Courting Trouble (The Texas Two-Step Series, Book 3) by Kathy Carmichael Page B

given my last dollar for a bed," he said. "I couldn't help but notice you have a vacant one."
    Diedra's muscles instantly clenched. He could read her mind.
    "Relax, Imp." He continued rubbing, bringing his hands down her shoulder blades and onto her spinal area.
    It felt good. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. When he brought his hot lips to her neck, dragging her T-shirt to one side to access her shoulder blade, she melted like a pool of lava. How could he affect her so easily? Desire boiled in her belly, naked and sharp and overwhelming.
    She grabbed him and dragged him down the hall. Her four-poster beckoned like a neon sign. Not bothering to switch off the bedside lamp, they climbed onto the bed. Alec pulled her T-shirt over her head, then helped slide off her pants. The coolness of the sheets contrasted sharply with the heat in her body.
    She pulled off his sweatshirt, noting once more how fine his broad shoulders and chest were as they tapered down in a vee to his hips. As she bent to help remove his pants, he stopped her. "Right now, I'm going to finish your massage. Lie on your stomach."
    It took all her will power. She wasn't sure she could wait. But Diedra did as he asked.
    As if he had all the time in the world, he meticulously rubbed her back, thighs and even the soles of her feet. His hands were gentle and knowledgeable as he worked out the stress in her tired muscles. She thought she'd found nirvana. Next he turned her to face him.
    "Now, I plan to kiss every square inch of your body, Imp. Starting here." He kissed the tip of her nose.
    "Not every inch..." Her heart pounded, each beat saying, Yes, Yes, Yes.
    "Want to bet?" He proceeded to kiss her neck. She leaned forward to return the kisses but he shook his head.
    He took her hands in his and moved them over her head. "Grab hold of the headboard and don't let go until I say you can. I plan to take my time and I want you to enjoy every moment. It's going to be better than the last time. I promise."
    Oh, heavens. He promised better? How could it be better? She grabbed the cool wooden slats, willing to let Alec work his magic. Thrills of anticipation danced in her abdomen.
    She tried to reach for him, but he kissed her upper arms, paying special attention to her elbows before he blazed his way to her fingertips, taking each one into his mouth and sucking, and replacing each hand on a slat afterward. Every one of his movements was slow, tantalizing, designed to drive her mad with desire. And he knew exactly what he was doing.
    He worked his way back up her arms and buried his face in her underarm, making her giggle.
    He was the most shameless man she'd ever met and she adored him.
    As he lowered his lips to her breasts, all she could see was the top of his curly black hair. When his tongue caressed her tightened nipple, she burned deep inside. She tightened her hold on the headboard, afraid that if she let go she'd melt off the bed.
    But Alec's phone was ringing. Was Jeff finally calling?
    Alec answered the call. He placed his hand over the receiver and whispered, "I'm sorry, Diedra. I want you so badly it hurts. But we've got to go. It's Sarah. Jeff rented a boat in the gulf and I'm afraid he's heading for Mexico."
    Reality hit her like a snowball on a sweltering day. She slid out of the bed. Within minutes, she was dressed, packed and ready to leave.
    * * *
    Alec always thought Dallas's night-time skyline was breathtaking. Numerous skyscrapers twinkled, much like an overly enthusiastic neighborhood decked out in Christmas lights. Soon, though, that view was lost as they headed for Corpus Christi in Diedra's car.
    Alec couldn't believe it. This was where getting involved with a woman led a man. Since his car was still sitting at the airport, Diedra had insisted they take her vehicle. That wasn't the only thing she had insisted on, either.
    She was driving.
    He glared at her.
    The car swerved around a truck. Alec squeezed his eyes shut and pounded on an