That Dating Thing
by
Mackenzie Crowne
The daughter of Wall Street’s most notorious stock swindler, dog trainer, Rylee Pierce, has perfected the art of flying beneath society’s radar. Prosecutor, Cooper Reed is a threat to her carefully hidden truths, but how is a woman supposed to resist a man capable of handling a psychotic Great Dane, while charming her out of her panties before she has the chance to blink?
The concept of love is a farce as far as Coop is concerned. Romance is something else. One look at the sexy dog-whisperer, and he knows he has to have her. With her sultry looks, and sarcastic wit, it isn’t long before Rylee demolishes his long-held beliefs, but would the secrets in her dark eyes mean the end of his political ambitions?
Is love strong enough to conquer all, or will the legacy of deceit and greed destroy them both?
For your reading pleasure, here is an excerpt.
“So, this is The Canine Academy?” He eyed the cages. “Where are your other students?”
“Gone for the day.”
He heard her soft release of pent up breath, and smiled. Yes, off balance was just how he wanted her.
“Why is Pippin still here?”
“Pippin required a more intense program. He’s our only boarder at the moment.”
“Have dinner with me,” he said without looking around. She didn’t answer, and he waited several beats before glancing over his shoulder. The wariness was back, and as expected, sarcasm was her response.
“We just finished dinner. What do you have, a tapeworm?”
He turned to face her. “I’d like to take you to dinner, Rylee.”
Her hand went to Belle’s head beside her, and her chin jutted up a notch. “That wouldn’t be a good idea, Coop.”
“Why? I’m attracted to you, and a man can tell when the attraction is mutual.” She said nothing, returning his gaze while her fingers scratched at the fur between Belle’s ears. “It’s just a meal.” He crossed his arms. “I’m not suggesting we jet off to Vegas.”
She snorted softly. “That’s a relief. Casinos give me a headache.”
The dry sarcasm in her tone made him smile. She hadn’t said no.
“Look, you’re a great looking guy.”
He flashed a grin, and was pleased when her lips twitched in response.
“And I admit you have a certain amount of charm,” she added reluctantly.
“But?”
“But, your father is married to my aunt.”
“Cousin,” he corrected. He dropped his arms to his sides and took a step toward her. “And Dad and Silvia can get their own dinner.”
Her lips formed a genuine smile this time, but she shook her head. “People rarely come out of this kind of thing on friendly terms.”
“This kind of thing?” He continued to advance.
“We’re connected through Sil and Elliott. I don’t want to see them caught in the middle when this…dating thing, or whatever it is you’re after, ends.”
“This dating thing?”
“Or whatever it is you’re after,” she repeated. As he closed the distance, she took a step back, and bumped up against the shark cage. She stuck out her arm, and her spread fingers slapped against his chest to prevent him from coming any closer. “I’m not in the market for a relationship right now.”
“Then we don’t have a problem, because, neither am I.” He brushed a finger over the perfect skin of her cheekbone. “So, here’s what I suggest.”
Her eyelashes fluttered, pupils dilating, and reluctant temptation replaced the wariness in the dark orbs. Still, she kept a defensive hand on his chest.
“If you insist on negotiating when I’ve already explained my concerns,” she said, holding his gaze, “I’d rather you didn’t touch me.”
He nearly gave in to the urge to kiss her at the artless admission of finding his touch disturbing. Instead, he moved his hand to the cage beside her head. His fingers wrapped around the metal bars and he dipped his head, bringing his face closer to hers. She blinked but held her ground, meeting his gaze boldly.
“I propose we get to know one another,” he pressed. “A few dinners. Maybe a show, or a ball game or two if you’d like. We find out what makes the other tick.”
“Hmm.” Her mouth moved into a smirk. “Five seconds ago you were talking a meal. Now it’s a few dinners, and a ball game or two. At this rate we’ll be jetting off to Vegas by the end of the week.”
Her hand didn’t try to stop him when he took the final step that brought their bodies within inches. “Has anyone ever accused you of being a wise ass?”
Head cocked as though seriously considering the question, her mouth quivered on a smile. “Nope.”
“How about liar?”
She lost the battle with the smile, and her low laugh sent a lash of desire whipping across his midsection. He did what he’d wanted to do since arriving at his father’s condo days ago. Leaning in, he took.
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