Free OLIVER: WESTERN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Blackwater Canyon Ranch Book 2) by Cindy Stark Page A

take her somewhere seemed much more intimidating than her date tonight.
    He slid a sideways, sexy glance in her direction. “Don’t worry. When the time is right, I’ll surprise you.”
    His look made her tingle all the way to her toes. “What if I need time to get ready?”
    “You won’t. My date will require nothing but you.” He opened the passenger door and then turned toward her. “Are you going to walk me to my door?”
    She held his gaze, waiting for him to laugh and let her know he was joking. He didn’t.
    “Of course. I’m all about women’s lib. Would you like me to help you from the car?”
    He laughed. “No, but I’d like you to wait for me to open your door for you.”
    She shook her head in animated disbelief. When he pulled open her door and held out a hand to her, she released a sigh and slid her palm against his. The friction was delicious.
    They walked side by side to the quaint porch, and he twisted the doorknob, opening the door.
    “You don’t lock it?” He lived in a remote area where anyone could walk in and take everything without being noticed.
    He snorted. “Add minimal crimes to the list of perks of living in a small town.”
    “I won’t argue that one.”
    He glanced toward the ground and then met her gaze. The serious look in his eyes turned everything awkward. “Thanks again, Daisy. I will admit I’ve never had as much fun in a bigger city as I had with you tonight.”
    Her heart warmed. “That’s very nice of you to say.”
    He nodded his appreciation. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
    She gave a soft laugh. “You will, unless you don’t come to work.”
    “Oh, I’ll be there. Hug goodnight?” Without warning, he opened his arms and pulled her close to him.
    She stumbled slightly and wrapped her arms around him to steady herself and return the hug. He squeezed her tightly, compressing her breasts against him, and she wondered if he realized his strength.
    “I’m glad you had fun,” she said when he loosened his hold.
    “I did.” He didn’t completely release her, forcing her to look up to see if she could decipher his intentions. When she met his gaze, his eyes were in shadow. “No kiss goodnight?”
    He said it jokingly, and she wanted to laugh and say no, but the thought of tasting the lips that had tempted her all night was too much to resist. She stared at him for a long moment and then stood on tiptoe to press her lips to his mouth.
    His kiss swept away every sane thought in her brain. She’d only meant to give him a peck, but every sexy, tension-filled moment they’d shared that evening begged for release.
    When she didn’t immediately move away, energy in the atmosphere around them intensified. He tightened his hold on her, no longer giving her the option of a quick kiss. He released a hungry moan as he slipped his hand into her hair and deepened their kiss.
    She understood his desire. Whatever had smoldered between them all night burst into a heated exchange that she couldn’t control. His mouth seared hers, stirring embers until they blazed.
    “Oliver,” she whispered when she found herself at a tempestuous moment. If they didn’t stop now, she might not be able to.
    He pulled away, leaving both of them breathless. He held her gaze for a long moment as though something unexpectedly powerful had caught him, too. She could do nothing but return his stare.
    “Sorry,” he finally said. “I’m not sure where that came from.”
    “Right.” She nodded, bringing her fingertips to her lips. “I should go.”
    How did his kiss make her feel things none of the other men had? She and Oliver didn’t even like each other all that much. Dislike described their relationship for the most part…until tonight, and she had no idea what to do with her unexpected feelings.
    “Goodnight.” She turned without waiting for his response and hurried to her car. Once inside, she looked at him through the windshield as she started the engine.
    He remained standing on