The Hunk Next Door (25 page)

At the dark alley, Austin slowed. It was late enough that there were lights on in the houses.

“Come on,” Austin said, and they started to turn down the alley.

A vehicle came around the corner, moving slowly. Gillian felt the headlights wash over them and let out a worried sound as she froze in midstep.

Her moment of panic didn’t subside when she saw that it was a sheriff’s department vehicle.

“Austin?” she whispered, not sure what to do.

He turned to her and pulled her into his arms. Her mouth opened in surprise and the next thing she knew, he was kissing her. At first she was too stunned to react. But after a moment, she put her arms around his neck and lost herself in the kiss.

As the headlights of the sheriff’s car washed over them, she gave a small helpless moan when Austin deepened the kiss, drawing her even closer.

The sheriff’s car went on past, and she felt a pang of regret. Slowly, Austin drew back a little. His gaze locked with hers, and for a moment they stood like that, quick, warm breaths coming out in white clouds.

“Sorry.”

She shook her head. She wasn’t sorry. She felt…lightheaded, happy, as if helium filled. She thought she might drift off into the night if he let go of her.

“Are you okay?” he asked, looking worried.

She touched the tip of her tongue to her lower lip. “Great. Never better.”

Find out what happens next in
DELIVERANCE AT CARDWELL RANCH
by
New York Times
bestselling author B.J. Daniels,
available December 2014, only from Harlequin® Intrigue®.

Copyright © 2014 by Barbara Heinlein

ISBN-13: 9781460342183

The Hunk Next Door

Copyright © 2014 by Debra Webb

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