Sweet Trouble Read Online Free Page A

you?”
    The words spill out and I wish I could call them back because I’m sure he’s going to make some horrible remark about his tongue or something inappropriate. That’s the vibe I get from him. Like he’s a sexual beast. Dangerous. Dark. Insatiable. And in an instant I’m back in that space where I imagine what skills he has and what he might do to me if I ever gave him the chance.
    He doesn’t say a word though. His eyes lose their cold hard look and almost soften. Is he a gentleman and that animal vibe is my own imagination? Maybe. I really don’t know. His gentle gaze makes me feel lost, unmoored and I almost wish he’d say something untoward, or cutting. I’ve dreamed torrid dreams of this man every night since I met him in the hospital. His hold on me is something I don’t understand. His hostility I can handle, but his tenderness might break me into a thousand pieces.
    Sydney dances past, yanking me from my thoughts. “Black belt,” she whisper-yells, tilting her head towards Nick. “No sparring with dark colors!”
    And then she’s gone, giving me a look of warning as she disappears into the crowd.
    Nick glances back and then frowns at me. “Is that code for something?”
    The song winds down and his hold on my hand and waist loosens. Instantly I miss the heat of his touch and the way it sizzled across every nerve in my body.
    “Yes,” I say lightly. “But I’m sure you don’t want to know, considering I’m nothing but a liar. Besides, I’m leaving now.”
    I step off the dance floor and see Sydney. I wave and she gives Mr. McKinley a concerned look. Shaking my head, I gesture that she should call me and I head back to my table. In fifteen minutes I’ll be home and this evening will be nothing more than a memory.
    I grab my purse and leave a few dollars for the waitress. Even though we didn’t end up ordering anything, I want to give her a little money. Mr. McKinley has gone to the bar, and after he hands the bartender a few bills, comes back to my table.
    “I’m going to walk you to your car.”
    “Thank you, Mr. McKinley but-”
    “Quit bull-shitting me, Bailey. My name is Nick.”
    He takes hold of my arm, clasping my elbow in a firm, authoritative way, a way I shouldn’t like. I should hate it and yank my arm away, but I don’t. In fact, I feel a little moan of pleasure at the back of my throat. I glance at him but he shows no sign of noticing how much I love his touch.
    We walk out the front door, looking like any other couple, only he’s probably got a scowl on his face. The rain has lessened, but it’s still rumbling. Lightening stabs the distant sky. I fish my keys out of my purse. I want to say something to signal he can go, and I’m about to thank him for walking me out, not that I had a choice, but he speaks before I do.
    “Start your car.”
    I get in and turn the key. I think there’s a click but I’m not sure because thunder booms across the sky. I try again and there’s a definite click this time, accompanied by a buzzing sound. Shit. My car’s made this sick noise before and I had to buy a whole new transistor. It cost a ton.
    He’s studying me as if trying to decide what to do with me. I don’t want him to think I’m his responsibility or that this is his problem. I turn the key again. Nothing.
    “Maybe it just needs to warm up.” I smile and pat the steering wheel. “My car just needs to think it over. I’ll be fine.”
    Wind gusts and with it comes a new wave of rain. Fat rain drops pelt my car and both of us, too. Shadows play over his features and I can’t see his expression.
    “I’ll take you home. Give me your keys.”
    He shouts the words to be heard over the wind. I don’t know how to respond. I can’t let a stranger take me home. Can I? My mind goes back to the way he looked at me on the dance floor. He’s not dangerous I tell myself. Thunder blasts nearby and I jump out of my car. He takes my keys and places them under the floor mat,