Page 79 of Chasing Kaylee Kringle

“And what does that mean?” she snapped.

“When people, especially men, are just looking to get laid, they will tell a girl anything she wants to hear to get them into the sack. That’s why a one-night stand is a bad idea.” Rick took her arm, stopping her angry march and turning to face her. “You’re gonna hurt this guy ’cause he actually likes you, and you’re planning on just using him and discarding him. You’re not cruel, Kaylee. Giving someone false hope is not something that you should do.”

“Well, then, we won’t do the one-night stand. I will finish number thirteen instead.”

“I did not memorize your list, so if you could elaborate, that would be amazing.”

“Trying something I don’t think I’m going to like to see if I change my mind.”

“You’re not going to tell him that, are you?”

“I’m not talking about him! I am going to pick something off the menu when we go to dinner.” As if something suddenly occurred to her, she turned around and poked him in the chest. “You’d better not ask Josie where I’m going. If you show up and embarrass me, I will end you.”

Rick grinned wickedly. “What do I get out of it if I stay home like a good boy?”

“I don’t poison your coffee.”

“I won’t get my coffee from you anymore.”

“I will sneak into the inn. Remember, I have friends in this town. Don’t mess with me.”

Rick chuckled. “Fine. I won’t say anything, but I still think you’re wasting his and your time.”

“Well, I appreciate your concern, but my love life is none of your business. Remember, you are just the agent in charge of bringing me in to testify, and I am just your witness.”

They reached her car, and he caged her in against it with his arms on either side of her body. “You really think that’s all there is between us.”

“I think that’s all there’s going to be.”

Rick pushed off her car and took a step back, regret and frustration churning in his gut. He started to walk away, but she called after him.

“No more snarky comments or arguments to change my mind?”

“No,” he said, facing her. “You’re a grown woman who knows her own mind, and I’m just your FBI agent.”

“I’m surprised,” she muttered, and Rick wondered if that’s what she’d hoped to get from him. That he’d keep trying to convince her to trust him again, but he was all out of words and needed actions.

Maybe if she thought he’d given up, though, she’d get a taste of what he’d been going through.

“Don’t be. I’m on vacation, and I don’t really know anybody in town. Maybe I should ask somebody out. Have a little fun.”

Kaylee’s expression turned thunderous. “You cannot date anyone in this town.”

“And why not?”

“Because I know them.”

“I’m just the FBI agent protecting you, right? So it doesn’t matter who I go out with.”

“You know what? You’re right. Go out with whoever you want and have a great time.”

“Thanks. I think I will.”

“Good.”

“Great.”

“Fine.”