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

door, putting on his coat and hat and heading into the storm.
    Just one wrong turn, that’s all it was, and look at me now. How am I going to explain all this?
    In a matter of minutes, Derrick returned, carefully applied the ointment on her knee, and wrapped it. He took such care while doing so, but for a quick second, she thought she saw his hands tremble. Was he afraid to hurt her? A few minutes ago he looked like he could bite her head off. Why such tender care now? Don’t give it thought, Casey. Just be thankful you’re not still stuck in that truck.
    When Derrick finished wrapping her knee, he bent over her and picked her up again. Despite being almost thirty years old, Casey had never been carried by a man. God, you’re warm and smell amazing. I could be tempted to let you carry me everywhere. If she didn’t feel so indignant and embarrassed, she would probably be swooning over the attention from him. But this man was not—could never be—swoon worthy.
    “What are you doing?” Casey asked as she tried to push away from him, which was useless considering his strength. She might not win, but she wanted him to know she was unwilling. He ignored her, holding her firmly in place.
    He was climbing the stairs when he answered, “You need to be off that leg.”
    Gee, and I was just about to go for a run. “I know that. But I could have done that on the couch.”
    When they reached the top of the stairs, he kicked open a door and flipped on the light switch. She looked around. The decor said it all. There was no question in her mind where she was. Oh, God no. He carried me to his bedroom.
    “Mr. Nash, I want you to take me back downstairs,” Casey demanded. But he didn’t stop. He continued to walk toward the king-sized bed. There was no way was she sharing a bed with him. No matter how handsome you are, you’re still a stranger, and I don’t do one-night stands. What the hell, Casey? Where did that thought come from? Have I not only injured my leg but my head too? The man has not given the slightest hint he is interested in me. If anything I should be thankful he isn’t throwing me back out into the storm. But this is his bedroom and . . .
    Looking him square in the eye, she said firmly, “I’m not sleeping with you.”
    He laid her on the bed, bent to only inches away from her face, and said softly, “I don’t remember offering.” Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she watched him walk toward the door again. “Don’t get up without me being here. I’m a light sleeper, so just call out my name if you need anything, and I’ll come back up.”
    He stood holding the door, waiting for her to confirm she understood his instructions. Damn, you’re arrogant. Once she nodded her understanding, he walked out and shut the door behind him.
    Casey was in shock. Surely that’s why I told him I wasn’t going to sleep with him. Hell. How did he expect her to get any sleep in a bed that smelled like him? Sweet and musky.
    She considered getting up to lock the door, but there was no way she could make it alone, so she conceded defeat. Reaching down to the foot of the bed, she grabbed a blanket and pulled it up over her head and closed her eyes. It’s just one night. In the morning, I’ll get a cab and go into town and forget any of this night ever happened. Tomorrow, he’ll be a distant memory. The sun will rise, and I’ll be back on top doing what I came here to do. And that has nothing to do with a formidable ranch owner named Derrick Nash.

Chapter Two

    “I don’t want anyone here, not for a day, and especially not for a whole month,” Derrick grumbled to the mayor.
    He knew the tornado had devastated the town, and many had lost everything. If they wanted help, he was willing to donate, but that didn’t include taking anyone into his home. If it wasn’t for the fact Casey’s truck ended up in a ditch when the storm was at its peak, he would have sent her on her way last night. Now with her