Page 11 of I Want Crazy (Loco, Texas 3)

“Are you always this pushy with people you can’t stand?”

“Hey, isn’t this what getting to know each other is? Sharing is caring.”

“I made a mistake. Men and women can’t be friends. Statistically impossible. One of the friends is always a little in love with the other or at least sexually attracted to them, and sex ruins friendships.”

Red gave her a teasing leer. “Are you saying you want to have sex with me?”

“Of course not. Look at your cuticles.” The playful amusement was back.

Again she had avoided his questions, but he let it go.

Maybe she’s running from something?

Could be. She had all the earmarks of a woman who wasn’t afraid of trouble and found it easily.

The next few moments were quiet as they entered the small stretch of shops that made up Loco, Texas. The old buildings had the same structure they’d sported for over a hundred years, except for the fresh paint and structural upgrades the town had pitched in to do. It kept an old-time charm with modern conveniences, and the town council had hoped it would start bringing tourists in, but so far it remained pretty much locals and a few lost out-of-towners.

Jessie finally broke the silence. “I love this town. Reminds me of where I grew up.”

He glanced her way, but she had her head leaned back against the headrest, looking out the w

indow again.

Well, if she wasn’t going to volunteer information, then he was going to ask questions. “Where was that? I thought California was all vineyards and beaches?”

She turned, and her look clearly said, you are an idiot.

“Actually, I grew up in a tiny town in the foothills, which is set up a lot like this. It used to be part of the gold country and it’s famous for hanging people.”

Red pulled in front of the old hotel, parallel parking with ease since there weren’t any other cars on the street.

“Well, that’s definitely a point of interest,” Red said drily.

“Yep. The old hotel even has a dummy hanging outside against the front of the building.”

“So, instead of guns, the men walk around with nooses on their belts?”

“Actually, we have guns too. Northern California is pretty rural, especially on the stretch along Highway 50.”

“Is that where your family is?” He knew he wasn’t going to get anything else from her when she reached for her seat belt and unsnapped it.

“Thanks for the ride and the help back there.”

She pulled her door lever to open her side, but he covered her hand with his. The motion brought his face inches from hers, and her wide eyes met his.

He had no idea why he’d done it or what he’d wanted to say. All he could think about was that she smelled like coconut and her lips were parted, inviting, and, man, he wanted to…

Before he could stop himself, he closed the distance and gave her a quick, hard kiss. The warmth of her mouth, the sweet taste of her lip gloss… It was all he could do not to slip his tongue inside and explore. He pulled away just as her lips softened, and lied, “You say we can’t be friends because of sexual complications, but I didn’t feel a thing.”

He saw something flash in her eyes, and his wishful thinking felt it might have been disappointment. “Okay. So you kiss me and we’re friends now?”

“Yep.”

“Got it. Makes total sense,” she said.

Clearing his throat, he put some distance between them. “Try to stay out of trouble.”

Her expression was puzzled, and he couldn’t blame her. She pushed the door open and gave him a little smile. “I make no promises.”

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