Free Safe in the Tycoon's Arms (Harlequin Romance) by Jennifer Faye

Coast.” He didn’t bother to add that they’d hit one expensive stumbling block after the other with this project. In comparison to what Kate was facing, his problems paled considerably. “If I think of something that might work, I’ll let you know.”
    “Thanks. And my offer is still open to make those phone calls. I have some contacts in New York who can hook me up with a reliable crew.”
    The depth of her kindness struck a chord with him. “You’d really do that with everything you have going on?”
    “Of course I would. You let me stay at your house for almost a week, rent-free...even if you didn’t know it. I owe you so much.”
    He grew uncomfortable when people started thanking him. He wasn’t someone special—definitely not a selfless person like Kate appeared to be. He was a workaholic, who’d lost focus on his priorities and wound up with a house of memories and a business in jeopardy because he’d pushed too hard, too fast to gain the expansion into San Francisco.
    “You don’t owe me a thing. All I did was let you stay in a leaky bedroom. Not very gallant of me.”
    She sniffled. “You could have had me thrown in jail. Most other people who find a stranger in their house would call the police first and ask questions later.”
    Lucas slowed the car as they neared the hospital. Once he maneuvered into a spot in front of the main sliding glass doors, he shifted into Park and turned to her. “Listen, you shouldn’t put me up on a pedestal. You barely know a thing about me. Trust me, I have an ex-wife who would vouch for the fact that I’m no saint.”
    “You’re far too modest—”
    “Don’t let a little kindness fool you. I’m a Carrington. We don’t have hearts—instead, there’s a rough diamond in its place.” His fist beat lightly on his chest. “Harder and colder than any rock you’ll ever find.”
    “I don’t believe you.”
    “It’s true. My grandfather told me. I was too young to truly understand what he meant, but now I do—”
    “You definitely have a heart or you wouldn’t have been so kind to me.”
    “And you’re too sweet for your own good.”
    The way she stared at him with such assuredness made him want to be that man for her. The kind that was giving and thoughtful instead of focused and driven. For a moment, he was drawn into her dream—drawn to her.
    When she lowered her face, he placed a finger beneath her chin. He wasn’t willing to lose the connection just yet. Her eyes glinted with... Was it longing? His body tensed at the thought. How could this slip of a woman—a near-stranger—have such an effect on him? And why did he have this overwhelming urge to pull her close and kiss her?
    Without thinking of the consequences, he leaned forward. His lips sought hers out. They were soft and smooth. A whispered voice in the back of his mind said he should not be doing this. Not with Kate. Not with anyone.
    But when her mouth moved beneath his, logic escaped him. It’d been so long since he felt this alive—this invigorated.
    He went to pull her closer, but the seat restraint kept them separated except for his lips moving hungrily over hers. His hand reached out, cupping her face. His thumb stroked her cheek, enjoying her silky, smooth skin. All he could think was that he wanted more—more of her kiss...more of this connection.
    A bright flash broke the spell. Lucas pulled back, struggling to catch his breath. His gaze moved to the window. Immediately he spotted a photographer smirking at him. Lucas surmised from past experience that the guy would take the picture and fabricate an eyebrow-raising headline to fit it.
    “Wait here. I’ll be back.” Lucas jumped out of the car and started after the photographer. “Hey, you! Stop!”
    The reporter had too much of a head start and slipped into a waiting vehicle. Lucas kicked at a pebble on the side of the road and swore.
    What had he gotten himself into this time? Of all the foolish things to do. He’d been