Page 38 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

She caught his soothing scent and ignored the fluttering in the pit of her stomach. “I can fully understand why she’s curious. If you would have liked I could have given her a play by play just how good it is.” Once the words were out, she wanted to suck them back in. What had come over her? She’d only had a couple of ounces of wine so she couldn’t blame drunkenness for her flirting. Maybe she had been jealous.

He used his thumbnail to scratch his temple, looking a bit flustered. “Thanks, but I don’t need any help. I’m flattered that you remember just how good it was between us though. I’m proud to say that I’ve learned a few things in the last fifteen years,” he said smoothly.

Her nipples beaded. Nearly three years without sex, her body ached to be held by strong arms. To be something else than “Mom” for a moment. This was dangerous territory. A sex deprived single mom and a hunky cowboy. “Maybe how to have sex in a bed and not a truck bed?” She twirled a strand of hair around her finger.

“I have to say, I sort of miss the truck bed days. Some of my fondest memories include Strawberry wine, the stars, and you.”

“What are we doing, Rip?” she whispered.

“Following fate’s lead?” He cocked a thick brow.

“I can’t do this.” She backed up a step. Needing to put some space between them before she did something very stupid, and very good.

“Can’t or won’t?” The husky tinge to his voice made her inner thighs tremble with yearning.

“A little of both.” Why lie? She scanned the room. “Still play ring toss, cowboy?”

“Can’t say that I do. It’s been years.”

“That’s probably best considering I always beat you back when we were kids.”

“I think you’re mistaken.”

“Am I? Too bad we can’t put that to the test,” she said saucily.

He reached under the counter and brought out a sign.Away for a moment. Come back.

“Now what were you saying?”

“You don’t have to stay and serve samples?” she asked.

“I’m not getting paid.” He jumped over the counter and his boots hit the floor. He adjusted his hat and his Ryder grin reappeared. “A man can’t run away from a challenge. I just think we should make this worthwhile. Up for a bit of a wager?” He rubbed his hands together as if he delighted in the prospect.

Chapter 13

Not that Rip needed a reminder why he fell for Noelle in the first place, but seeing the old glint in her eyes and the stubborn tilt of her chin hit him straight in the center of his memory gut.

“I’m confident I’ll win. What are we waging?” Her feisty grin made the cells of his body charged.

“We take one shot each. If I win, you’ll allow me to take you out on a date. A real date. An adult date with dinner and a movie.”

Several expressions flickered across her face. Then her smile resurfaced. “And if I win, what do I get?” She planted a hand on her hip.

“What do you want?”

“If I win, you’ll shave your chest.”

He blinked. “Women like the hair on my chest, I’ll have you know ma’am.”

“They do, do they?”

“I don’t remember you complaining.” He liked seeing her flush.

“Are you afraid of losing?”

“Sweetheart, I’m not afraid. But you should be.” He felt stimulated.

“I’ve stood up to bigger challenges.” She clicked her tongue, swiveled and sashayed toward the ring toss booth like a woman on a mission.

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