Read Online The Fairest of Them All by Leanne Banks - Free Book Online Page B

relying on Carly for camouflage this summer. The Ladies Auxiliary is after him.”
    Garth frowned. “Is that what he said?”
    “Hell, yes,” Troy answered. “He knows we wouldn’t let him near Carly.”
    “Don’t stay out long, Carly,” Daniel reminded her.
    Carly reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “Same to you. Good night.” She gave a quick peck to her other brothers and tried to ignore the thoughtful expression on Garth’s face.
    After closing the door behind them, she walked back in the room and sank into a chair. It was just one more reason why an affair with Russ would never work. Her brothers were worse than the FBI. They’d find out and send her to a convent. Russ’s fate would be easier. They’d just shoot him.
    Her elbows planted on the table, Carly rested her head on her hands and closed her eyes. Lord help her, what was she going to do? At the same time that she’d avoided Russ, she’d missed him. What a mess. She could use a fairy godmother right now, she thought. Or at least a friend.
    As if her secret wish had been granted, she heard a familiar low voice. “Rough week, lady?”
    Four cups of coffee injected into her veins couldn’t have had a more pronounced effect on her system. Carly jerked upright, wondering if she was having delusions.
    There he stood, leaning against the dark wooden wall. He came complete with black T-shirt and tight, worn jeans that celebrated maleness in a way that Chippendales dancers could only wish for. His mouth turned up in a thigh-melting smile while his caramel eyes glinted with gentle humor.
    Her heart beat an unsteady rhythm against her chest. When he pushed away from the wall and strolled toward her, Carly scrambled to her feet.
    “I, uh, I didn’t know you were coming tonight.” Carly bit her clumsy tongue.
    “I left a message with Sara. As a matter of fact, I left five messages with Sara.”
    Carly winced. “I've been really busy this week, between hiring new waitstaff and getting ready for those travel agents.” She swallowed and stood. “Can I get you something to drink?”
    “Hold on.” Russ caught her arm. His eyebrows furrowed as he studied her face. “Carly, you’re trembling! What’s wrong?”
    “I told you,” she insisted with a wavery voice. “I’m busy.” She hated this out-of-control feeling she had. “Then tell me what I can do to help.”
    She took a deep, calming breath. “For starters, you can let go of my arm.”
    She saw surprise, a flash of hurt. Then his face closed up. He dropped her arm. “Okay.”
    He shoved his hands into his pockets and watched her. “You want to tell me what’s going on?”
    Carly ran a hand through her hair. She was so upset, she felt like crying, but there was no logical reason for it. “I don’t know how to act around you anymore, Russ. This stuff between us has happened so quickly. One day we’re friends; the next I’m practically making love to you on top of your pickup truck.” She lifted her hands in confusion.
    Russ’s gaze was gentle and understanding. He stepped forward and reached out his hand. “I told you, you name the—”
    Carly backed away, stumbling over her chair. It turned over and fell to the floor with a loud bang. Russ stared at her as if she’d lost her mind.
    Carly was pretty sure that’s exactly what she’d done.

Five
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    “I’m not gonna jump you,” Russ finally said.
    “I know,” Carly retorted. She jerked the chair up and scooted it under the table. Feeling uncomfortable, she crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not sure about all this. I think it might be better—if you didn’t ...” Her voice faltered when she saw the intent expression in his eyes.
    “If I didn’t what?”
    “Touch me.” Carly let out a frustrated sigh. She knew she was overreacting, and she felt like an idiot. But when Russ touched her, she could practically smell the smoke. And the fire came from inside her.
    “Why?”
    She should have known he would ask why.