Free Jinxed by Inez Kelley

different from his business persona that she shook her head in amazement. He was a man of many faces and she found him fascinating. It was impossible for her to stay angry at him. In such a short time, he had become very prominent in her life. He delighted in teasing her so she volleyed the teasing back to him.
    “You know, I already had a date for McGee’s Christmas Party. I go with Steve every year.”
    He moved the chair so she was directly in front of him. ”Is there something between you and your boss?”
    “McGee?” She deliberately misunderstood, relishing his deep frown of frustration. Teasing him was fun. When his incredibly expressive brows met in a scowl, she fought a laugh.
    “No, McAlly. You two seemed very, uh, friendly.”
    “We are friends. We’ve known each other since college.”
    “Did you date or something?”
    Frannie couldn’t catch the laugh that exploded from her lips. Composing herself, she smiled impishly at him. “The last three relationships Steve had were with people named James, Antonio and Richard.”
    “He’s gay?” The relieved expression on Jinx’s face was almost comical.
    “I don’t know. I never asked. It’s none of my business.”
    “Well, whatever floats his boat. I’m just glad I don’t have to compete for your affection.” Standing, he tilted her face up toward his. “So, now that I have your undivided attention, what do you want to do tonight?”
    The thick ebony fringe of lashes framing his deep black eyes captivated her. Strong fingers traced a line up her jaw to her ear. The world slipped away until it was just she and Jinx, alone. How does he do that? Muddle my mind with just a look or a touch? Clearing her throat, she fought to regain her hold on reality.
    “Nothing. I just want to stay home and do nothing.”
    “Nothing works for me. As long as I’m with you, nothing sounds just perfect.” He leaned in and brushed a soft kiss across her lips. Like a spring bubbling from a mountain well, pleasure coursed through her at his simple touch. It might have been disappointment that made her stomach sink when he pulled back after the brief kiss, or maybe it was sorrow. She chose to believe it was the bagel she had for breakfast.
    She wiped a bit of lipstick from his lip, smoothed the shoulders of his suit jacket and stroked his tie. Damn, he looked good. Of course, men like him could make anything look good. “I’ve never seen you in business clothes. This looks good on you.”
    “Thank you.” Cocking his head, Jinx stared at her a minute before speaking. “You seem different. Less combative. That was actually a very nice compliment. What happened?”
    Lip caught between her teeth, Frannie looked deep into his eyes and didn’t even try to be flippant. This was too important. Recalling Tracey’s words about love and sex, she decided Jinx deserved her honesty. She still expected him to wake up one day and realize he was wrong about her, but at least she would have a clear conscious.
    “I told you I’d try and just let things happen, see what develops between us. I’m trying to let that happen. I still think you’re crazy but I’m not fighting it anymore.”
    Jinx lowered his eyelids and sighed before hugging her to his chest. Breakthrough! One brick down, half a million to go. He had no idea he’d been holding his figurative breath until Frannie acted on her promise to give them a chance. He wouldn’t mess this up. Fate had given him another chance, and he was going to make it work. If anyone understood how things could slip away in an instant, it was him. He wasn’t going to let it happen again. He inhaled deeply, and the scent of coffee mingled with her pear shampoo. To him it smelled like hope. Hope and Frannie were all he needed.
     
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    Gritty-eyed with exhaustion, Frannie pulled her compact car into the drive and noted Jinx’s SUV at the curb. Navigating the salt-crusted stairs in her heels took concentration but she couldn’t fight the