Southern Spice (Southern Desires Series Book 1) Read Online Free

there was no way she was going to feel the least bit comfortable with him in the house. The office had booked her a room at the High Hat Hotel in town, and that was where she was going to spend the night, with or without his help. “I’ll call a cab.” She looked around the room for a phone to use as everything, including her cellphone, was lost somewhere in the ravine.
    He didn’t even turn to face her as he said, “The phones are out.”
    This rudeness was driving her crazy. Yes, she should be grateful he pulled her out of the ditch—saved her life most probably—but that didn’t give him the right to treat her poorly. At least, not in her book. You get what you give in this world.
    “Do you treat all your guests this way or am I just special?” Casey asked boldly.
    He stopped in his tracks, turned, and walked back to face her. If she thought he was tall or intimidating before, the look he gave her shook her to the core. His eyes were so dark they were almost black, his nose looked like it may have been broken in a fight or two, and his jaw said he was as stubborn as the day was long. She forced herself to meet his gaze, but inside she could feel the acid in the pit of her stomach begin to turn. He was too close for comfort. Don’t be sick. But then again, vomiting on him might get him to back away.
    “First, you’re not a guest. You’re a trespasser. That’s all.” His voice was sharp. “Second, if you would have read the sign at the gate, you would not be standing in my living room right now. So if anyone should complain, it would be me.”
    It was hard for her to argue either of those points. Never before had she made such mistakes. It could have cost me a lot more than just my phone, laptop, luggage, and truck.
    Casey couldn’t continue to stare her opponent square in the eyes. It was no longer about fear. I’m so embarrassed. To have gotten lost. If they knew about this in the office, they would never send me out into the field again. Maybe JT is right. Maybe I don’t belong in the field. Maybe I’ll always be behind a desk, processing the claim paper work, and not a field agent.
    Giving up wasn’t an option, but she couldn’t deny his accusations. Softly she said, “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
    He stood quietly as though trying to read her true motives. How she wished she could claim to have a poker face. Unfortunately, her brothers told her time and time again she was more like an open book. All anyone had to do was look in her eyes, and they saw exactly how she felt. His eyes continued to search hers and slowly they went from almost black, back to brown. I wonder what he saw that I didn’t want him to see?
    Whatever it was he seemed to relax a bit, but not enough to make her want to break the silence first.
    “What’s your name?”
    “Casey.”
    “Do you need anything before I go upstairs?” he asked.
    Maybe some pleasant conversation. A cup of coffee. Or a bite to eat. “Just your name.”
    “So you weren’t coming here to see me?” His brow arched as he watched for her response.
    Confused, shaking her head, Casey answered. “No. Not at all. It was an innocent mistake. I must have taken the wrong turn a few miles back and lost my sense of direction because of the heavy rain. Trust me, none of this was intentional. I don’t want to be here any more than you want me here.”
    He laughed a deep husky laugh. “Then you really don’t know whose ranch you’re on?”
    She didn’t know. “No. Is this your ranch?”
    A simple yes or no was what she expected but received neither. Instead, he said, “My name is Derrick Nash.” The name didn’t mean anything to her. It wasn’t on her list of people she needed to meet with either. But Casey wasn’t about to question him, at least not at the moment. She was tired, her body was aching, and all of a sudden a sharp pain started shooting through her right knee. Standing there was becoming impossible so she tried to walk toward the