Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips

the city, it hit the news.” She glanced at her grandmother.
    Charlotte shook her head. “No, I don’t remember that at all,” she said and turned to Coop. “What about the ring the store owner gave you? Did she say where it originally came from?” Charlotte asked.
    Lexie had already asked Coop the exact same question.
    He shook his head. “She didn’t say anything about it.”
    And since they’d agreed not to mention that the jewelry had been stolen, he left it at that.
    â€œWell, is there any chance I can see the ring? Ididn’t know it existed, but now that I do…” She turned to Coop with pleading eyes.
    â€œIt’s in a safe deposit box.”
    Charlotte let out a disappointed sigh.
    â€œWell, maybe one day,” he hedged.
    To Lexie, it seemed as if he were putting her grandmother off.
    But his ploy went over Charlotte’s head, because without warning, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Oh, thank you!” she exclaimed.
    He awkwardly patted her back, all the while sending SOS signals to Lexie.
    â€œOkay, Grandma, you can let Coop go now. It’s time for him to leave.”
    Charlotte peeled herself off him.
    â€œWhy don’t you go lie down,” Lexie suggested, still unnerved by the news that her grandmother had high cholesterol and high blood pressure. “I’ll walk Coop out and then I’ll clean up for you.”
    â€œIf you’re sure you don’t mind…”
    Lexie pulled her grandmother into a hug, trying to convince herself that she didn’t suddenly feel frailer just because Lexie now knew about her medical issues.
    â€œThank you for dinner, Mrs.—I mean Charlotte. The food was delicious, but the company was even better.” Coop pressed a kiss to the back of Charlotte’s hand.
    The gentlemanly gesture sent shivers of awareness coursing down Lexie’s spine. Although she thought she could read people pretty well, he’d had her baffled since this afternoon. From that sizzling kiss to the way he’d pulled back after lunch, to his surprising willingness to come for dinner, she didn’t know where she stood.
    She was his jewelry investigation partner—that much she knew for sure. As for anything romantic, she hadn’t a clue. She’d spent the better part of the evening tamping down any desire he aroused in her. Yet once her grandmother had disappeared into her bedroom and they were alone, every inch of her was keenly aware of the man. He studied her with those piercing blue eyes and she wanted to melt into his arms.
    Instead, she folded hers across her chest. “So much for helping me convince her that we’re not engaged.”
    â€œI tried! But she’s pretty damn stubborn. Like someone else I know.” Amusement danced in his expression. “I would have fought the good fight, but she mentioned her health and I didn’t want to upset her.”
    Damn. Why did he have to be so sexy, sensitive, caring and have issues with women who liked to travel? Which brought up another bone of contention she had to pick with him. “Ex-wife?” she asked.
    â€œIt’s not like I was holding out on you. Technically this is only our second date.” He reached outhis hand and pulled her toward him until her body aligned with his.
    He wrapped his arms around her waist and met her gaze. “We are very different people.”
    She nodded. “Who want very different things out of life.”
    He paused, staring into her eyes until she felt the pull of his desire straight through to her stomach. “Are you getting on a plane anytime soon?” he asked.
    She shook her head. “Not until after my grandmother’s birthday at the end of the month.”
    She didn’t have her destination chosen yet, either. By then the restlessness ought to take over and she’d be out of here, but for now she was exactly where she wanted to be.
    â€œThe