Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle Read Free Book Online Page B

illegal—anything serious, at least.”
    â€œIan. Billy just walked out of here with an untraceable rifle. Is that so he can use that gun for hunting, to keep the mule deer’s family from tracking him down and getting revenge on him for shooting their loved one?”
    â€œYou just sold it to him!” His voice rose.
    â€œ I know. ” Tucking her hands into the back pockets of her jeans, she moved her gaze around the shop, focusing on anything except the man standing a few feet away from her. “That’s my point. Most of the money I make is in there.” Rory jerked her head at the door to the back room. “I don’t want to get in any deeper than I already am. And I definitely don’t want to attract any attention from law enforcement. Right now, the cops pretty much leave me alone. I’d like that to continue.”
    As he stared at her, his expression changed to something closer to thoughtfulness.
    â€œWhat?” she finally snapped, not able to take the charged silence for another minute.
    â€œI just realized you’re full of shit—er, baloney.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œI’ve been trying to figure it out. You’re nervous about us getting together,” he said, watching her closely—too closely for comfort. “But it’s not because of what I do. It’s not Fire, and it’s not the Riders.”
    Making a scoffing noise, she pulled her hands out of her pockets and went to move past him. “I have work to do. If you want to stand here and play gun-shop psychologist, have at it.”
    He caught her arm, turning her to face him. Meeting his eyes with a defiant gaze, she tried to ignore the way her heart was thudding in double time. It wasn’t from fear—which made it so much scarier.
    â€œIn the three years we’ve been friends, haven’t you ever wanted to be more?”
    Yes! The answer echoed in her brain so loudly that she worried for a second she’d actually shouted it. The images from the other night’s dream replayed in her head, heating her cheeks—and other body parts, as well. For an instant, she allowed herself to consider it. Could she and Ian actually be a possibility? Then Rory imagined walking through Simpson while the locals whispered and laughed behind their hands, wondering what the crazy gun-shop lady was doing with the motorcycle-riding, lifesaving picture-of-beauty that was Ian Walsh.
    Her nerves quickly smothered that spark of hope. It was ridiculous to even consider that she was good enough for Ian. Firmly squashing her secret thirteen-year-old dreams, she tugged her arm free of his gentle grip. Her expression must have given her away, though, because his eyes lit.
    â€œRor,” he said softly, hopefully, taking a step closer. “You do want me.”
    â€œNo.” It sounded weak, even to Rory’s own ears.
    â€œYou do.” His voice was certain. “I know you’re scared, though.”
    â€œI’m not scared,” she snapped.
    â€œWe’ll take it slow,” he assured her, ignoring her obvious lie. “As much time as you need. I can wait.” His laugh was short but happy. “I’m good at waiting.”
    She didn’t know how to respond, so she didn’t. Averting her eyes, she hurried toward the back room, keeping her gaze focused strictly in front of her. If she looked at him, she’d waver. Just a conversation with him yesterday had made her restless and unsettled. Ian Walsh had the power to completely dismantle her safe life if she let him.
    As she closed the back-room door behind her, Rory turned and let her forehead press against the cool metal. It felt good on her flushed face.
    She knew perfectly well that he could make her miserable, so why did she feel like she’d just made a mistake by walking away?

Chapter 3
    When the alarm started beeping for the fourth night in a row, Rory swore vehemently enough to startle