Texas Stranger Read Online Free Page A

comfortable making light conversation about her books.
    What seemed like several minutes later Carl was ushered into the room. Everyone seemed to know him quite well andgreeted him warmly. Especially Rhonda Jackson the Mayor’s niece. January was slightly embarrassed by the way Rhonda seemed to hang all over him. January also noticed how much his attitude changed when he was around others. He was actually smiling and his face showed the appearance of someone she wouldn’t mind knowing.
    Fascinated by the change in his attitude, she couldn’t take her eyes from him. His dark suit fit impeccably and the fact that his tall frame towered over everyone, seemed to set him apart from everyone in the room. Or was it just her imagination. As his eyes met her’s she turned quickly away.
    January was finding the room stifling with all the cigarette smoke and it was apparent the dull pain in her foot was becoming uncomfortable. Bidding her good-byes to the Mayor and his wife she made her way to the door to leave.
    “January, are you leaving without saying good-bye?”
    January stood there looking at Carl a full minute before answering. Taking in his massive chest that tapered down to his lean waist and slim hips. “I .. huh, didn’t want to interrupt.” She indicated toward Rhonda Jackson, who at that time was moving toward a group of gentlemen.
    “Let me see you to your car,” Carl said, leading her out the door making no comment to her statement. January felt somewhat confused by his actions. He had made it a point to avoid her all evening, now he seemed to want her attention.
    The rain had stopped, and the air was quite chilly, as she hugged her jacket closer to her.
    “Are you cold?” Carl frowned at her.
    “No..no, not really,” she lied.
    Carl walked slowly beside her as she limped slightly toward her car. January inserted the key in the ignition, and the car groaned until finally it belched to life. January sighed with relief as she looked up at the concerned expression on Carl’s face.
    For a moment he stood there smiling down at her. The scent of his cologne causing her sensitive nose to respond to the fragrance. Softly she inhaled a breath of the pleasant aroma, causing the material to tighten across her breast. January’s pulse began to race as he leaned down closer to her. His eyes roaming slowly over the low cut of her bodice. A tingle of excitement raced through her body. She became unable to move. Carl’s index finger traced the outline of her delicate jaw bone. Slowly but seriously slipping down toward the V of her bodice. January moaned faintly, sucking in her breath deeply as his fingers lightly touched her soft skin. Nervously she licked her lips waiting for his next move. He leaned down until his lips were but a breath apart from her’s. Then he gently touched his lips to hers. Moving away from her, he quickly shut the car door with a bang, then strolled back toward the house.
    For several seconds, January sat in the car staring after him. Confused at his gentle touch. He had the nerve to melt her to nothing and then leave her sitting in the cold car shivering to death. “The man is a regular pain in the neck. Why would I ever want to run into you again?” She patted the dash board of the old car. “You’ll keep me warm, won’t you old girl?” But January found the heater on the car would not turn on. “Well so much for that, you piece of junk.”
    January’s stomach grumbled painfully, for she two had missed a seven course meal with the Bakers. She was beginning to grow shaky from lack of food, and too much alcohol. She was almost sure the Inn was still open, so heading the car in that direction January decided to get a sandwich or something light before going to bed.

Chapter 6
    T he Inn’s dinning area was nearly empty with only a few people sitting around when she entered. But to her dismay they had closed the kitchen thirty minutes before. As she thanked the waitress she headed for the