Free Of Love and Deception by Melisa Hamling Page A

junction of her thighs.
    Both fought to catch their breath; Daniella stared into his blue eyes filled with lust.
    “We'd better go,” he said, his voice husky. “But damn, you look amazing.”
    Smiling, she said, “And you look mighty fine yourself, Mr. Canton.”
    He crooked an eyebrow in obvious disapproval over her formal use of his name, grabbed her shoulders and turned her toward the door. “You can address my father that way, but don't do it with me or you'll be sorry, sweetheart.”
    He leaned down and lifted her bag, giving her a big grin as he came back up.
    “I might have to throw it out there a few more times, Mr.—” she chuckled, knowing he'd expected she'd finish his name, “—Canton, just to see what kind of sorry I'd be.”
    She hurried down the steps with Cruz tailing right behind her.
    Once they reached his car, Daniella rushed into the passenger side while Cruz popped the trunk and dropped her bag inside. She locked the door when he approached her side of the beamer, knowing he would inflict some type of torture on her. She held the lock and laughed at him as he held the unlock pad on the key fob. He leaned down and smiled big and wide with his face pressed against the window.
    “Come on, baby, let go of the lock. I just want another kiss, that's all.”
    Daniella's eyes went wide and she shook her head as she continued to laugh at him.
    “You're going to regret this if you don't release the lock.” He pulled his face back, stood and tapped the window.
    The sudden sound of sirens caused Daniella to jump, her heart pounding rapidly. She lurched further when Cruz opened the door and straddled her.
     The brat had set off his own alarm. His fingers dug into her armpits, and she laughed so hard she could hardly plead for mercy. When he finally stopped his torture, he tugged her against his chest and planted one lustful kiss against her lips.
    It wasn't enough. She wanted more, but he lifted her legs and swiveled her back into her seat properly. Daniella stared at him as he climbed over to his seat and set the car in motion, never once glancing her way. She didn’t miss his self-satisfied smirk.
    ~~~
    “I'm so nervous,” Daniella said as Cruz held her hand and led her toward the cabin.
    “No need to be nervous. My parents are harmless. They might ask all kinds of questions, or some silly crap about marriage, but they're harmless.” He squeezed her hand.
    Daniella was about to ask him what he meant when he mentioned his parents and marriage, but Meg came rushing toward them. She went straight for Cruz and gave him a big hug. He returned her hug, dropping Daniella’s hand. Her stomach tightened. Something about the way Meg acted around Cruz irritated her. He was clearly with her, so why did Meg feel she had a right to jump into his arms?
    “Okay, okay. Jeez, Meg. You act like you haven't seen me in years. Now let go or Daniella's going to get the wrong idea.” Cruz pushed Meg off him, grabbed Daniella's hand and stretched it around his waist. In her head, Daniella sniggered at Meg. She smiled and squeezed his side when he threw his arm across her shoulder, pulling her close to him.
    “Oh, oh, oh! Look at you!” A woman came rushing out the back door of the cabin.
    Cruz whispered in Daniella's ear, “That'd be my mother. I hope she doesn't annoy you too much.”
    Daniella hadn't had a chance to respond when she was suddenly plucked away from Cruz and wrapped in his mother's embrace.
    “My gosh, Cruz. She's beautiful.” She turned Daniella around in a circle. “You're perfect. I'm Emma Jean, Cruz's mom.”
    Cruz's mother was eye level with Daniella and she continued to examine her. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Canton.”
    Daniella smiled. She could tell her cheeks were red by the heat they gave off.
    “Emma. Call me Emma.” Cruz's mother reached for Daniella's hand and dragged her into the cabin. “There are six bedrooms. Meg and Falcon share a room, but you and Cruz are not married so