you’re still here, you get a free ride in the paddy wagon.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” The two skinny kids took off like deer, probably wetting their pants.
    Carmen grinned when they looked back before turning the corner.
Little shits
.
    At her apartment, she pulled her car into a parking space in the crappy lean-to garage, and got out, tired and ready to crawl into bed. Walking to the entrance, she recognized the car parked in front of the building.
    Genonese.
    She approached the maroon GMC wagon, and leaned on the fender. “The woman on the second floor will call the cops if you sit here too long.”
    He leaned across the seat, grinning in his special ‘I want to fuck you’ way. “Okay. Invite me in.”
    Invite him in? The arrogant bastard
.
    “Sure.”
Admit it, Carmen. You’re happy to see him
.
    He didn’t seem surprised by her quick agreement. He got out of his car and locked it before following her into the building.
    She trembled with apprehension, afraid now of all the crazy feelings racing through her. Did he have to stand so close? Damn it, where was that light switch?
    The door opened and they walked in, not speaking until he took the wine and coke from her hand. “Planning a party?”
    “I will, as soon as you leave.” She placed her purse and weapon on the coffee table. “Did you come back for your jeans?”
    “I came back to celebrate with you, Captain Redstone.” His fingers toyed with the heavy necklace between her breasts. “And, to tell you, I think they picked the right woman.”
    She moved away, carrying the drinks into the dark kitchen. Images of him and that woman iced her blood. His shadow fell over her when he walked into the room. “I think you’d better go celebrate with the redhead.”
    Damn, why did you let him in? You’re a fool
.
    Her attempt to freeze him out melted under the touch of his hands on her waist. “Let’s not go there, Carmen. This is between you and me.”
    “There’s nothing between us, Don.” She shivered when his lips teased her earlobe. “Why don’t you leave?”
    He ignored her suggestion and methodically removed the combs from her upswept hair.
    “I’ve always wanted to do that.” His hand locked in the long strands while he gazed at her with arousal flickering in his eyes.
    Stay? Go? What should she do
?
    The heat building in her blood screamed with the desire to walk into his arms, yet the resentment of his lies