Two Times as Hot Read Free Page A

I’m leaving tomorrow.”
    “I know, but you’ll be back.” There was that smolder, lighting his eyes and making
     him irresistible again.
    Dammit. She should be mad at him, not admiring how sexy he was. “Why are you so sure
     I’ll be back?”
    “Because after one night with Tuck, your sister will want to come back for more. I’m
     thinking there’s a good chance you’ll be with her.”
    That was a very definite possibility. Emma hadn’t told Jace about Becca’s interview
     at Oklahoma State tomorrow. It was not a secret; it just hadn’t come up. But if Becca
     got the job—which Emma had every confidence she would—she would be back.
    Maybe this was a one-time thing with the ex-girlfriend. Jace could be just a good
     guy who felt obligated to help because of their long history together. She probably
     shouldn’t fault him for being nice and helping out a friend. Even if that friend was
     an ex-girlfriend with the worst timing on earth.
    “All right.” She scribbled her cell number on the top page of the notepad next to
     the bed. He took a step forward and grabbed the paper she held out to him.
    “Thanks.” He shoved it into his pocket and opened the door again, cocking his head
     toward the hallway. “I’d better go, but I’ll call you. I promise.”
    He sounded sincere enough, but she’d believe that when she saw it. “Okay.”
    Hand still braced on the door, he glanced back at her one more time. “Bye.”
    “Bye.” It was a hell of an effort to sound upbeat as she said good night to the man
     she thought she’d be waking up next to in the morning. She wasn’t sure if she managed
     it or not.
    Just when Emma thought he was about to take his final leave, Jace stepped back inside
     the room. He strode to where she stood by the bed. He grabbed the back of her head
     with one big hand, and covered her mouth with his.
    It ended too quick, barely after a few seconds. He pulled away, and with a small smile,
     left. The click of the door latching behind him gave the act a definite sense of finality.
    He’d kissed her breathless and then had gone to ride to the rescue of another woman.
     Emma had the worst luck with men. She flopped back onto the mattress and blew out
     a big breath. Apparently chivalry had its downside when the sexy knight rode off to
     save another damsel and left his ladylove primed, ready, and sexually frustrated.
    Meanwhile Becca, Miss Prim and Proper, was off somewhere getting lucky. The English
     professor who didn’t even like to get her hands dirty pumping gas for her own fuel-efficient
     car was most likely getting laid in the front seat of Tucker’s huge bad boy pickup
     truck. There was irony if ever Emma saw it.
    After the events of tonight, she sure could use another drink, but there was no way
     in hell she was going back down to that bar alone after the promising public exit
     she and Jace had made together.
    She glanced at the phone on the desk in the room. Maybe the bar delivered.

Chapter One
    “T o Tuck and Becca.” Logan Hunt held the stem of the fluted glass between his thumb
     and forefinger and raised it in a toast.
    The glass contained champagne when he’d much rather be drinking beer, but what could
     he do? It was a celebration, and celebrations traditionally called for bubbly. Tuck’s
     mom had poured a glass for them all before she’d run off to the kitchen to check on
     something in the oven for tonight’s party. Maybe Logan could refill his glass with
     beer. Who would notice? The two drinks basically looked the same. At least to him,
     they did.
    The bride and groom raised their glasses to take a sip, but Logan wasn’t quite done
     with his toast. “May your marriage be long and happy and far less tumultuous than
     the past . . .” He frowned and glanced at the happy couple. “How long has it been
     since you two first met?”
    “Ten months.” Becca screwed up her face. “And it hasn’t been tumultuous .”
    It seemed like far longer