Read Online Catch of a Lifetime: A Cricket Creek Novel by Luann McLane - Free Book Online

talking him into this big mess. “Look, I didn’t want him to take advantage of you.”
    “I am forty years old.
Mature.
I am beyond being taken advantage of.”
    Ty cleared his throat. “Granted, but it must be flattering and—” He stopped at her quick intake of breath.
    “Flattering?” Her usual sultry tone became higher pitched. “You have a lot of nerve,” she ground out, and turned on her heel. But he stopped her with a gentle grip around her arm.
    “Wait, you’re taking this all wrong. I was simply looking out for your best interest.”
    “Really? You weren’t paying much attention to me until Logan showed up. I guess it’s all about the chase, huh? Once a player, always a player, and I’m the only game in this town.”
    “Fine. Think whatever you want of me. I don’t care,” he lied. “But, Jessica, he’s doing his damnedest to try to get you into bed,” he stated bluntly.
    “So?” Jessica recklessly tossed back. “Again, what concern is that of yours?”
    I care about you.
    He wanted to say it, but he had spent so many years avoiding such sentiments that the words died on his lips. As his heart pounded and he felt both anger and confusion, it hit him that this damned drama was another reason he avoided relationships at all costs. “You’re right,” he said tightly. “It’s not my concern.”
    “Exactly.” Her chin came up, but those amber eyes got to him. He felt unwanted emotion stab at his gut, and he longed to pull her into his arms and hold her tightly. “In fact, I owe him a dance.”
    “Fine,” Ty responded curtly. He dropped his hand and stepped back, but when she turned to go once more, his heart overruled his brain and his arm shot out. He pulled her closer.
    “What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded hotly, but the slight quaver in her voice gave her away. He gazed at that perfect mouth that had been driving him crazy for weeks. She wore barely there nude gloss that made her lips appear moist and kissable.
    “Do you have your phone on you?”
    She swallowed and nodded.
    “Give it to me.”
    “Why?” After stepping back, she reached in her pocket and handed it to him. “Do you need to make a call?”
    “No, I’m punching my number in for you,” he replied, and after doing so, he gave it back to her. “If Lannigan gets out of line, just give me a call and I’ll kick his ass.” He cupped her cheek in his hand. “Or anybody else’s, for that matter,” he added gruffly.
    “It’s not your business or your concern. Remember?” There went her chin again, but her voice had turned soft, yielding.
    “I’m making it my concern.” He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her full bottom lip. “Call me if you need me. Okay?” He wanted to kiss her so badly that he ached with need, but when she finally nodded, he dropped his hand.
    “Evidently, Madison has another surprise up her sleeve. I should get back in there.” A heartbeat of silence went by while neither of them moved.
    Kiss her!
He inched closer and her eyes widened a fraction, and he stopped just short of drawing her into his arms. “Okay, but remember what I said,” he reminded, surprised when she nodded instead of giving a short retort back.
    “I will,” she replied softly. And when she turned away, Ty felt such a sense of loss that he almost reached for her again. He shoved his hands in his pockets instead. Hewatched her walk away, but she paused at the door, and when she looked over her shoulder, his damned heart lurched in his chest. “Oh, and, Ty?”
    “Yeah?”
    “That whole caveman thing about kicking somebody’s ass on my behalf?”
    “Yeah?” he asked again, but with uncertainty. She was going to slam him for sure. He swallowed and braced himself.
    “It was hot.”
    Ty’s jaw dropped, and he watched her open the door with a quick
whoosh
. “Well, damn,” he murmured, and then stood there blinking like an idiot. “That was unexpected.” After a moment, he leaned against the