Explosive Memories Read Free Page B

now.
    “Sierra’s one of the mares Trent bred with his prize stallion,” Darcy explained, oblivious to her distress.
    “Need anything while we’re out?” Sam leaned a hip on the counter.
    “No, but thanks for asking.”
    “Anytime. I thought he’d beat me here.” Glancing out the window, he straightened. “Ah, there he is.”
    Alarm bells sounded in Jordan’s head. She wasn’t ready to face that past. Would he remember? Doubtful. He’d been a twenty-one year old boy with raging hormones six years ago. She, a notch on his belt buckle he probably forgot. But having dealt with the repercussions of their encounter repeatedly throughout her life, she never would forget.
    “I should be going. I don’t want to be late for my meeting, and I have a few places to stop beforehand.” Hurrying toward the door, she gave Sam a quick nod. “Nice meeting you.”
    “I’m working at the law office this afternoon, but make sure you text me what happens.” Her friend crossed the kitchen floor and gave her a hug.
    “I will.” Jordan spun on her heels and rushed out…only to collide with a very solid chest.

Chapter Two
    A familiar spicy, sweaty, male scent invaded Jordan’s senses, and she bit back a moan. The years melted away as she struggled for control. No matter how hard she tried, she failed to erase the memory of his touch, the way he’d held her like a precious gift.
    Ha. Some gift she turned out to be.
    Large hands encompassed her upper arms. “Easy, sweetheart,” came the deep, southern drawl.
    Two words and goose pimples rose on her skin, and a moment of panic filled her.
    Forcing her sights up the six feet plus inches of testosterone to the small scar on his chin to creamy brown eyes, she commanded her brain to focus. “I-I’m sorry.”
    “No harm.” Chocolate orbs narrowed beneath the black cowboy hat, recognition settling on his face as one side of his mouth lifted. “Don’t I know you?”
    The crooked smile caused a tightness in her chest, and she jerked away. “I’m late.”
    Sprinting to her truck, Jordan held her breath until she was locked safe and sound inside. With shaking fingers, she inserted the key and turned the ignition three times before the engine rumbled to life. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she inhaled several gulps of air. The cowboy stood on the porch staring in her direction.
    Her stomach plummeted. Her skin tingled. Even from a distance, he affected her.
    Best course of action — avoid the sinfully tempting male.
    Throwing the gears into reverse, she backed out of the parking area and then drove hell for leather away from the ranch, away from the past, and all the unwanted memories.
    ****
    Trent stared in the direction of the raven-haired woman’s taillights. He’d recognize Lynn anywhere, the sway of those tempting hips, the electrifying affect of those blue eyes, those luscious lips.
    What was she doing here? And why’d she bolt? Hurrying off without as much as a hello?
    Maybe the mystery woman wasn’t her. It had been quite a few years since he’d seen her; the breasts looked larger, the hair longer. But she felt…like his Lynn.
    Maybe the medication caused the hallucination.
    He cursed. Most days, he avoided the tablets, but stacking hay and falling asleep in the barn yesterday left him little choice. The searing heat in his shoulder burned as if someone branded his skin with an iron.
    Shaking off the illusions, he entered the kitchen.
    “What took you so long?” Sam asked, setting a cup in the sink.
    Ah, the finer points of his day…answering to his family. “Finishing up a few things,” he growled, then nodded in acknowledgement to Darcy as she passed in front of him and exited the room.
    Crossing to the table, Trent yanked out a chair and winced as pain ricocheted down his arm. Stars danced behind his lids. The majority of the time, the injury didn’t give him much trouble, but this week bore an unusual amount of work with the over abundance of guests