Free The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber Page A

hair.
    â€œRuss,” she panted, lifting her head. “I…I think we should stop now.”
    â€œIn a minute.” Grasping her by the waist, he dragged her against him and groaned.
    Taylor did, too.
    He was so hard. She was so soft.
    Man to woman.
    Cowboy to Lady.
    They fit together so perfectly.
    Drawing in deep, shuddering breaths, Russ buried his face in the curve of her neck. It took him several seconds to regain control of himself.
    It took Taylor even longer.
    He raised his head and smoothed the hair from her face. “I’ve changed my mind,” he murmured. “I will take that coffee, after all.”
    Grateful for something to occupy herself, Taylor moved to the counter where she kept her coffeemaker. While waiting for the aromatic coffee to drip through, she got two mugs and placed them on a tray. She was so absorbed in her task that when she turned around she nearly collided with Russ.
    He took the tray from her hands and carried it into the living room. “I think it’s time we cleared the air,” he said, setting their mugs on the oak coffee table.
    â€œIn what way?” Taylor asked, perching on the edge of the sofa cushion.
    â€œAbove all else, we’ve got to be honest with each other.”
    â€œRight.”
    Taylor sipped from her mug, the scalding coffee too hot to savor or appreciate.
    â€œAre you wearing a bra?” he asked unexpectedly.
    â€œWhat?” She jerked forward, setting her cup back on the tray to avoid spilling hot coffee down her front. It sloshed over the edges of the mug.
    Taylor’s mouth gaped as she glared at him. “Is that the kind of honesty you’re interested in?” Unable to sit still, she got up and started pacing, so furious she was tempted to throw him out of her home.
    â€œI’m sorry. Forget I asked. I was holding you and it felt as if you weren’t and the question just…slipped out. You’re right—that was a stupid question.”
    He lowered his eyes, and Taylor noted that his ears were red. As red as Harry Donovan’s had been when he’d asked her to dance. Russ Palmer embarrassed? The very thought was inconceivable.
    Stepping around the low table, Taylor sat back down and reached for her coffee. “As a matter of fact, no.”
    Russ closed his eyes as though in pain. “You shouldn’t have told me.” He took a gulp of coffee, then stood abruptly. “Maybe it’d be best if I left now.”
    â€œI thought you wanted to talk. I refuse to answer personal questions like the last one, but I think you’re right about us being honest with each other.”
    Now it was Russ’s turn to do the pacing. He stood and stalked across her living room carpet and then back again as if he intended to wear a pattern in it.
    â€œRuss?”
    He rammed his fingers through his hair and turned to face her. “If you want honesty, I’ll give it to you, Taylor, but I’ll guarantee you aren’t going to like what I have to say.”
    She wasn’t sure she was up to this. But, on the other hand, she didn’t want him to leave, either. “Just say it.”
    â€œAll right,” he said sharply. “Right now, I want you so damn much I can’t even think straight.” He raked one hand down his face. “Does that shock you?”
    â€œNo,” she cried softly.
    â€œWell, it should.”
    Holding the mug so tightly that it burned her palms, Taylor gathered her courage. “Earlier I objected when you called me your lady. The lady part wasn’t what offended me. It might be an old-fashioned term, but I am a lady. And I’ll always be a lady.”
    Russ frowned. “I know that, Taylor. No one can look at you and not realize the kind of woman you are.”
    â€œI have no intention of falling into bed with you, Russ. I wish I understood why we’re so attracted to each other, but I don’t. I do know we’re playing