Surrender to Temptation by Ednah Walters

interested in her, making her off limits.
    “Remember what I told you earlier. Wear a hat outdoors,” he added. “The sun here is not like in California.”
    “I guess I’ll have to go into town and buy one. Winston told me Dillon was the nearest town.” When he didn’t speak, she looked back at him and caught him staring at her ass. She stopped, her eyes narrowing again.
    He grinned, not in the least bit sorry. “It’s about forty-five minutes away. We can drive into town tomorrow if you like.”
    “That’s okay, Fitzgerald. If I can borrow a car, I’m sure I can find my way.”
    “I’m not letting you drive out here in Montana on your own, Nikki. One wrong turn and you could be lost for hours. I’ll find someone to drive you. In the meantime, Mrs. B can find you a hat. My sister and cousins left a few behind during their last visit. This way.” He pointed to the hallway that led to the back door. When she continued to stare at him, he cocked an eyebrow. “Do you still want the vases?”
    She nodded, but she didn’t move. “Lead the way.”
    “Ladies first.”
    “Never claimed to be one,” she said, still not moving.
    Chase chuckled. She hadn’t liked him staring at her ass. He walked past her and entered the hallway. Ahead was the door leading to the kitchen, and to the right was the door to the basement. He glanced over his shoulder before opening it and caught Nikki checking him out. He didn’t mind.
    “Enjoying the view?” he teased.
    She shot him a challenging smile. “I haven’t decided yet.”
    Chase laughed. He liked that smart mouth of hers, liked that she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Bold and honest? Would she be like that in bed? He really should stop thinking about her that way.
    He touched a switch and light flooded the stairs. Downstairs, he flipped another switch and waited for her to catch up, his arm resting on the wooden stair rail. Her hair swayed as she moved down the narrow steps. It was thick and glossy, and the urge to run his hand through it washed over him. Never one to miss a chance, he saw one and took it.
    “Just a second,” he said when she reached the last step.

    ***

    Nikki held her breath while he did something to her hair, his expression serious.
    “What is it?” Nikki asked.
    He showed a piece of a dry leaf. “Were you rolling on the grass?”
    Her hand flew to her hair, imagining the worst. “No.”
    “Don’t worry. I took care of it.” He stepped back and grinned.
    One dry leaf and he’d practically run his fingers through her hair? The man was flirting with her. Again. She wasn’t sure whether he was serious or just playing games. In fact, his unpredictable behavior threw her off.
    Was he the arrogant guy she’d met yesterday when she’d arrived, or the charming, flirtatious, and incorrigible host he was quickly morphing into? Whatever the case, she liked his charming side. It might make things easier for her.
    “You have beautiful hair,” he added.
    “Thank you.” She fought looking into his eyes, which appeared to watch her every reaction. Instead she focused on his hair. Though short on the sides, the longer top was curly and silky. “So do you.”
    He grinned. “Want to run your fingers through it? I don’t mind.”
    Shaking her head, she turned and faced the room. “So where are…”
    Her voice trailed off when she took a proper look at the finished basement. It was an entertainment room with a giant-size screen, comfortable couches, a pool table, a dartboard, and a wet bar. Two doors were visible from where they stood.
    “This is beautiful,” I said.
    “My cousin’s wife gets all the credit. She did the interior decoration. Ah, here we are.” Chase threw open a cabinet.
    Nikki grinned with pleasure at the collection of beautiful blown glass vases displayed inside the cabinet. She picked up one and studied the flawless design.
    “Whoever bought these has impeccable taste.” Nikki loved fresh flowers, but she collected