Should've Said No by Tracy March Page A

insects the only sound outside the open windows. The serene setting would take some getting used to following the perpetual soundtrack of the city that had been part of Lindsey’s life for years. Sirens and traffic and trains. Bells and chimes and chatter.
    “You’re all set,” Carden said from behind her. She turned to see him standing in the doorway with nothing but her queen-sized bed between them.
    “Thank you.”
    “I would normally say ‘my pleasure,’ but that would be a lie.” He gave her a hint of a smile, his blue eyes glinting in the lamplight.
    This guy’s going to be trouble.
    Her heart ticked off some indecipherable Morse code because the other last thing she needed was the temptation of him in her bedroom talking about his pleasure.

    “Dean owes you, that’s for sure.” She quickly walked around the bed and joined him, gesturing in the direction of the kitchen. “You’ve definitely earned a scoop of your favorite flavor.” She didn’t make a habit of eating ice cream two days in a row, but he’d been so nice to bring it. She had to eat some with him. Right?
    Carden took the lead and headed into the living area, giving her a fine rear view framed by his tool belt. He stopped next to the boxes by the door, unbuckled the belt, took it off, and set it on top of the stack.
    Bummer.
    Lindsey took the ice cream out of the freezer, grabbed a couple of spoons from the drawer, then remembered she hadn’t unpacked her dishes. “Sorry to make you wait, but the bowls are in one of those.” She pointed to the boxes.
    “We’ve got spoons, don’t we?”
    She held them up, one in each hand.
    Carden picked up the container, swaggered over to the couch, and cleared a space for them to sit among the books and journals. “Then bring ’em on over.”
    She picked up a couple of napkins and joined him on the couch as he opened the ice cream container and set the lid aside. He took one of the spoons from her, scooped out a heaping spoonful, shifted to face her, and held it up to her mouth. “You first.”
    Lindsey’s heart did a swan dive. Was he going to feed her? “Aw…” She opened her mouth and he tempted her by slowly slipping the spoon inside. She closed her lips around it, creamy-caramel-chocolate melting on her tongue, tasting sweet as sin. Carden sensuously slid the spoon out of her mouth. “Mmm…” she murmured, tipping her head back and closing her eyes for a moment. His sexy, satisfied grin showed her he was pleased with her reaction. A wisp of excitement and nerves swirled inside her. Despite her own warnings, she caught herself thinking of more ways she could please him.

    Lindsey licked her lips and dipped her spoon into the ice cream while Carden steadied the container. His gaze held hers expectantly as she brought the spoonful to his mouth. “I’m so ready for this,” he said in a rough whisper that felt like the touch of his calloused fingers on her hand. Mirroring his motions, she fed him the ice cream, captivated by the look of sheer bliss on his face as he ate it. Her temperature rose despite the cool mountain air that had filled the cabin. Carden was getting to her, no question.
    “God, that’s delicious,” he said.
    She bunched her lips. “Hmm…The marshmallow peach I had last night was tasty, too.”
    Eyebrows lowered, Carden tipped the container toward her. He pressed the cool cardboard against her thigh, sending chilly tingles through her that settled like mist. “But this is clearly better.”
    Lindsey gave him her most demure look. “I don’t know.” She lifted one shoulder. “I’ll need another taste to be sure.”
    Carden tipped his chin slowly, his lips tugging up at one corner. He dipped his spoon into the ice cream, and his gaze met hers knowingly. “I’m on to your game.” He fed her another bite. “But I’m willing to play along.”
    Her heart stuttered as she savored the salty caramel and rich chocolate. Clearly he was referring to her ruse to get