In Hot Pursuit by Joanne Rock Page B

straight.” She reached to fix her hair, not wanting to hear Anton’s apologies for his sister. The two of them were as dysfunctional and codependent as ever. Their parents had died two years ago, leaving them more money than either of them was really mature enough to handle.
    Lexi kept her eyes trained over Anton’s shoulder for signs of Josh. She kept hoping he’d leave the house soon, so she could tell herself he wasn’t really sleeping with Simone.
    â€œLet me talk to my sister, Lexi,” Anton volunteered. “You’ve probably had enough to deal with in the fallout of this mess. You don’t need to listen to Simone’s put-downs, too.”
    â€œThanks, but I think I need to talk to her myself.” Lexi hated to admit she’d been spoiling for a fight all day, when Anton obviously wanted to play chivalrous savior.
    She thought she heard a door slam somewhere inside the house, and squinted across the side yard to where the plain black Ford was parked. She had an idea that would be Josh’s car, probably a police vehicle.
    Anton seized her hands while she wasn’t looking. “No, Lexi. I insist.” He cupped her chin in his hand. “I want to make this right for you. Let me take care of it.”
    From nowhere, Josh Winger appeared between them, his big shadow falling across Anton in more ways than one.
    Anton let go of her instantly.
    â€œToo late,” Josh informed him, his words clipped. “I already took care of it.”
    A little thrill passed through Lexi. Not because she needed Josh taking care of her, but because Josh had already finished up with Simone and come looking for Lexi.
    Her mood improved just a little.
    â€œCome on.” Josh tugged Lexi’s arm. “Let’s go.”
    â€œI’m not going anywhere until I speak to Simone.” Lexi ignored the electric shock of his touch, the leap of every nerve ending through the sheer fabric around her arms.
    Josh didn’t respond right away. He was still looking in Anton’s direction, his face twisted into an expression Lexi could have read from fifty yards away.
    She’d never seen anyone communicate “get lost” quite so effectively.
    â€œWe’ll catch up with each other soon, Lexi.” Anton grabbed his gym bag and backed toward the house. “Nice to see you.”
    He all but ran the last few steps. No wonder, considering Josh looked like he’d just walked off The Godfather set with his dark hair and heavy eyebrows, his prominent scar gracing one cheek.
    If Lexi had any sense, she’d be running, too. Though, of course, for entirely different reasons.
    â€œIsn’t that police intimidation or something?” Lexi asked mildly, studying her nails.
    Josh had her hauled out of her seat and onto her feet in seconds. It happened so fast, she barely had time to react, but her treacherous body had followed his command on instinct.
    â€œWe need to get out of here.” His words were a husky whisper, not unlike the voice he’d used in the bedroom last night….
    â€œI need to talk to Simone, Josh, and I’m not leaving until I do.” She reminded herself about taking control of her life again. “You are breaking all the rules of an anonymous encounter by following me around today.”
    That caught his attention. His eyes widened.
    â€œWho’s following who, lady? I was here first, remember?”
    â€œAnd you’re free to leave first, too. I’m an independent woman, remember?” She folded her arms across herself in staunch defense. “I don’t need you, Winger.”
    His jaw worked that over for a long moment.
    He looked damn good in his black jacket and dark T-shirt underneath. He definitely looked like a bad ass. What turned her on even more was the fact that he probably was a bad ass. A fact even Mr. Knight in Shining Armor Anton had been wise to in the space of three seconds.
    â€œThen here’s