Free Misplaced Princess (Foreign Affairs, Book One) by Lexxie Couper, Mari Carr Page A

passion that could match hers. Annie dragged her nails along Hunter’s chest, desperate to mark him, to scratch this moment permanently into his skin, his memory.
    A flash of lightning pierced the darkness and Annie panicked. The bright light reminded her too much of a camera. It drove her back to the present, to reality, and she stepped away, glancing around. What if someone had seen? Taken a picture? Stolen the most precious moment of her life for their own financial gain?
    “Fuck,” Hunter muttered. His chest rose and fell, his breathing as labored as hers. “I’m so sorry, Annie.”
    Sorry? She was the one who’d had the ridiculous moment of panic. They truly were alone. As soon as she realized that, she regretted her foolishness. She missed his lips, his arms around her.
    Before she could explain, Hunter bent down to pick up their hats, slapping them against his thighs. “I’d never do anything to hurt Dylan. It’s just…”
    Oh God. Dylan. She’d completely forgotten about Hunter’s brother. “Hunter…” She needed to find a way around his feelings of guilt. She hadn’t gotten a sense Dylan’s feelings were any stronger than hers, but what if she’d misread their flirting, thinking it harmless, sexy, while Dylan put more stock into its meaning? What happened if he came home and expected more than she was able to give?
    “We need to head to the homestead. The storm looks like it’s dying, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come back worse. We shouldn’t be out here in the lightning.”
    She nodded, feeling very weary and confused. Her clothes clung to her, suddenly cold and uncomfortable. She needed a hot bath and a long cry.
    * * * * *
     
    When Hunter and Annie arrived at the house, Hazel was on the front porch. The rain had slowed down considerably during their return trip. Hunter stopped near the house and hopped down, helping Annie descend.
    She hadn’t spoken a word since he’d kissed her by the billabong. Guilt lingered, but if given the chance, he’d drag Annie back into his arms again. He couldn’t resist her, the pull growing stronger with each passing day.
    Hazel started to speak, but stopped as her gaze traveled from Annie to him. Hunter’s hands still lingered on Annie’s waist in a far-too-familiar way. He fought to restrain his wince as he released her and took one step away. His mother was far too canny, too clever.
    He rubbed his jaw, his fingers grazing his own lower lip. For the first time he tasted the slight tang of blood and he remembered Annie biting him. She was a wildcat, and he ached to unleash the sexy beast inside her.
    Hazel took Annie’s hand as she climbed the stairs. “You’re soaked to the skin, dear girl. Why don’t you go to your room and take a hot shower, get some dry clothes?”
    Annie accepted Hazel’s hand. “I might lie down too. Not sure when this jetlag will go away once and for all, but I’m sort of tired.”
    Hazel smiled kindly. “A nap should do the trick. Why don’t you rest until dinner?”
    Annie continued to the front door, turning before entering the house. “Thanks for the picnic, Hunter. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”
    He smiled. He’d thought her silence was based on regret. Now he wasn’t so sure. “I’d like that.”
    “So would I.”
    Her words and her face, the direct way she looked him straight in the eye, told him she meant what she was saying.
    She walked into the house.
    He’d forgotten his mother was there until she spoke. “You need to call Dylan.”
    “I know. I will.” Dylan had left a message on the answering machine the night before last, but Hunter hadn’t returned the call, uncertain what to say. He’d considered ringing Dylan at least half a dozen times yesterday, but he and Annie had been having too much fun, so again, he avoided the issue. What would he do if Dylan said he was on his way home…coming back for Annie?
    Hazel wasn’t appeased. “When?”
    “I need to take care of Jamboree