you sometimes wonder if it’s some kind of karmic force at work? Two of your sisters have gotten together with men who joined the ranch quite recently.”
The food got stuck in her throat. Picking up her bottle of beer, she washed it down. “No, I didn’t give it a thought.”
“Well, they have. Graeme was newly hired by Cullen, as was Juston. Two for two…and now maybe you. Then it would be three for three.”
No. she didn’t believe in fate or karmic stuff or anything like that. “Things like that work in movies and books. Not in real life.”
“So you’re not prepared to tie the knot with anyone?”
“Not at all. I’m—I’m way too young. Of course n-not,” she sputtered out the words.
He laughed. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not going to propose to you. We’re just hanging out, remember?”
Was he joking? No. She didn’t think he was. The guy was crazy. Did he really think there was some kind of voodoo stuff going on and her sisters were getting hitched because of that? The way Juston and Shayne were going, she didn’t think it would be long before they heard wedding bells. But of course, she wasn’t ready for something like that. Lando rattled her. What did he mean by that statement? He was really too bold, and the more time she spent with him the greater she feared he would be able to suck her into his sexy vortex. It was better to keep him at arms’ length now. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said with a smile. “After all, I really wouldn’t want to break your heart.”
He didn’t say anything. She’d meant it as a joke, but it felt to her that he took it rather seriously.
Before she could say anything, Mandy came back. “So anything else?”
“No, thanks,” Paige replied. “This was all good.”
“Do you want coffee or dessert?” Lando asked her.
She really didn’t want to prolong the evening. The sooner they left this joint, the better it was for her. She had a good time with him, but she really didn’t want to do or say something she might regret later. So far, it was friendly and that was just the way she liked it. “No, thanks.”
“Could we have the check, por favor ?” he asked politely.
“Sure, coming right up,” Mandy said as she began to pick up their dishes and cutlery.
When Mandy left, Paige grabbed a quick, deep breath and expelled it slowly through her lips. She’d thoroughly enjoyed her meal. It’d been a long time since she’d been here, but her memories of it were as fresh as ever. “My sisters and I used to come here a lot whenever I came down for the holidays. And we always managed to have a great time.”
Mandy came back.
Paige slipped her hand into the pocket of her jeans and took out some cash, but Lando beat her to it.
When he settled the bill, they stood. “Shall we?” he said.
“Oh yes, we shall,” Paige said with a smile.
They bid Mandy farewell, and strolled out. The night outside was breezy and quiet. “Thanks for a lovely meal,” she said.
“ Me querida , you can thank me with a kiss,” he suggested.
She turned to face him, unsure if she heard him right, but his arm snaked around her waist and he tugged her forward before she had a chance to think of anything. When his lips claimed hers, her breath caught in her throat. The sensations that ran through her body were hot and wild. It was impossible to rein them in. He devoured her mouth and she allowed him to do whatever he wanted. More than that, she matched him stroke for stroke when his tongue danced with hers. It was a long time since she felt this crash and burn in her heart. It was heady to feel like this. She swayed on the waves of passion that swelled and crested inside her. When he broke the contact, she couldn’t really focus. Her mind was a whirl of emotions.
As she tried to gather her thoughts, her gaze took in the shadowy figure that stood under a tree. As if sensing that he’d been spotted, he slipped into the alley. “Who was that?”
Lando