Momentum by Cassandra Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

me.”
    Paolo excused himself, mumbling something about needing a woman of his own.
    Natalie figured she could kill two birds with one stone—get herself a full belly and quiz the guys on their bull-riding techniques.
    “Cara?”
    “Sure, I can go.”
    Natalie heard Jessica murmur, “I thought her name was Natalie” to Conner.
    Marco must’ve heard her too, because he grinned and said, “ Cara is something a man says to a woman, like,” he stopped for a moment to consider, “honey, or dear.”
    She felt a wave of heat rush up her neck. Did he assume they were a couple?
    “Oh really? Oh. ” She looked from Marco to her and back to Marco as if she were at Wimbledon and Natalie seriously considered digging a hole right where she stood.
    “Yes, oh ,” Marco answered. Apparently he did consider them a couple.
    “Not, oh ,” Natalie said. “We are not dating.”
    Marco smirked. “The kiss you gave me in the lobby a little earlier and the one this morning say otherwise.”
    Conner tsked. “Hey, now, a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.”
    Marco had the grace to look embarrassed, but the damage was done.
    She cleared her throat, frantically searching for another topic of conversation. “Maybe I’ll just go back to my mo— Shit!”
    “ Cara , what?”
    She glanced around and then sighed. There was no way to hide her flightiness. “I forgot to get a hotel room. I was late for the event and I just drove straight here. I can’t believe I did that.”
    Marco took her elbow and led her off to the side of the group, calling over his shoulder, “Text me where you end up and we’ll meet you there.”
    “Marco, I can’t—”
    Marco’s expression turned stormy. “If you didn’t get a hotel room you’ll stay with me again. I don’t want you in some dirty place again anyway.”
    “I can’t keep staying with you.”
    “Why not?” He looked genuinely perplexed, and Natalie rubbed her forehead where a headache was coming on like a freight train.
    “Because if I do you’ll think…” She wasn’t used to just spitting stuff such as this out and was trying to come up with a delicate way of putting it when Marco leaned forward and cocked his head to the side.
    His breath was hot on her neck when he said, “I’ll think you and I are dating? I’ll think it’s okay to try to sleep with you?”
    Natalie swallowed and then took a shuddering breath. “Yes.”
    “ Cara , we are dating. And as for sleeping together,” he licked up the side of her neck to her ear and gently bit down, “that will happen too.”
    Her chest was heaving and she turned her head to the side. “You’re pretty sure of yourself. Besides, we shouldn’t.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because I’m here to do a job. I can’t be distracted.”
    “What fun is that?”
    “Not everything in life has to be fun.”
    “Ah, that’s where you’re wrong,” he responded, his accent growing thicker. He nipped at the pulse point hammering away where her neck met her shoulder. “Come on. You’re staying with me. Now let’s eat.”
    As he strode toward the exit of the arena, Natalie considered her options. True, she could find some fleabag motel that still had room. That would cost money. Or she could stay with Marco again and save the money. Not the best idea for her sanity, but she was desperate. Basically, she was out of good, sane options.
    * * * * *
     
    Marco got a cab and helped Natalie into it. The woman was driving him insane. She would give a little and then take it away, leaving him wanting her even more. He fought not to touch her as the cab zoomed toward dinner. At the restaurant, they sat down opposite Conner and Jessica.
    After ordering, Natalie said to Conner, “Should I quiz you now or wait until you have a little alcohol in you and your tongue loosens up?”
    Conner laughed. “Darlin’, I’m six-foot-four, one beer isn’t going to make much of a difference. Plus, my tongue’s usually plenty loose.” Jessica put her hand over