Single and Searching by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online Page B

his hand, she tensed.
    "You've got a grease smudge on your face. I'm just going to wipe it off. I'm not going to hurt you." The unsteady sigh Casey exhaled spelled disbelief.
    Hadn't he already hurt her with his thoughtless article? He hadn't really considered those women's feelings when he'd written the piece. He'd just wanted to finish the assignment. In his haste, he'd cranked out a creative and witty piece of work. But it obviously wasn't funny to Casey.
    Gently Gabe brushed his handkerchief over her cheek. Casey's breath fanned against his face. The scent of peaches invaded his entire body. Without thinking about what he was doing, he traced a finger gently down the length of her delicate jaw and drew her mouth to his. She tasted like strawberries and cream and wine. Casey's lips were soft and pliant, and if she hesitated, it was for only a second. Gabe's heart raced when he felt her small hand press against his chest. He thought she was going to push him away.
    But she didn't She clutched his shirt with those long red fingernails and parted her lips in a lover's invitation. Groaning aloud, Gabe covered her lips with his own, deepening the kiss, tasting, stroking, teasing, savoring the sensations that assaulted him. He pulled her small frame close against him so their bodies touched, so her breasts pressed against his chest. Desire, bold and strong, thundered through him. "Oh, Casey," he whispered.
    Casey suddenly went rigid. When Gabe felt her withdrawal, he fought the disappointment building inside. Gently, he brushed his lips against hers, then ended the kiss, dropping his forehead against her head while their breathing steadied.
    Casey's hands trembled against his chest as she pushed away, and Gabe took pleasure in the realization that she had been affected by the kiss almost as much as he had.
    "It won't work, Gabe," Casey whispered. "Now that I've met you, I know that."
    Gabe clenched his jaw. "What do you mean, now you've met me? I'm not the jerk you think I am."
    Casey arched an eyebrow and eased his hands away from her. "Maybe. Maybe not. But it still wouldn't work."
    "Why the hell not?" Maybe if he kissed her again, she'd realize they couldn't walk away from each other without exploring this powerful chemistry between them.
    Gabe reached for Casey's arm, but she shoved his hand away.
    "Please. Something's happening between us, Casey. I know you feel it, too."
    "No, Gabe."
    Casey's denial irked him. How could she say that when he'd felt her tremble in his arms? Hadn't she opened her mouth and willingly offered herself to his sweet invasion? Had it all been a game of revenge? "So, you're telling me you aren't attracted to me?"
    Casey feigned indifference but a sliver of desire flashed in her eyes. "It doesn't matter, Gabe. It just wouldn't work."
    "I'm just asking for a date, Casey," Gabe said through clenched teeth. "A chance to get to know each other."
    "We already know enough."
    "Maybe our first impressions were wrong. I'm big enough to admit when I've made a mistake."
    "Good. Maybe you can write an article on it." Casey flung her hand up in the air. "But I have to go."
    "Why won't you see me?" he asked again, bristling at the mention of another article. He'd never pushed a woman before. Why was he doing it now?
    Casey caught her bottom lip between her teeth. "Because you... you separate your vegetables."
    Gabe froze. "My... vegetables?"
    Casey clasped her hands together. "Yes, you separate them. You won't let your food touch."
    "You won't date me because I separate my food? That's the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard."
    Casey's eyes bore into his. "Well, it's just the kind of thing you should expect from a brainless, weird loser."
    Her words halted Gabe's next comment. Thank God. He'd have sunk himself in further.
    Casey slid into the seat.
    Gabe leaned over so his face was only inches from hers and held the door open. Casey gripped the steering wheel and stared out the window. All the anger faded from his