Read FLOWERS and CAGES for Free Online Page B

lawyer. Or a park ranger. Or… Colleen chuckled. She had her first date at the age of fifteen. Eleven years later, the variety of her suitors was impressive for a small-town girl. Men liked her. And she liked men. She enjoyed the conversation. Sometimes, if the chemistry were right, she enjoyed the sex.
    The full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door didn't lie. Colleen looked good. She was a woman comfortable in her skin—flaws and all. Did that mean she wouldn't have changed something if the genetics gods had given her a menu of options? Sure. Who wouldn't? But she liked her body. It was strong and resilient. It allowed her to work long hours without breaking down, and her legs looked damn fine in a skirt.
    Doing a final twirl, Colleen gave herself an approving nod. She didn't dress up often—unless her date sprang for a night in Phoenix. However, she enjoyed putting on the ritz. Not to impress Dalton, but herself. He had traveled the world. Beautiful women threw themselves at him—literally. Colleen smiled when she pictured Dalton stepping over bodies on his way to a waiting limo. Inside? Gorgeous females draped in satin and silk.
    No, she wasn't trying to compete. She simply wanted to look her best. And if Dalton's killer blue eyes flared with appreciation? Win/win for Colleen.
    Dalton's call had been a surprise. A very pleasant one. Colleen had already slipped into her favorite around-the-house shorts and t-shirt, debating whether to heat up the oven for a pizza or stay cool with a sandwich. Not the most exciting evening, but it suited her mood.
    When the phone rang, Colleen debated ignoring it. What was voicemail for if not to avoid family and friends? But at the last minute, she gave in. Seeing it was Dalton perked up her mood considerably. Until she remembered that he was in possession of her prized car. If he had totaled her baby, there would be blood.
    "Hello," Colleen answered cautiously.
    "What are you doing for dinner?"
    A tingle of anticipation zipped through Colleen's body. Zing. Zip. Zowie. The pizza could stay in the freezer for another less-promising evening. What was she doing for dinner?
    "Having it with you."
    Glancing at the clock, Colleen realized that Dalton was due at any second. Slipping on a pair of strappy sandals with wonderfully high heels, she walked to the bathroom. She wasn't a frilly girl, but feeling feminine came in many forms. Besides, there was as much power to be found in a pair of high heels as scuffed up work boots.
    Leaning close to the mirror over the sink, Colleen did one final survey. Makeup? Good. All she used was a bit of powder, some mascara, and a touch of color on her lips. Hair? The dark auburn tresses hung in natural waves across her shoulders. She rarely found the need—or the patience—to do more than a wash and go. There had been plenty of time for it to dry. With a quick flick of her comb, she was ready to go.
    The sound of the doorbell put a smile on Colleen's lips. Feeling like a kid about to open a beautifully wrapped package, she hurried to the door. Humming, she reached for the knob and burst out laughing.
    "Is it me?" Dalton checked his fly. "All zipped up. Though if that made you laugh, my ego would be in shreds."
    "Come in." Colleen moved to the side. "I was laughing at myself, not you. Though I hope your ego could withstand a chuckle or two."
    "Trust me, no man wants to hear a woman chuckle at his… zipper."
    Sexy. Gorgeous. And a self-deprecating humor that was hard to find—and completely irresistible. Dalton Shaw just went from yummy to mouthwatering.
    "I don't do sex on a first date."
    "Me neither."
    Colleen crossed her arms and waited. Dalton looked as if he planned on waiting her out, then, to her delight, he grinned.
    "Honestly. I will admit to screwing around—in my younger days—with women I just met. But if it's a date? Nope. I save myself for at least the second or third."
    "In your younger days, old man? What are you?