Free Tease Me by Donna Kauffman Page B

some way be related to her helping her aunt and their Sunset Shores friends. Maybe
     she’d been trying to do the same thing he was: find out who the guy was and make sure
     her friends and aunt weren’t involved in anything that could hurt them. If the guy
     was into something “shady,” as Lillian had put it, then Lainey would be wise to stay
     clear of him.
    “A refreshing attitude,” she said lightly. “And one that would have suited you well
     around here.”
    “ ‘Would have’?”
    “If you were going to stay. You said you were only temporary.”
    That he had. He studied her openly. Just who are you, Lainey Cooper, and why can’t
     I get you out of my head? he wanted to shout.
    According to Minerva, she was someone who had no patience and who made hasty decisions.
     That may all be true, Tucker decided, but the Lainey Cooper in front of him also had
     inner strength, a keen intellect, and a big, kind heart. He thought the combination
     was rather delightful, foibles and all. Hasty decisions weren’t all bad, not when
     the motivating factor was care and concern for others. And impatience could be a good
     foundation in motivating a person to get things done.
    He avoided answering her comment about his temporary status and returned to his previous
     point. “I assume that there are others who do think it’s odd?”
    “Oh, I could give you a list, beginning with my former mother-in-law.”
    He was pleased to see that her expression remained open. He didn’t want to shutter
     the life out of those wonderful eyes by probing too far, too soon. “I thought we already
     determined that your ex-mother-in-law was a poor judge of character.”
    “Boy, I could have used a guy like you back in Philly.” Her eyes lit up with humor
     and something else. Something … wistful. Something … needy.
    Something inside Tucker shifted, making his heart suddenly feel warmer, heavier, fuller.
     He realized he’d like nothing better than to come to her rescue. The idea of being
     needed by Lainey Cooper was a heady thing. He’d spent a good chunk of his life being
     a protector, butit had been pride and integrity in a job well done that had driven him to excel. This
     feeling, this urge she created inside him … it was baser, more primal. Personal. Possessive.
     Necessary in a way that had nothing whatsoever to do with job performance.
    “Anytime, anywhere,” he heard himself say, the words quiet yet unshakable. He was
     deeply gratified by the way her pupils shot wide and color rose to her cheeks.
    “Beware of offers made in haste,” she warned, but her wry tone was undercut with a
     huskiness that sizzled a path straight to his heart. Something of his feelings must
     have shown in his expression, because the humor faded from her eyes, leaving only
     wariness and maybe a hint of wistful need.
    “I won’t ever regret this one,” he said softly.
    She started to turn away, but something in her eyes, some flicker of vulnerability
     that pained him even more for being the cause of it, had him reaching out and touching
     her chin. He gently turned her face back to his, waiting for her to raise her gaze
     to his. Patience.
Yes
, he thought as he willingly lost himself in her green-gold eyes,
I have all the time in the world for you
,
Madelaine Cooper
.
    “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said softly. “And it wasn’t a line.
     I know we just met, but I meant what I said, Lainey.” His gaze dropped to her lips
     and it was all he could do not to lower his mouth and let his kiss explain what he
     could not. He dragged his gaze back to hers. “If there is anything I can ever do,
     all you have to do is ask.”
    She searched his eyes. He didn’t blame her for being wary, for looking for reassurance.
     Her lips parted, but shesaid nothing. Tucker drew closer, moved his head a fraction of an inch closer, then
     stopped.
Don’t push
, he schooled himself.
Don’t rush
. Hasty decisions.