Tripped Up Read Free

death. I’ve learned life is way too short to play by someone else’s idea of right and wrong. I speak my mind, and I’ll have few regrets when I’m face to face with Saint Peter.”
    His slow confident smile twisted her stomach as hot arousal flushed her face. Damn the man and his outlook on life. Reluctantly, even to herself, Karen admitted she admired him for his sane view of an insane world.
    “Well, I admire your attitude, but that doesn’t mean I’ll drop my underwear and bend over for your pleasure.” Her voice came out firm even as an image of doing just that sent a shiver of lust racing down her spine.
    Two long strides closed the distance between them, and Trip cupped her jaw in his rough palm. “What if it was for your pleasure?”
    Her brain cells refused to fire as she stared into his ice blue eyes. Had she ever seen a man with such unusual and unique colored eyes? “What’s for my pleasure?” she managed to ask.
    “You getting naked and bending over.” His low sensual voice and the sudden heat in those stunning eyes did funny things to her libido. “I can make it all about your pleasure.”
    His words slammed her back to reality like nothing else could. Yeah, right. No way in hell did she believe him. Men always made promises of great pleasure and multiple O’s but were never able to provide. Generally, it ended up with her screaming and moaning a fake orgasm just to get the guy off and out of her. Nothing was worse than a man who couldn’t follow through.
    When she tried to step back, to increase the too slim distance between their bodies, her knees bumped into the back of the staged bed. Shit, right where she didn’t need to be. A bed and Trip would lead to things better left for her fantasies.
    Taking a deep breath, she looked over his shoulder while she spoke calmly. “Trip, nothing’s going to happen between us. Just because our friends are hooked up doesn’t mean we have to do the same. Besides, I’d rather get a Brazilian wax sober than put up with your halfhearted groping.”
    Damn, Karen thought miserably, even as she listened to the words leave her mouth. She came off like a bitter, mistrustful bitch. Granted, she was a mistrustful bitch, but did she have to sound so hostile?
    “My groping is never halfhearted, darlin’,” he assured smoothly. “If I grope a beautiful lady, I put my whole heart into it.”
    Despite her fierce desire to keep frowning, Karen couldn’t resist the smile curving her lips. Nothing fazed the man, and he had a quick retort for everything. “Look, I’ve got to finish staging for this shoot. Let me get the keys for the apartment, and you can get settled in.”
    “Thanks, I’d appreciate that. It’s been a long day.” Even as he said the words, Karen could see the weariness in his eyes when she looked close.
    “Sure thing.” Retreating from the tempting hunk, Karen hurried over to Syndra’s desk, grabbed the keys, and handed them over with a silent sigh of relief. “Stairs to the apartments are around back. Have a good night.” She waved him to the door in a broad hint to leave.
    “Thanks, Karen. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He winked and flashed a sexy smile before grabbing his bag and leaving her to finish her work. Of course, work was now the last thing on her mind.

Chapter Two
    The urge to knock on the door overwhelmed Karen but fear of rejection kept her hands by her side. What the hell had she been thinking to come over here? That Trip would answer the door, be overcome with lust at the sight of her dressed in nothing but a man’s shirt and angry bunny socks, and sweep her off to bed for some mind-blowing sex?
    Nice fantasy, but in reality, she knew none of those things would happen. Most likely, he’d answer the door, grumpy from being woken up, and demand to know what she wanted. Then, when she couldn’t come up with a reasonable answer, Trip would slam the door in her face.
    Even worse, what if he had