Read Online Carolina Heat by Christi Barth - Free Book Online Page A

urging, she was in the midst of pouring out her life story to this man. On the surface, it struck her as wildly inappropriate for a first date, let alone an evening which stood little chance of ever being repeated. But another part of her relished how easy it was to talk to Mark. He was a consummate listener, and made her feel every word she uttered was vitally important to him. It was the ultimate role reversal for her.
    Annabelle knew it was time to lighten the conversation. “I was naïve,” she continued abruptly. “Doesn’t every child dream of running away from home?”
    “Well, the smart ones dream of it. Then there are those of us stupid enough to do more than dream,” Mark rejoined. “I went through with it once. My favorite frog died, and I blamed my mother. In hindsight, though, I’m reasonably certain it was the steady diet of Oreos and soda I provided that did him in.”
    Annabelle’s laugh bubbled out. “I didn’t realize I was dining with a frog slayer. Were you lured back home, or did your parents drag you back kicking and screaming?”
    “I made it as far as Mrs. Haley’s. She tucked me into a guest room to save my pride, then promptly called my parents. I was back home in time for breakfast.”
    “Did you get another frog?”
    “No, I had to downgrade to goldfish for a year to prove myself worthy. Then I graduated straight to a puppy.”
    “Oh,” Annabelle sighed. “How wonderful. I’ve always wanted a puppy.”
    “What’s stopping you?” Mark asked around a bite of salad.
    “My career,” she answered, the answer popping out automatically. “I can end up in three different states in three days, and a different country two days after that. It doesn’t leave much time to walk a dog.”
    “Wow!” Mark snuck a crouton off her plate. “I didn’t realize travel writers had such demanding schedules. I pictured you hanging around each town for at least a couple of weeks, exploring every last nook and cranny.”
    Annabelle mentally kicked herself. It was a mistake even most rookies were bright enough to avoid. The golden rule was to stick to your cover story. The second part of the rule was to not reveal personal information which conflicted with your cover story.
    She tried to cover her slip. “Well, your description is more the norm,” she acknowledged with a wave of her fork. “But my schedule can be unpredictable. As a freelancer, I could have simultaneous assignments at opposite sides of the country.”
    “Must put a strain on your personal life,” Mark noted. “Is it as exhausting as it sounds?”
    “You have no idea,” came her heartfelt answer. As the waiter served their entrees, she searched for a way to toss the conversational ball back to Mark. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, he covered her hand with his.
    “I don’t believe I’ve taken the opportunity to tell you how beautiful you look tonight. Your hair is like a molten sunset spreading across your shoulders.”
    Annabelle’s vision blanked, then hazed over with indignation. “I’m going to come right out and tell you there is absolutely no chance I’ll sleep with you tonight.”
     
     
    Mark tipped back in his chair, threw back his head, and let out a hearty guffaw. It was loud enough to cause several other diners to turn and look at their table. He continued to laugh, oblivious to Annabelle’s whispered entreaties to be quiet. Finally, he sputtered to a stop. “Darlin’, when was the last time you went on a date?”
    Her jaw dropped. “None of your business!”
    “Now, don’t get up on your high horse.”
    “And don’t call me darlin’,” she spat back. That was enough to give him a few more chuckles, much to Annabelle’s continued outrage.
    “Annabelle.” Mark said her name very softly. “This is the South—the Good Old South.” She ignored his words and looked down, quite pointedly, at the hand he was still holding. He patted it, but did not let go. “We call everyone from the