Read Online Slow Ride by Kat Morrisey - Free Book Online Page A

the keys and played some more, feeling more at home than she had
     in a long time.
    • • •
    On her third visit to the store as she flipped through a box of old records, someone
     approached her from behind, stopping so close she could feel the heat. She whirled
     around, her hands up in front of her, and started to push at whoever intruded into
     her space, only to look up into Cooper’s blue eyes.
    “Hey there, Ms. O’Grady.” He didn’t attempt to move. “What do you think of the place?”
    Kyla blinked. “The place?” She furrowed her brows. “Oh, here. I like it. It certainly
     has character. The fashion sense is a bit scattered though. I mean, a poster of the
     Cure next to New Kids on the Block? I think that might be against the law.”
    He chuckled. “Yeah? I’ll get right on fixing the interior decorations of this place
     when I have a free minute. How’s that?”
    She shrugged. “Fine, but the punk gods might rain down some serious hellfire if you
     don’t fix that, and soon.” She liked teasing him and found it came easy.
    Cooper shifted and pressed forward, forcing Kyla to press her back into the table
     behind her. “Find anything you’re interested in while in the shop?”
    Her gaze dropped to his mouth and then lifted back to his eyes. Her tongue darted
     out and licked her lips. It was mostly an unconscious move on her part, but the effect
     was a low growl from Cooper. “I don’t know. Maybe. I’m sort of a try-before-you-buy
     girl.”
    Cooper blinked slow and then smiled, his white teeth flashing. “I doubt that, honey.
     You look exactly the opposite of the kind of girl who takes it for a test drive before
     knowing what she wants. I’d say you’re a careful consideration sort of woman.” His
     head dipped, his mouth at her ear. “‘Course we could try the test drive thing. Sometimes
     it’s nice to switch things up.”
    “We need to talk about my car.” Kyla whispered, trying to stay focused and not think
     about kissing the man whose lips were so close to her skin.
    “You’re right we do. I tallied the labor and parts cost. It’s going to cost a mint
     to get her fixed and take time for the parts to come in. But I’ve been thinking, since
     you’re here in town, maybe you can work off some of the cost?”
    Kyla felt her eyes widen and she pushed at Cooper’s chest. “Are you kidding me? I
     cannot believe you would think I am that kind of girl!” Her voice was rising, along
     with her temper.
    Cooper grinned, shaking his head. “I like seeing you all riled up. Who knew there
     was a temper lurking inside there?” Kyla scowled but Cooper kept right on speaking.
     “Seriously, Kyla, what kind of guy do you think I am? I meant working at my shop,
     not sex. I need to hire someone in the front office and you need your car fixed. I
     figured it’s a win-win situation.”
    “Mr. Moretto! I need to go before I’m late getting home. Can you cash me out?” came
     a voice from somewhere near the front.
    Cooper touched Kyla’s hand, his fingers brushing over her palm. “Just think about
     it and get back to me in the next day or so, all right? Otherwise, I’m going to need
     a down payment to get these parts ordered and on their way.”
    Before Kyla could answer, Cooper was gone. Literally one second he was there, the
     next Kyla was watching his backside as he sauntered over to the counter. She missed
     his heat instantly, but she took the time to get her breathing under control. After
     that, he was moderately busy at the counter as kids gathered their things and headed
     out for the day. Kyla slipped out the door, seemingly unnoticed, and headed home for
     a cold shower. And a nap, though she knew it wouldn’t be a good one unless Cooper
     was starring in her dreams.
    • • •
    Kyla watched the crowd of people in the motel’s pool area celebrating the opening
     of the pool. It was decorated like a tropical paradise, with cardboard hula dancers,
     bright