Burning Up by Anne Marsh Read Free Book Online Page B

before he’d enlisted, he’d wake up, sure he was suffocating. He wouldn’t have come back now, but there were things in this world worth paying the price for. His Nonna was one.
    Looked like Lily might be another woman he’d be willing to pay the price for.
    â€œYou’re not that someone.”
    â€œHow come you didn’t move back in with your uncle?”
    The sudden change of subject clearly threw her, because she just blinked at him for a long minute. “He has a life of his own, Jack. And I’m a grown woman.”
    Regret flashed in her eyes for a brief moment, and then she lifted her chin.
    â€œBut you still came home,” he drawled. “To Strong. I figure that makes you my business.”
    â€œYou’re the chief of police now?” she guessed sweetly. “Or the town mayor? In addition to single-handedly managing all our fire prevention efforts? Nice try, Jack, but you can march your arrogance straight down my drive and leave.”
    He shook his head slowly, watching her. “I’m in charge of fire operations here, baby. I have signed orders giving me absolute authority in case of a life-or-death emergency.”
    She made a show of looking left, then right, before glaring at him. “I don’t see any fire, Jack.”
    He strode toward her, his boots eating up the distance between them as if it was nothing. The pretty pink flush crawling up her cheeks drew him like a fish on a line. She had him hooked and didn’t even realize it. There was just one question: Was he going to fight it or let her reel him in? “I’m seeing a life-or-death emergency, though, Lily. All these fires happening right around you has made it pretty damned clear that someone means business.”
    She opened her mouth. Closed it. She was pissed, and that pleased him. There was the life he’d searched for before. Her anger pushed the fear right out of her eyes. Of course, she was pissed as hell at him, but it was all for a good cause.
    He was definitely hooked, he decided.
    He’d insist she keep him. After all, this was about what she wanted, too. She’d tell him the truth, one way or another. Fortunately, his Lilybell was all grown up now—deliciously so—and prying her secrets free one kiss at a time was fair game. Apparently he’d left his good intentions behind when he’d returned to Strong.
    â€œIf you’re staying put here, I’m moving in,” he stated.
    â€œJack—” she warned. “I’m not in the mood for your games.”
    â€œI’m serious.” He wasn’t playing games, not about this. Sure, he was looking forward to playing with her—in bed. Out of bed, however, was another story. His priority was keeping her safe. No matter what it took. “You won’t even know I’m here.” He was already reaching into the back of his pickup, grabbing a large duffel bag.
    Â 
    Arrogant bastard really did think he could move in with her just on his say-so.
    Part of her wished she could let him.
    The rest of her—the part of her that wasn’t drowning in a sea of hormones—knew that letting Jack Donovan through her door would be a big mistake.
    She’d always been cautious. Practical. Jack Donovan had been a delicious treat—and completely off-limits. That way why she’d forced herself to keep him at arm’s length. Back in high school and now, too.
    Her farm, on the other hand, had been a leap of faith she hadn’t known she had in her. Driving up that driveway the first time, she’d known she was finally coming home. The girl who’d been dumped on her uncle’s doorstep by her own mother had finally found a place where she belonged. Lavender Creek was one hundred percent hers in a way that her San Francisco condo had never been. She loved everything about the farm. The intensity of the colors and the rich, thick scent of the lavender filling her fields.