Wild Horses Read Free Page B

one.”
    Jonathan held up his hands, palms out. “You know, that was enough coffee for one day. Thanks, though.” He threw the last batch of soiled napkins in the trash. “I have to confess: my goal in stopping by was to talk with you about the pictures. They were . . . incredible. Although, that word doesn’t come close to describing them accurately.”
    Georgia walked around the counter, grateful for the change of subject. Maybe she hadn’t ruined her chances, despite drowning him in hot coffee. “We don’t have to stand. Why don’t we take a seat in front of the fireplace?” She gestured to the grouping of leather chairs.
    Manny shook his head, “Thanks, my southern belle, but duty calls.” He pulled Georgia against his body and wrapped his arms around her. Burying his face next to her ear, he whispered, “Be careful.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and spoke loud enough for just her. “Get me his last name, and I’ll run him through our system; make sure he’s clean.”
    Georgia couldn’t believe his nerve! She appreciated him and Harry looking out for her, but this was a bit much. She skimmed her hand up the back of his neck and pulled his head down to hers. She seethed, “You will do no such thing, Officer Palmero.”
    His eyes filled with mirth, and he let loose with a laugh. “Whatever you say, babe!” He headed toward the door.
    Men: can’t live with ‘em; can’t shoot ‘em . She took a seat adjacent to Jonathan. “Don’t mind him. Manny always treats me like his baby sister, who can’t do anything for herself. He and his partner had me over for Christmas dinner. They are quite the pair!”
    Jonathan looked bemused. She guessed he didn’t expect Manny to be gay. “Definitely protective.” His hand indicated several of the landscape photos. “You’re very talented. I wanted to talk with you about printing out some of the photos of me and Aiden. I’d like to frame them.”
    “Of course, I don’t mind. In fact, I have an agreement with the local frame shop. If you give me an idea of style, I’ll have them framed. It’s the least I can do, given your ruined shirt.”
    He glanced at the now damp shirt. “I’m not worried about it.” When he looked up, his eyes met and held hers. Georgia couldn’t look away—his eyes drilled into her heart. What is that stirring low in my stomach? It has been so long. She looked away, not able to take the intensity of his gaze. “Georgia,” his voice was husky.
    She shifted nervously, crossing her legs. She risked a glance at his eyes. Desire bled through their chocolate depths. Unconsciously, she licked her lips. Get a hold of yourself, girl! Back to business. We were talking about photography. She studied the flickering flames in the fireplace when she spoke, “If you want to email me the photos and what sizes you want, I can get an estimate on the printing and framing.”
    A warm hand grasped hers and squeezed. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Georgia. You’re an attractive, talented woman. I thought . . . um, I hoped you might like to go to dinner some time . . . if you aren’t already involved.”
    She chuckled, although it was forced. “Nope, nobody in my life.” She wanted to say yes, dinner sounded great but things seemed too good to be true. No way was this hottie interested in her. “I’m not sure . . .”
    He gave her hand another squeeze and used a finger to lift her chin. “Georgia, it’s just dinner. You can pick the place if it makes you feel more comfortable.”
    She felt a smile form. Georgia, you can do this . She studied his whiskered jaw – safer than looking into those eyes. “Okay . . . dinner would be nice.”
    “Saturday night work for you? I can come to Santa Fe.”
    Her eyes traveled to his mouth when his tongue snuck out and moistened his bottom lip. Georgia’s mind filled with lust-driven thoughts. What is wrong with me?
    He leaned closer when she didn’t answer. “Georgia?”
    Oh yeah.