Hard to Handle Read Online Free PDF Page B

lips.
    They both went still…for about three seconds.
    In that blink of time, Harley registered the silky texture of her skin, the softness of her hair, the enticing scent of delicate warmth, unique to every woman.
    He leaned away and studied her.
    Bemused, Anastasia shook her head. “Sorry, Harley, but that’s just nasty.”
    Masculine ego rebelled. “Nasty?” What the hell type of insult was that?
    â€œYou’ve been with another woman,” she said without accusation. “I have no idea where your mouth has been, but I know I don’t want it on my mouth afterward.”
    Well hell. Harley felt like a kid who’d just been chastised. He was still trying to come up with a reply when she spoke again.
    â€œNext time you think you want to kiss me, make me first on the list, and I might surprise you by being more agreeable.”
    Next time? Not likely. He wasn’t entirely certain why he’d made the attempt this time. “Sure thing, Anastasia. I’ll try to remember that.”
    Anastasia easily read him, and laughed. “No, you won’t. As soon as you leave here, you’ll forget we ever had this conversation. And truthfully, Harley, so will I. Now go before this becomes memorable.”
    First insulted, and now ordered out.
    Again, Harley told himself that he should never have stopped in the first place. But…he had to grin at her cajones . He saluted her and left.
    In no way did Anastasia Bradley act like any other woman he’d known. But her uniqueness only made her more off-limits, because she’d be more complex. And he didn’t need any complications in his life.
    This time, he’d have no distractions from his goal.
    No. Definitely not.
    Walking against the hard wind, Harley went to his Jeep, and he was still grinning when he got inside.
    Too bad she was right, that he’d have to avoid her.
    And even if he didn’t, he was leaving very soon. As she’d said, it was doubtful he’d see her again anyway.
    He’d drop the key in her post office box in town, and then he’d drive away.
    But…having a woman so quick-witted and independent tied to his bed for a few hours would be a special treat.
    If Anastasia would agree—which he doubted.
    But he could think about it. And Harley knew he would.
    For hours.
    Maybe even days.

    A S Harley jogged past her house on the return to his cabin, Stasia stood back from the window. At this time of year, night came early up in the hills, and with lights on inside, she’d be easily visible.
    If he looked her way.
    But he didn’t.
    He jogged twice a day, once in the morning and then again at early evening. No matter how dreadful the weather got, as long as the road crews cleared a path, he was out, pushing himself, proving his stamina.
    In between the jogging, he worked out at his cabin with a modest supply of weights and portable equipment.
    And around that, he visited the town and did…God knew what.
    But he’d be leaving soon, very soon, and so Stasia watched through the windows for him, always anxious for a glimpse.
    They hadn’t spoken since that early morning three days ago.
    She’d been mentally kicking her own butt ever since.
    What in the world had she been thinking? It didn’t matter that the intelligent side of her insisted she’d done the right thing. It didn’t matter that her pride applauded her decision not to be another notch on his proverbial bedpost.
    Harley Handleman had wanted to kiss her.
    Probably the only time he’d ever want to kiss her.
    Likely because she’d been flirting, leading him on, acting very out of character.
    And she’d turned him down.
    Not just saying no, but calling him nasty.
    Acid burned her stomach with the appalling memory.
    She hadn’t meant to flirt. But there was something about Harley that brought out her teasing nature.
    Maybe it was his eyes. They were so vivid a blue, so piercing, that