Tangled Up Hearts Read Online Free Page B

instead, though, was round on Trisha in exasperation. She felt a little betrayed by her at the moment and couldn't contain her emotions. “Just what do you want? A passionate display of hypocrisy?”
    Trisha’s chin warbled and her voice was faint when she spoke. “Never mind. I’ll tell Jack the wedding is off. We’ll get tickets and go to Las Vegas or something.”
    Throwing up her hands in exasperation and letting out a small strangled sound of frustration, Alyssa waved away the suggestion. “Don’t be ridiculous.” With a determined glint in her eyes, she turned to Cole. “A friendly truce, Cole. One month of blissful friendship and then …” she paused to flash him a sweet smile. “I’ll plot your demise.”
    Cole’s eyes dropped to her smile and then suddenly he grinned, his blue eyes warm and oddly compelling when they once again lifted to meet hers. “You’re on, sweetheart.”
    Although his smile made her heart skip, the unexpected endearment caused it to flutter in her chest like a trapped butterfly. Her face stinging with heat, she lowered her head and prayed he didn't notice just how much he was affecting her. After all, meaningless endearments shouldn't be causing any sort of stir. Not his anyway.
    Cole planted his hands firmly on her shoulders and drew her close, his eyes colliding with her startled ones as his head dipped. “To peace.”
    Shocked that they were going to do this again, Alyssa parted her lips on a quick intake of breath and that’s when he covered her mouth with his. Her hands fluttered to his chest and she experienced the curious feel of his heartbeat against her palm. His lips were as firm as the first kiss only this time he drew her closer to his lean, hard body sending a rush of liquid heat surging through her veins. His mouth caressed hers in light, teasing movements confusing her until she realized what he was doing. He was putting on a show for Trisha’s benefit. Certainly he was not trying to tantalize her into deepening the kiss. Surely not. Much as she wanted to push him away and call his bluff, another idea clanged through her mangled brain. Maybe she'd just teach him a lesson instead.
    Deciding to focus on her actions rather than Cole's body, she slid her hands across his chest, up around his broad shoulders then into his soft hair. Who would have guessed it would be that soft? What in the world did he use in it? But then her thoughts were redirected when his body jerked ever so slightly and he tried to draw away.
    Oh no, not yet buddy boy .
    Alyssa’s arms tightened their hold and he went so still she thought he'd even stopped breathing. Smiling inwardly, Alyssa relaxed her body against him and increased the pressure of her mouth on his. No more of that skimming crap. If they were going to do this, they were going to do it for real.
    When he once again tried to withdraw, she refused to let him go and became even bolder. His discomfiture urged her on and she grazed his lips with her tongue, delighting in how completely and utterly stiff he went in her arms. His obvious surprise made her want to crow with triumph. Take that you pompous ass!
    She should have known he would not allow her to best him.
    After the briefest hesitation, his tongue met hers and the sensation sent funny little tingles through her body. The stirrings of desire. It sizzled low in her belly and messed with her breathing, causing her lips to part on an intake of breath.
    Cole was quick to take advantage and suddenly his tongue was tangling with hers.
    Had all the air just been sucked from the room? Alyssa couldn’t breathe. Neither, it seemed, could Cole for he drew away and dragged in a quick breath before coming back for more, plundering her mouth as if he couldn't possibly get enough. It made her heart slam painfully against her breastbone and her traitorous body melted like hot wax against him. The pleasure spiraling through her turned her insides to mush and she feared she'd slide boneless