What a Man Needs Read Online Free Page B

her back to town.
    â€œI never told him who I was last night. We only exchanged first names.” She tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “What’s the big deal? You encouraged me to share a few drinks and some laughs.”
    Last night’s memories were still fresh in her mind, still stirred feelings within Cynthia. She couldn’t believe how much she’d wanted Patrick just hours ago. So much so she couldn’t keep her hands off him. Seeing him again this morning, she realized those feelings hadn’t gone away. Trying to work with Patrick Tanner would be a disaster.
    â€œAre you saying that more happened between you two?” Kelly’s eyes were wide with hope and surprise.
    â€œSince when do we—” Just then the back door opened and Nora walked into the kitchen.
    â€œSorry to keep you waiting,” she said. “Patrick and I needed to go over some things.” She releaseda long breath and looked at Cynthia. “My brother wants to talk to you. He’s outside on the porch.”
    â€œLook, Nora, if this is going to cause trouble…” Cynthia began.
    â€œNo, he just wants to make sure that you’re serious about learning to ride. And to work out a few details.”
    Cynthia nodded. Good. She would straighten this out. She’d tell Patrick Tanner she didn’t need his services and leave. There had to be dozens of instructors who could teach her to ride.
    She walked out the door and found him sitting on the back-porch railing. His arms were folded over that gorgeous, broad chest. She shook away the mental picture of Patrick naked, then her gaze connected with his. “Look, Patrick, I’m sorry about last night.”
    â€œWhat are you sorry about, Cyndi? That you spent the night with me, or that your little joke backfired?”
    â€œIt wasn’t a joke. You may not believe it, but I don’t make a habit of going to bed with men I just met.”
    He didn’t look like he believed her. “No problem. We used protection.”
    Seeing her pained look, Patrick wanted to take back his words.
    â€œHow come it’s only my behavior that’s being scrutinized?” she asked. “Is it because I left you first, instead of you leaving me?”
    Her fiery question hit home.
    He fought back. “How about because you didn’t mention that you’re Cynthia Reynolds? Was that the reason you wanted to leave it at just first names?”
    â€œYou ever think maybe my reason was that people act differently around me when they know who I am?” she asked. “You didn’t recognize me. It was nice being myself for a change. You didn’t seem to care who I was.”
    Hell, she’d had him so hot he couldn’t remember his own name. “What do we do now?”
    She shrugged. “I’ll just tell Kelly and Nora we can’t work things out. Although, I would appreciate it if you gave me the name of someone who can teach me to ride.” She glanced around, not really looking at him.
    He could direct her to a half-dozen people, but he doubted she would get results in such a short time. “Nora said you only had ten days and needed to keep this quiet. That if the media gets wind of you taking riding lessons, you could lose the opportunity for this movie.”
    â€œIt’s not your problem. Tell your sister thanks and tell my sister that I’ll meet her in the car.”
    Before Cyndi could pass him, he reached out for her. Mistake. The hot sizzle from the connection was unbelievable. What he was about to do was another mistake. “I’ll do it. But by my rules.”
    Cynthia didn’t pull away, but she didn’t back down either. “What are the rules?”
    â€œWe’ll work from early morning until the afternoon. You’ll also be responsible for the care of your horse. There will be no media around, and you’ll move out here for the next ten days.”