The Manning Sisters Read Online Free PDF Page A

the state. He could also mention that he operated one of the most progressive ranches in the entire country, but he didn’t want to sound as if he was bragging.
    They chatted amicably about nothing important until they got to town. Russ turned off the side street to old man Halloran’s house without even having to ask where Taylor was living. If she was surprised he knew, she didn’t say.
    When he pulled in to her driveway, he cut the engine and rested his arm over the back of her seat. Part of him wanted her to invite him inside for coffee, but it wasn’t coffee that interested him. Another part of him demanded he stay away from this schoolteacher.
    â€œThank you again,” she said softly, staring down at her purse, which she held tightly in her lap.
    â€œNo problem.”
    She raised her eyes to his, and despite all his good intentions, Russ’s hungry gaze fixed on her lips. He became aware that he was going to kiss her about the same time he realized he’d die if he didn’t. He reached for her, half expecting her to protest. Instead she whimpered and wrapped her arms around him, offering him her mouth. The sense of triumph and jubilation that Russ experienced was stronger than any aphrodisiac. He wrapped her in his arms and dragged her against him, savoring the pure womanly feel of her.
    His kiss was wild. His callused hands framed the smooth skin of her face as he slanted his mouth over hers. He kissed her again and again and again.
    Her throaty plea reluctantly brought him back to reason. For an instant Russ worried that he’d frightened her, until he heard his name fall from her lips in a low, frantic whisper. It was then that he knew she’d enjoyed their kisses as much as he had.
    â€œDo you want me to stop?” he asked, his voice a husky murmur. He spread damp kisses down her neck and up her chin until he reached her mouth. Drawing her lower lip between his teeth, he sucked gently.
    â€œPlease…stop,” she pleaded, yet her hands grasped his hair, holding him against her.
    But then Taylor lowered her hands to his shoulders and pulled herself away, leaving only an inch or so between them. Her shoulders heaved.
    â€œI can’t believe that happened,” she whispered.
    â€œDo you want an apology?”
    â€œNo,” she answered starkly. Then, after a moment, she added, “I wanted it as much as you did. I can’t imagine why. We’re about as opposite as any two people can get.”
    â€œMaybe so, but I think we just discovered one way we’re compatible, and it beats the heck out of everything else.”
    â€œOh, please, don’t even say that,” she moaned, and pushed him away. She leaned against the back of the seat and ran a hand down her face as if to wipe away all evidence of their kissing. “This was a fluke. I think it might be best to pretend it never happened.”
    Russ went still, his thoughts muddled and unclear. What she’d said was true. He had no business being attracted to her. No business kissing her. She was from the city and didn’t understand the complexities of his life. Not only that, she was the new schoolteacher, and not a woman the community would approve of him dallying with.
    That they were attracted to each other was a given. Why seemed to be a question neither of them could answer. One thing Russ knew: Taylor was right. It was best to forget this ever happened.
    Â 
    For the next week Taylor did an admirable job of pushing Russ Palmer from her mind. It helped somewhat that she didn’t have any contact with either member of the Palmer family.
    Taylor didn’t question what had come over her or why she’d allowed Russ to kiss her like that. Instead she’d resolutely ignored the memory of their kiss, attributing it to a bad case of repressed hormones. That was the only thing it could’ve been, and analyzing it would accomplish nothing.
    Now that school had started,