Free A Match Made In Texas by Anne Marie Novark

her hands fisted against Austin's chest. His assault on her mouth left her feeling weak. A liquid fire simmered in the pit of her stomach. The kiss was all consuming, leaving little doubt what he wanted from her. His tongue mated with hers, plunging in again and again.
     
    Theresa twined her arms around the strong neck, wiggling to get closer. Her breasts ached for contact. The bulky layers of clothing stood in the way, hampering, restricting. She felt Austin grasp her bottom and haul her to him, grinding his body intimately to hers.
     
    "See what you do to me." He nipped her under lip, before drawing it into his mouth. "You make me crazy with wanting you. You make me forget . . ." He stopped when Kelsey's voice called from down the path.
     
    "Dad!"
     
    Austin immediately released Theresa. "This is what happens when you manage to get me alone," he growled fiercely under his breath. "Get something into that pretty little head of yours--I don't want to forget my wife. Nothing you can do will make me forget her."
     
    He turned away from her and walked quickly to meet Kelsey. He grabbed his daughter's hand and practically dragged her away. They disappeared beneath the trees.
     
    Theresa followed more slowly, trying to get hold over her wayward emotions. It astonished her how fast things always ignited between the two of them. When she was in his arms, Austin wasn't thinking about his wife. And that made him mad. At himself, at the world, at her.
     
    It was a difficult problem. Could it ever be resolved? Could Austin ever let go of Deborah and make room in his heart for her ?
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
    A week later, Theresa's biggest problem was trying to make it home without fainting. Out for her Saturday morning run, she stepped on a pebble and twisted her ankle. Every time she put weight on her foot, thousands of hot tiny needles shot up her calf. The pain left her gasping as she slowly hobbled the rest of the way to her house.
     
    She had only gone half way around the hundred-acre "block", when she wrenched her foot. Usually, the challenge of running the perimeter of the large field beckoned to her. She enjoyed setting a brisk pace and keeping rhythm with her strides. Today, the distance seemed daunting and overwhelming.
     
    Luckily, Theresa was on the solid pavement of the farm road instead of the dirt road that bordered the east side of the field. Maybe some kind soul would offer her a lift home. That was, if anyone decided to venture into town at seven o'clock on a Saturday morning. Few cars or trucks passed by even on her daily runs.
     
    After fifteen minutes of excruciating pain, Theresa's prayers were finally answered. The low roar of an engine could be heard coming down the road. She had a moment's anxiety about accepting a ride from a stranger. But this was Salt Fork, not Houston. There weren't many strangers in the small town. She'd met with nothing but kindness and hospitality since she'd moved here. Except from Austin McCade. But she didn't want to think about him right now.
     
    Limping along a few more steps, Theresa finally gave it up and waited as the blue pickup slowed down. Theresa's breath hitched in her throat when she recognized the scowling man behind the steering wheel. Why did it have to be Austin? She looked toward the heavens and wondered if God was having a little fun at her expense.
     
    She continued limping toward home. She didn't have to accept the ride. Austin probably wouldn't stop when he realized who it was. He didn't want anything to do with her.
     
    The truck followed her for a few minutes, then Austin pulled up even with her and rolled down the window.
     
    "Get in the truck, Theresa."
     
    "No." She kept on walking. Wincing with every step, yet walking just the same.
     
    Austin kept the truck inching along beside her. "You are the most exasperating woman I've ever met. Now get in the truck!"
     
    Theresa stopped and faced him. "I wouldn't accept a ride from you if you were