Gage, Ronna - Send Her To Me (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ronna Gage Page A

first college semester, he sent her a woman’s version of that proverbial Dear John letter. Anger and hurt consumed her for a long time. Still, to this day, she didn’t know if she was over him or not. His betrayal hurt her that deep. Fear of getting hurt again kept her from involvements with anyone else.
    Today, for the first time since that heartache, Kelli had an urge to take a risk with Carter. The magnitude of her attraction for him both terrified and thrilled her. Every time she heard from him, her body tingled with awareness, and at the same time, she waited for the inevitable end. This fear terrified her into sending little messages to her heart to slow down. Exploring the promise of a relationship with Carter was a big step for her to take, one that might lead to heartache.
    “Mine!” She looked to the sky. “God, should I chance it and trust him? In Oklahoma, he’d proved himself a gentleman when he insisted she sleep on the bed, and he would sleep on the small sofa in the suite.” Kelli smiled at the chivalrous gesture. Suddenly, she imagined his long legs hanging over the side of the armrest while his frame tried to fit on the small cushions of the sofa. Kelli giggled. “Carter always makes me laugh. Even when he isn’t around, I laugh out loud like a crazy loon.” It would be easy to fall for someone like…
    “What am I doing?”
    A part of her didn’t want to get into a position where she could get hurt. Her attraction for him was too strong to forget. She needed a distraction. She looked at the clock. “Twenty-five minutes left and I have no idea what to wear.”
    The clothes in her closet hadn’t changed the last nine times she looked inside. “Where does Cather plan to take me?” She’d asked him earlier about the dinner plans, but he’d replied with an evasive answer. It’s better than the buffet two nights ago. Carter’s surprise with dinner plans accounted for his sense of humor. “That doesn’t help me choose the right outfit, Carter,” she said in frustration. She ran her fingers through the rows of clothes. Unable to make a decision, she placed a hand over her eyes and pulled out the first thing she grabbed. A black and maroon sleeveless tank dress. She stepped into the dress. The black empire skirt hugged her waist, and the dark color slimmed the curves of her hips. The maroon V-neck plunged low between her breasts. Satisfied with her choice, she straightened her posture and continued to look at her reflection. The peal of the doorbell sounded throughout the apartment. Her stomach flip-flopped with excitement. She rubbed the sweat from her damp palms and inhaled deeply to clear her nerves. “He’s here!”
    “Hi, Carter!” She heard Tonya greet him. Kelli’s insides jumbled into tight knots.
    “Welcome, come on in. Would you like something to drink?”
    Good one, give me a few more seconds to breathe.
    “No, but thank you,” he replied, his voice rich.
    He has such impeccable manners.
    “Kelli’s almost ready,” Tonya informed him. “I’ll go and get her.” A couple of seconds later, a soft tap vibrated on the bedroom door. Tonya peeked her head in. “Kelli? Carter’s here.”
    Kelli looked at her cousin. By the look in her eyes, Tonya was pleased with her choice of dress. “I take it you like?”
    Tonya nodded and stepped inside. “You look great.”
    Kelli smiled. “Thanks. Let’s hope he likes it.” She took one last look at her image and grabbed her small evening bag off the bed.
    “I’m sure he will,” Tonya encouraged a second before they rounded the corner to the living room.
    The second Kelli saw Carter, she had no doubt he liked the dress, too.

    * * * *

    Carter’s leg jerked nervously while he waited for Kelli and Tonya to re-enter the living room. All day long he focused on one thing. If I don’t see her soon, I’ll go crazy . That statement became his silent tune for the past twenty-four hours. Work kept him busy to the point that he