Flirting with Disaster by Sherryl Woods Page A

reaction.”
    â€œHe seemed impressed,” Maggie said carefully. “But he was more interested in getting these things out of Ellie’s place and tucked away here than he was in examining them.”
    â€œSo he’s not an art lover.” Dinah studied her. “Is that a problem?”
    â€œI needed his muscle last night,” Maggie said defensively. “I wasn’t interested in his opinion of Ellie’s work.”
    Dinah looked doubtful. “But you’re attracted to him. Don’t even try to deny it. Could you start seeing someone who doesn’t have something this important in common with you?”
    â€œI’m not seeing Josh or considering seeing Josh. He came to the rescue last night. Period,” Maggie said flatly. “Don’t try to make this into something it isn’t.”
    â€œMaybe you’re the one who should heed that advice,” Dinah warned. “I know you, sweetie. You listen to your hormones before you pay the slightest bit of attention to your head. Your head’s saying all the right things, but I’m willing to bet that your hormones are doing a fancy tango right about now.”
    â€œOh, for pity’s sake, you’re making way too much out of this,” Maggie repeated.
    But even as she spoke, she wondered if Dinah wasn’t right. Her reaction to Josh’s touch the night before was enough to set off alarms all over Charleston. She couldn’t deny it.
    For once in her life, maybe she ought to do the smart thing and steer clear of a man so obviously unsuited for her. There were things in life she valued, and art was definitely one of them. If Josh didn’t value it, how could there possibly be anything meaningful between them? Then again, her parents’ world was filled with couples who went their separate ways when it came to cultural events.
    She might have heeded Dinah’s advice for once and steered clear of Josh—if she hadn’t recalled his reaction to the gallery. He’d said exactly the right things about the atmosphere she’d achieved. Maybe he didn’t know a Monet from a Picasso, but he had good instincts. He might not have gushed over Ellie’s paintings, but she’d seen the care he demonstrated when handling them. He’d known instinctively that they had worth. And he was a fine craftsman, which was a brand of art in itself.
    â€œDon’t you worry about me and Josh,” she told Dinah staunchly. “We’re not even friends, much less lovers. I’m not convinced yet that he doesn’t have a thing for the lovely Amanda, so why would I risk anything under those circumstances?”
    Dinah smiled. “Because there’s nothing you like more than a risky challenge, Maggie, especially if you know it will set your mother’s teeth on edge. I recognize all the signs. Josh Parker is a little rough around the edges and he has danger written all over him, therefore you’re going to fall for him. Hard, more than likely.”
    â€œYou don’t know everything,” Maggie said, scowling.
    â€œWhen it comes to the way your heart works, I do,” Dinah contradicted. “Just be careful, okay? Take your time for once. Get to know the man before you fall into bed with him.”
    Maggie studied her friend with a narrowed gaze. “I thought you liked Josh. What’s with all the warnings?”
    â€œHe seems like a good guy, but like I said before, he’s edgy. He doesn’t say much. I doubt even Cord knows him really well, and they’ve worked together for a couple of years now.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “Of course, I could dig around a little, see what I can find out.”
    â€œDon’t you dare,” Maggie said.
    â€œLots of women these days, especially wealthy ones, hire private investigators to be sure they’re not dealing with some sort of scoundrel. You don’t need to go that far,” Dinah