Rider's Kiss (13 page)

The smile died. “I expected better out of you. Now you’re not just coming after me, you’re driving away my customers. I cannot allow you to do that.
Cannot.
”

He suffered a twinge of guilt. It was a knock to the back of his head about having to put his business first. Why couldn’t they be residential neighbors arguing about whether the flourishing papaya tree sat on his property line or hers? Or two people at a supermarket, each reaching for the same ripe pineapple? Or just plain, simple fuck buddies?

No—they had to be restaurant owners competing for customers. Each trying to stay afloat in a rough economy where people held their money close to their chests. The chefs’ cuisines couldn’t be any more opposite, but he’d seen for himself that his customers ventured toward her place on occasion, where she offered simple, everyday comfort food. On the rare occasion, one of hers moseyed over to see how the other half lived, which was a good thing. He didn’t care how he got his business, so long as he got it.

“Come with me,” he said. Enough of dealing with this situation where they made themselves a spectacle. When talking—arguing—with Ginger, they needed a much more intimate space for their wheeling and dealing.

A loud exhalation hissed out of her, but Lee didn’t wait to find out if she’d follow. She would.

He knew better but would have loved to turn and ask her to lead the way. To give him the opportunity to watch the curve of her ass beneath black slacks that hugged it just this side of decent. If she’d donned stilettos instead of clogs and a silk wrap instead of a cotton T-shirt with those same clinging pants, she’d have been ready for an evening of fine wine, exceptional food and sultry music. Better yet, replace the slacks with a skirt barely touching the tops of her knees…convince the staff to clear out three hours early…turn the lights down low…and he’d have her over that table in no time. Not just a simple fuck, but pure seduction, starting with trailing his tongue down the curve of her spine. Skimming the surface of her skin with his fingertips. Finding the spots that made her smile. The ones that made her sigh. Or moan.

“Are you even listening?”

Pulled out of his too-vivid thoughts, pushing aside the imagined taste of her, Lee glanced over his shoulder. “What?”

Ginger rolled her eyes. “I said I didn’t come over here for this. Don’t have time for it. I just want you to stop harassing my customers, or I will have to do what’s necessary.”

Lee pulled open the door, stepped back and waited for her to enter before him. She’d always viewed his chivalry with a suspicious glance, but for once, she entered without a sidelong look directed at him. Besides the restrooms, this was the only room in the restaurant with a door. Oh, the things he could do with her now if she’d only let him. “And exactly what would that be? Although on second thought, I doubt there’s much you can do. My customers do not dare cross your threshold for fear of typhoid, ebola and other such contractibles.”

Amusement shone in her eyes before they narrowed, a new fire shimmering forth. Despite what came out of her mouth next, she’d kind of liked his barb. Not that she’d admit it aloud. But he knew, and these moments, when a smile skated microseconds from curving those sensuous lips, kept his wit and tongue sharp.

“Last chance,” Ginger said. “You do not want to be on my bad side.”

“
Darlin’
,” Lee said, pausing mid-step to lean his mouth closer to her ear. “Are you sure about that?”

Rider’s Kiss

Anne Rainey

Nerdy girls can be sexy. All it takes is the right mix of sugar and spice…

In high school, Victoria was every guy’s buddy. And ever since, she’s been stuck in the friend zone. Sex appeal? She doesn’t have enough of that to fill her smallest measuring spoon. Thankfully, her catering business keeps her too busy to think about her personal life—or lack thereof.
 

When her old high school crush strolls back into town, heating up feelings she thought she’d shoved to the back of her emotional freezer, she feels compelled to take up her best friend’s offer to do a makeover. Maybe it’s time she play the siren, not the sidekick.

Back in Summit Green to open a new branch of his auto repair service, Rider James barely recognizes the alluring brunette as the clumsy, introverted girl from high school. He always liked her, but back then she was too innocent to mess with. Now she’s all grown up…and turning him on.

Yet Victoria can’t help wondering if Rider will ever look past the sinful pout and stiletto heels—and love the vulnerable woman who still hides beneath.

Warning: Features a slightly nerdy caterer, a man determined to do more than kiss the cook, a generous portion of steaming-hot sex, and a dash of bondage.
 

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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

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Rider’s Kiss

Copyright © 2014 by Anne Rainey

ISBN: 978-1-61922-287-8

Edited by Linda Ingmanson

Cover by Angela Waters

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First
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
electronic publication: May 2014

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