Read Online Texas-Sized Temptation by Sara Orwig - Free Book Online Page A

in a breathless voice. She was flirting when she knew better. Leave Jake Benton alone, she’d ordered herself, yet she couldn’t resist the retort and it had an effect as his chest expanded.
    â€œTry me and see what it gets you,” he said.
    â€œMaybe I’ll do that, Jake.” She sipped her juice and lowered the glass. “I think we should get back on a less personal, less flirty basis. I wish I could view life that way. Even though I had a very comfortable life growing up and haveGrandmother’s fortune now, I can’t be as relaxed about money as you are.”
    â€œYou have a normal attitude. Besides, when the dust settles, I expect my father to change his mind. But if he doesn’t, I’ll stick by what I’ve said.”
    â€œI think, Jake Benton, you are an unusual man.”
    He reached out to tilt her face up to his. “And you, Caitlin, are a beautiful woman. Go to dinner with me tonight. We can fly to Dallas.”
    â€œWon’t that take a lot of time?” she asked while her heart raced. Dinner with Jake. Foolish, yet it might help win her the ranch.
    â€œI have a plane here. We’ll be there in no time. I’ll pick you up at a quarter to six.”
    â€œA Benton asking out a Santerre. You wouldn’t have done that twenty-four hours ago.”
    â€œLife changes. I can adapt. So can you.”
    â€œWho’s the woman in your life right now and what is she doing while you’re at the ranch? Will your taking me to dinner interfere in your relationship with her?”
    â€œThere is no woman in my life right now. Not one here or in Dallas. I’d think that detective you hired would have told you that item.”
    â€œActually, he did. I just wanted you to confirm it because he could have missed something. That makes me feel better about going out with you.”
    â€œI’ll look forward to it.” His hand slipped behind her head and he moved closer to brush her lips with a light kiss. “Good morning, by the way.”
    â€œGood morn—” His mouth covered hers and ended her sentence. Her heart slammed against her ribs. His kiss was slow, hot, igniting desire instantly. While her heart drummed, she relished kissing him. Negatives with Jake ceased to exist.The only awareness was Jake and sensations he caused. With an effort to grasp safety, she finally ended the kiss.
    â€œHow did we get on this footing so swiftly?” she asked, catching her breath. “This time yesterday, I didn’t even know you except on sight. And you didn’t know me when you saw me. Now we’re kissing.”
    â€œIt happens. Sometimes even faster. The chemistry is there. You feel it, too.” He moved away to get the coffeepot and returned to refill their cups. When he sat down, he sipped his juice. “I’ll take you home this morning. I’ve already called the stable to get your horse ready and we’ll put him in a trailer.”
    â€œGreat. I’ll be happy to avoid the long ride home. While you’re at the house, I want you to meet Cecilia, Kirby and Altheda. I’ll call and let them know you’re coming.”
    â€œThat isn’t necessary,” he said.
    â€œI know. I really want you to meet them.”
    She ate her breakfast, but her appetite had diminished. The more she was with him, the less likely she thought he would part with his newly acquired property, yet the thought of Jake coming in and tearing down the beloved house turned her to ice. She wasn’t going to dwell on that until he gave her an answer about a sale.
    â€œStop worrying, Caitlin,” he said lightly.
    â€œDoes it show that much?” she asked, thinking it was sinful for a man to have such thick lashes and such blue eyes.
    â€œYes, and at this point, it’s unnecessary. I haven’t made a decision and I want to talk to my brother, Gabe, and our geologist.”
    â€œAfter breakfast, I’ll call