Loco Read Online Free Page A

once felt skittish or unsettled in his presence. Even his not-so-subtle offer to share dessert and the night didn't push her panic button. It was like he asked her whether or not she wanted a cherry on top of her sundae. How odd. Especially for such a large physical specimen. Rational thought led her to believe the bigger the man, the more unease he would evoke. Not so with Tanner.
    The tomcat. She quickly quelled a pang of jealousy at the thought of his night spent with a strange woman, practicing the horizontal mambo. Why did it matter to her what he did? Other men engaged in the same behavior. If rumors were true, most single men sought out one night stands to care for their sexual needs. Women, too. So, if it was such a commonly acknowledged practice, why did her gut turn over at the thought of Tanner having sex with a beautiful woman he picked up in a bar?
    She released a pent-up sigh, unable to find answers to the many questions racing through her head. Men. Supposedly they were easy to understand. Except for her. Obviously, she had no idea what went through their minds. Probably never would.
    The rumble of a sliding door broke into her thoughts. Glancing up, she found Tanner stepping out into the afternoon sunshine, dressed in khaki shorts and a white T-shirt. His posture appeared more brazenly relaxed than yesterday. His eyes held a lazy expression, as if he'd just climbed out of bed and had absolutely no obligations for the entire day. Probably a side effect of last night's sordid activities.
    "Hello." He spoke first as he glanced her direction.
    "Good afternoon." She shot him a grin. With stunned surprise, she realized she eagerly awaited another round of verbal exchange. "By the sound of the train roaring through your house, I trust you slept well?"
    He snorted, still looking over the yard and ensuing park. "You must have me confused with that horse you call a dog."
    "Oh. Now that could be." She readily agreed since Hercules could wake the dead with his snoring. "When do you leave on business again?"
    "Ready to get rid of me already?" The corner of his mouth hitched up.
    "Nah, I kinda like you." Just as his smile grew, she shot him down. "Although it's only been one day, so that could change with a bit more time."
    Tanner actually chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "I'll grow on you."
    "Like mold?"
    He stepped closer. "Oh, I'm much better than mold. I'm sexy, handsome, well-endowed, and know my way around a woman's body."
    Her face immediately heated at his bluntness. "And humble too." She couldn't believe she was sparring toe-to-toe with him, but her pulse raced in excitement while she bit back smiles and laughter at his witty responses. It was fun. More fun than she'd had in a long time.
    "A man has no need for humbleness when he's too sexy for his shirt," Tanner tossed back, a dimple appearing in his left cheek with the wide grin.
    "Shakespeare?"
    "Tanner Owens. And, I would never be caught in tights and that modified tutu."
    She burst out in giggles, that image flying through her mind. "Codpiece optional?"
    "Who needs one of those when you have the real thing?"
    "Who indeed?" She lifted an eyebrow, taking a moment to stare at the area in question. Not that she could tell much with his loose shorts.
    A sense of wonder hit. What was she doing checking out a man's groin? And doing so while he stood there watching her, knowing exactly what she was looking at. Flames burst once more across her face.
    The hyena threw back his head and guffawed. "Like what you see?"
    She broke eye contact, looking away, covering her hot face with one hand. Good grief. Now she was baiting the tomcat.
    "Oh, Annie?"
    The sound of an incorrect name caught her attention. Dropping her hand, she pulled her gaze back up to his jovial face. "That's not my name. It's Oakley, in case you forgot."
    "I like Annie, as in Annie Oakley." He stepped closer, leaning against the side of the condo with arms crossed over his chest.
    She rolled her