Love Beyond the Curve (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Free Page B

the waistband of his jeans. She became distinctly aware of a throbbing sensation between her legs, compliments of her visceral reaction to Reed’s body.
    “That’s Miss Shit Girl to you!” She recovered her senses and dropped the bucket to run from him. She headed toward the stairs to her place and had almost reached them when she was grabbed around the waist and swung around by two very strong hands. Reed had her by the back belt loop of her cutoffs and was dragging her backward as he marched determinedly toward the clean car.
    “All right, Miss Shit Girl, let’s see how you like the way this feels. After all, what was that you said a few moments ago about payback?” He was practically snarling as he began to turn on the faucet again.
    “What are you doing, Reed? At least let me see your method of payback before it hits me.” Charlotte tried to seem nonchalant, trying to make him see how much he didn’t bother her.
    “Okay, Sassy, as you wish.” He turned her around and promptly stuffed the hose down the front of her cutoffs, with the water running full force.
    She gasped at the shock of the cold water hitting her hot skin without warning. Both of them looked down to watch the front of her shorts darken as the water soaked them and poured down her long, tanned legs.
    “Well, now, what do you have to say about that?” Reed stepped back, putting his hands on his hips with a look of triumph on his face.
    Not one to be outdone, Charlotte pulled the hose out of her pants and tossed it aside on the ground. She put a sultry smile on her face and walked up to Reed, who was still smirking at her, loving every minute of her discomfort. He was shocked when she placed a single fingertip on his bare chest and slid it down to the waistband of his jeans. She proceeded to slide all four fingers inside the waistband and grasp it, jerking him up against her, saying, “I’d say you have succeeded in making me thoroughly wet, Reed Jackson.”
    She let go of his waistband, causing him to have to take a step backward to keep his balance, and walked away to the stairs, looking back over her shoulder at a slack-jawed Reed.

Chapter Seven
     
    Reed was watching ESPN when the doorbell rang. He got up to answer it, only to find Charlotte standing there holding a foil-covered plate and bowl.
    “Peace offering. Am I forgiven?” Charlotte held out the dishes to him.
    A mouthwatering aroma filled the air and made Reed realize he was starving. “That depends on whatever is underneath this foil. Come on in.” He took the food from her and opened the door wider for her to come into the house. Reed led the way to the farmhouse-styled kitchen, complete with all the latest appliances and fixtures. He set the peace offering on the table and went to pour himself a glass of tea, along with one for Charlotte. He grabbed a fork and went to the table to see what delicious-smelling entrees awaited his taste buds.
    “It’s homemade lasagna and made-from-scratch lemon meringue pie. I hope you like it. I had plenty of leftovers from last night and thought you might be hungry after all the hard work and play this morning.” She settled back comfortably in her chair, sipping the tea he had set before her.
    Reed sunk his fork into the pie first and closed his eyes as he savored the tart confection. “You are so forgiven, but I demand a rematch next week. I will get you back you, know. It’s the Jackson way.”
    “Okay, I can handle it. Bring it on! But don’t bite off more than you can chew, because payback always has to be bigger and better than what you are paying back. That’s the Hamilton way.” She winked at him as he began eating the lasagna. She was now wearing a turquoise sundress with matching low-heeled sandals. Her hair was brushed out and flowing in what appeared to be natural waves over her shoulders.
    “This is fabulous! Thank you for sharing your leftovers. Feel free to do it anytime if it all tastes like this.” Reed took