Free Tempting Mr. Wrong (Wrong Man) by Kerri Carpenter Page B

back up at his face. After a few moments of consideration, she put her hand in his and let him pull her to her feet.
    For a long moment he simply stood there, engulfing her tiny hand in his larger one. Her skin was so soft, like a delicate silk. Then, without thinking if it was the right thing to do, he folded her into a hug, a hug that lasted longer than necessary. He’d meant to comfort, like an older brother would, only he began to run his hands down her back in a very non-sibling-like manner. There was nothing sisterly about Carly.
    Sisterly, brotherly: that led to thoughts of Chris. This is wrong. This is wrong. Then why did it feel so right?
    Sighing, her hands traveled to his stomach, and she turned her face into his chest. He groaned quietly, barely a rumble in his chest, and tipped her face up to his. Lust, hot and wild, swirled in her eyes, eyes that had changed from that bright emerald hue to a cloudy, stormy green.
    Lance didn’t need more of a signal than that. Without second-guessing, he took her mouth, slowly, gently. Almost instantly upon touching his lips to hers, he felt a shock to his system. He could taste the wine on her lips, fruity and appealing. Her flowery scent wrapped itself around him, enticing him to get closer. Wanting more, he tilted his head so he could go in deeper. She pressed herself against him, and he wrapped his arms around her tightly. He let out a groan. It was possessive and raw. He moved his lips over hers, enjoying everything about the way she kissed. He nipped at her bottom lip and felt her fingers clench his shirt as she stood on tiptoes to get even closer. When her lips parted, his tongue took advantage of the moment by forging ahead and mingling with hers.
    Carly let out a sweet little sound and unexpectedly the kiss took a turn for the steamy. Their hands went everywhere as they used their lips, their tongues, their teeth, everything together in one hot ride. As suddenly as the kiss began, it came to an end when more banging emanated from the kitchen. Pulling back, he held his breath, not wanting to see the regret that would surely register on her face. Instead, she surprised him. Her eyes held a lusty haze, and her ample chest was rising and falling rapidly. Her lips were swollen, and a small smile spread across her face.
    Damn, she’d enjoyed that as much as he had.
    “I’m, uh, glad you did that,” she whispered.
    “There are so many more things I’d like to do to you,” he whispered right back then immediately admonished himself. What in the hell was he doing? This was Carly, his best friend’s little sister. He wasn’t supposed to be kissing her.
    He needed to say something fast. But his mouth was dry and he couldn’t think of any words that would be appropriate and not hurt Carly’s feelings. Luckily, the sound of the back door opening broke the spell.
    “It’s been hours. Are you happy again yet? Is it time for ice cream sandwiches?” Mya screamed.
    Lance coughed to cover up the sigh of relief.
    “We’ll be right in, sweetie,” Carly called out, her voice breathy.
    Pushing away, Carly offered him the biggest look of longing he’d ever seen. “Life with a four-year-old. I’m sorry.”
    He took a deep breath. “No, Carly, I’m sorry.”
    “Sorry? For what?”
    He stepped back, putting distance between them. “For kissing you. I shouldn’t have done that. It was wrong.” Damn, he shouldn’t have kissed her. He was an ass. Talk about mixed signals.
    When she stepped toward him, he quickly put his hands up between them and stopped her. “Carly, you’re Chris’s sister.”
    Her brows furrowed. “You’re kidding me. I knew you were into that kiss. But it’s Chris…”
    “He was my best friend. I would do anything for him.”
    “Except his sister apparently.” She met his eyes. “Sorry, really inappropriate joke.”
    In spite of everything, he let out a half laugh. “I am sorry, Carly.”
    “Sorry for kissing me or sorry for liking it?”