Rough Rider (25 page)

* * *

The kiss came without warning, and Haley was too stunned at first to react. He began gently enough, his lips sliding over hers, hands cupping her face, thumbs stroking her jaw, and then he grew more insistent, his tongue probing the seal of her lips. His callused hands were simultaneously firm and gentle, and his lips paradoxically soft and commanding.

Mere seconds had her head spinning and stomach fluttering. She was slipping fast and not about to let him pull her in any deeper. Part of her wanted to give into it, to see where it might lead, but the other half resented his audacity. Her pride won out. She resisted the urge to soften, to open to him, then stiffened, pressing her hands against his chest.

He released her instantly.

She stepped back, knees weak and pulse racing. “I didn't come here looking to hook up.”

“Neither did I. But sometimes unexpected things happen.” His gaze locked with hers, a look of speculation gleaming in his eyes. “When they do, it's best to just go with your gut instinct.”

“That so? Well all my instincts scream ‘no marines,' so don't let it
happen
again.”

Suddenly remembering the cue in her hand, Haley turned back to the table. It took all of her will to focus back on the game. She could hardly believe how he'd nearly unraveled her with a single kiss. Then again, no one had
ever
kissed her like that. She made her break, pocketing the one, and then moved methodically around the table, calling each shot as she sank every solid. Only the eight ball remained, but it was trapped behind two stripes.

Reid's lips curved with smug certainty. “Looks like I'll get my turn after all.”

“Don't count your chickens, cowboy.” She laid down her cue and searched the wall behind her for a shorter one. “Jump cue,” she answered his silent question.

“You're kidding right?”

“Nope.” Approaching the table, she angled for her shot. She could almost feel his eyes on her ass. She glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough. He was leaning against the wall with both arms crossed over his broad chest, his gaze zeroed in on her behind.

“Enjoying the view?”

“Sure am,” he confessed, unabashed.

He was sadly mistaken if he thought he'd unnerve her. Keeping him in her peripheral vision, she widened her stance and stretched out over the table. All sign of smugness evaporated from his face. He tugged on his jeans.

Haley grinned, reveling in her small victory, and then prepared for a bigger one. “Eight ball, side pocket,” she declared with confidence. On a three count she took the shot, jumping the stripes to pocket the eight. “Yeah baby!” She threw down the cue and fisted the air, gloating in her triumph.

Order Victoria Vane's next book
in the Hot Cowboy Nights series

Sharp Shooter

On sale June 2015

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I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who helped to bring this story to life. I am ever grateful to my loving husband of thirty-plus years for supporting my writing career during many ups and downs. I also wish to thank my editor Deb Werksman for her continued faith in me, and the dedicated associates at Sourcebooks for all they do behind the scenes. Last but certainly not least, I wish to acknowledge the fantastic talent of Dawn Adams for my incredible book covers.

Victoria Vane is an award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her works range from historical to contemporary settings and include everything from wild comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Her books have received numerous reviewer awards and nominations, including the 2014 RONE Award for
Treacherous
Temptations
and
Library
Journal
Best E-Book Romance of 2012 for the Devil DeVere series. Look for more smoking-hot contemporary Western romances in 2015.