Beautiful Storm by Megan Isaacs Read Free Book Online

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    I glance back at Noah, and an amused expression lights his face. “So, this is me. Are you coming in?”
    My insides lurch, but for some reason I nod anyway. He leans over, pays the taxi driver, and then slides his large frame out of the car. When I don’t make any movement, he bends back into the cab and holds his hand out for me. “Come on.”
    His long fingers engulf my hand as they tighten and then tug to pull me out of my seat. A small tremor of fear mixed with excitement shivers its way through my body. I never do things like this. Swallowing deeply, I finally find my voice as we stride hand in hand across his driveway to the front door.
    “Have you lived here long?”
    He drops my hand, fumbles in his pockets for a second, then inserts his key and unlatches the heavy front door, pushing it wide open. “Long enough,” he responds simply.
    He behaved like this in his interview. It’s my job to deal with people, and no one I’ve ever met gives as many non-answers as he does. He gives replies that make me think I’ve gotten an answer, but never really tells me anything. It’s odd, but intriguing at the same time.
    He steps inside, presses his back against the door to hold it open, and waits for me to enter. I follow him into his home; he presses a switch and the hallway illuminates. With a smooth flick of his wrist, his keys land with no effort into a wooden bowl on the table just inside the door, followed by his wallet. My gaze naturally follows his strong frame as he walks ahead of me. He has one of those bums, which jeans hug like a second skin. His shirt fits tight enough to get a glimpse of the muscles underneath. Desire floods inside me and panic rises.
    What on earth am I doing?
    Without a doubt, it’s the unknown that draws me to him. And I need this. Whatever this is.
    Unnerved by my feelings, my mind searches for something to say. I settle on the one thing that has bothered me since I met him. “Why do you call me Lizzie?” I’m curious. The only other person to call me Lizzie is my best friend, Boo.
    “It’s your name.”
    We enter into his kitchen. He flicks another switch, casting light over the room, and heads straight for the fridge. “Would you like a drink?” He moves things around, searching behind them. “I’ve only got Peroni or milk.” He shakes his head and turns to me.
    “Have you got any tea?” I place my bag on the floor and lean back against the wall, unsure if I should sit or remain standing.
    His face scrunches. It’s an adorable look on him. “No. I hate that shit. I’ve got coffee though.”
    “I guess that’ll have to do then.” I give him a wide smile, trying to refrain from laughing because he seems to be out of his comfort zone. Deciding I’m not letting him get away without explaining the name thing, I push him further. “I introduced myself to you as Elizabeth, then Liz, but from the outset you’ve always called me Lizzie. I just wondered why.”
    He fills the kettle and sets it to boil. “Because Elizabeth’s too formal and reminds me of a grandma.” He turns around to face me, pinning me with his dark gaze. “Liz seems too hard and stiff for you. I wouldn’t want to fuck a plank and believe me, I want to fuck you, so it’s Lizzie. That okay with you?” He tilts his head and leans back against the kitchen cupboards.
    I’d laugh at his ridiculous reasoning if I weren’t so turned on by it.
    “So, Lizzie…” He purrs my name, no doubt on purpose. “What is it you’re hiding?”
    Instantly my hackles rise. “What do you mean?”
    He rumbles that deep laugh of his again. “See, you’re hiding something.” For a few beats he remains quiet. “A boyfriend?”
    Heat burns at my cheeks and I find myself unable to meet his gaze.
    “Don’t worry, I prefer it that way.”
    Startled by his words, I whip my head in his direction. “Prefer it?”
    “Yes, angel. I like it that way.” A devastating smile slides onto his face.