Hard to Handle Read Online Free PDF

interested?
    â€œBullshit,” Barber said. “If that was the case, you wouldn’t be there.”
    â€œMaybe.” Harley relaxed back against the wall—and continued to watch Anastasia.
    With nothing left to do, she tried to give him privacy by staring out a window. He couldn’t stop himself from visually tracing the shape of her body.
    The spark of deep interest ignited into a flame. That wouldn’t do.
    Making up his mind, Harley said, “You know what? I’m anxious to get into some real training. I could probably head out of here in under a week.”
    â€œDon’t cut your downtime short on my account. I’ll be around for a while.”
    Anastasia turned to look at him. He’d never before left the cabin early, so his sudden announcement had to have thrown her.
    Not that she showed it.
    She just analyzed him…and came to her own conclusions.
    While keeping his attention on Anastasia, Harley assured Barber, “It’s not a problem.”
    The sooner he got away from her, the better off he’d be. He did not get involved with women like Anastasia.
    He did not let women dissect him.
    â€œI have a few things to take care of in town, but I should be done by the end of the week. Your lazy ass better be raring to go when I get there.”
    Harley disconnected the call, and then said to Anastasia, “Sorry about that.”
    â€œNo problem.” She left the window and approached him.
    â€œSomething’s come up.”
    â€œI heard.”
    Harley waited for the inquisition.
    She said nothing, just smiled up at him.
    Well hell. He gave in first. “I know I was scheduled until—”
    â€œNo biggie. I’ll prorate your time here and mail you a reimbursement for the unused week.”
    Like hell she would. He was the one breaking the contract, not her. “Keep it.”
    She shrugged. “Fine.”
    Damned, annoying woman . Then he caught the teasing glint in her eyes. Jesus, when was the last time he let a woman get his goat? Especially a woman who only agreed with him?
    He crossed his arms. “You like being unpredictable, don’t you, Anastasia?”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    That she admitted it only made it worse. “You’re not going to ask me a single question, are you? Even though every other woman would.”
    â€œWe’ve already concluded that I’m not every other woman, haven’t we? At least, not where you’re concerned.” She patted Harley’s chest, surprising him. “If I’m unpredictable, then you’re inscrutable.”
    She made it sound like an insult. “I call it private.”
    â€œCall it whatever you want, but you wear it like a coat of armor.” After stepping around him, Anastasia opened the door to peer out. “It’s frigid, but the sleet has stopped for now.” She faced him again. “You better get going before the roads get too icy. Getting uphill to your cabin might not be too easy, even in a Jeep.”
    Harley shrugged into his coat. “Worrying about me?”
    â€œNow why would I do that? You’re a big boy.”
    Anticipating her reaction, he said low, “And here I thought you hadn’t looked.”
    Of course her gaze went straight to his lap. Harley almost laughed, especially when heat rushed into her cheeks, but he held it back.
    Anastasia caught herself real quick and gave him a wry smile. “You’re incorrigible.”
    â€œJust honest.” Still watching her, he added, “Or did you really not notice?”
    Refusing to acknowledge the question, she held out her hand for a platonic farewell. “Until next year, Harley.”
    Harley looked at that impersonal, outstretched hand, and made up his mind.
    Screw it.
    On impulse, because he couldn’t quite stop himself, he bent down, intending to kiss her good-bye.
    Anastasia turned her face so that his mouth touched her cheek instead of her