Free See Jane Love by DEBBY CONRAD Page A

need to think.” She lowered her head in her hands and waited for her breathing to slow down. “I can’t do this. I know you probably think I’m crazy. Or that I’m some kind of tease.”
    He didn’t answer. Not that she expected him to. She knew what he must be thinking. That she should probably be committed. One minute she was begging him to take her, and the next she was pushing him away. She barely understood it herself. The only thing she knew for sure, was that she couldn’t possibly sleep with him. When she’d first thought about having an affair with a stranger, the man was to be just that--a stranger. How could she climb into bed with Gabe Montero and then have to see his smug face year after year. No, that wasn’t at all what she’d had in mind. Even if she knew the man could put a smile on her face that would last a lifetime.
    “I think it would be best if I had an affair with someone I don’t know,” she said, lifting her head. “No offense or anything.”
    “None taken.”
    “Good. I mean, I appreciate the offer to--” Oh, God, what was she saying? She gave her head a tiny shake. “I really wish you’d leave now before I make an even bigger fool of myself.”
    “Janie--”
    “Please, Montero. Just go.”
    He stared at her for a moment or so, then got to his feet and walked out her front door without another word.
    * * * * * * * * * *
    Gabe sat in his Camaro, his gaze fixed on the living room window of Janie’s townhouse. Her smell was still on the tips of his fingers, sweet and musky. A memento of her silky, moist heat. A reminder of what had almost been. It was all he could do not to march back in there and beg her to go to bed with him. To finish what they’d started. He’d never wanted anyone so badly in his life, and it surprised the hell out of him. She wasn’t his type. Not even close. He liked buxom blondes and leggy brunettes. He didn’t go for cute, freckled-face redheads.
    And if he kept telling himself that, he might actually believe it.
    She’d been goading him. Nothing more. Trying to break down his barriers and restraints, and he’d had plenty. But somehow she’d wormed past his tough exterior and found the way to his soul. Now the woman was embedded in his mind, in his senses, and it was going to be hell trying to forget about her. The way she’d tasted when he kissed her. The feel of her satiny skin. The way her nipples had responded instantly to his touch. And the sound of her throaty purr when she’d moaned with pleasure.
    Swearing, he punched the key in the ignition and tore out of the parking lot. Whoever said ‘life was full of promises’ should be shot.
    * * * * * * * * * *
    Inside, Janie paced the floor of her living room, wondering what she should do now. Still suffering the after-effects of her interlude with Gabe, she could barely breathe. She’d almost given in to his charms. For a while, she’d been totally mesmerized by him. By the way he’d kissed her and touched her, and by the way he’d made her feel wonderfully sexy and alive. But then, thank God, she’d remembered who she was with. Gabe Montero. How could she have let things go that far?
    He’d made it perfectly clear that he wasn’t interested in sleeping with her, and yet she’d all but thrown herself at him. Well, she wasn’t about to apologize for her aggressive behavior because the man was a liar. He was interested, all right. He’d been thoroughly aroused when she was on his lap. He’d even placed his hand over his erection. “Is this what you want?” he’d asked.
    Yes, she’d wanted it. Wanted him. But all of a sudden those nice-girl feelings had seeped their way back into her system and she’d lost her nerve. That and the fact that if she had gone to bed with Gabe she didn’t know how she would have looked him in the eye afterward.
    Why was it when men hopped into bed with a woman they scored? And when women did the same thing they were considered easy? When did a woman