Flash Burned by Calista Fox Read Free Book Online Page B

get our laptop bags and lock up while I rallied the strength to walk to the bathroom and take off my makeup, let down my hair.
    Dane returned and he lit a fire in the hearth, then snuggled with me in bed. He reached back to the nightstand on his side and turned off the light. Silvery moonlight streamed through the tall trees filling the property and filtered through the unadorned floor-to-ceiling windows.
    Spooning me—my favorite sleeping position—he held me tight to his hard body. I felt his heat … and his desire for me.
    â€œDane.”
    â€œShh.”
    His embrace was firm and protective. Sweet and seductive. I grew restless by the second, despite how exhausting my day had been. And the weeks leading up to it.
    â€œWe didn’t really get to talk to each other tonight at the dinner,” I said in a sleepy voice.
    â€œYou’re the one who insisted on the seating placements,” he reminded me with a chastising tone. “I wanted you next to me. You—”
    â€œThought it was too obvious,” I said for him.
    â€œAnd, now, I’m pretty sure everyone’s wondering if you’re with Kyle.”
    I smiled, though he couldn’t see it. “That’s ridiculous. We argue like siblings. And I can’t possibly be the only one who sees how you look at me. Even when you think it’s just a fleeting glance, it’s still wholly possessive.”
    He was quiet for several moments. His warm breath blew against my neck. I cherished the intimate shelter Dane created with his hunky body curling around mine, tucking me against him.
    â€œYou think they all know how I feel about you?” he asked in a contemplative tone.
    â€œNo. Definitely not. I think they wonder why you bother by way of giving me rides and whatnot. My guess is, they surmise you’re remorseful that I was targeted when it came to the on-site troubles. Maybe they just believe you want to make it all up to me.”
    Silence enveloped us again.
    Honestly, I had no idea what people at the Lux thought of our association. To me, it seemed pretty contained. No easy feat when we naturally gravitated to each other.
    I asked, “Does it matter?”
    â€œI feel you’re better protected if we’re not romantically connected.”
    â€œThen you’ll have to stop glaring at every man who looks my way.”
    â€œImpossible,” he mumbled.
    â€œWell, then I don’t know what to say, except—”
    â€œMarry me, Ari.”

 
    chapter 3
    My stomach flipped. My heart launched into my throat.
    I wiggled out of Dane’s firm embrace and flopped onto my side to face him.
    â€œWhat did you just say?” I demanded, breathless and wide-eyed.
    He smirked. “You heard me.” Brushing curls off my shoulder and cheek, he added, “Be my wife.”
    I gaped. It took a few seconds to recover. “Didn’t you just tell me we shouldn’t be romantically involved?”
    â€œThat’s not at all what I said. Yes, I feel you’re safer if fewer people know of our romantic connection, but that by no means implies I don’t want us to be together.”
    My eyes squeezed shut for a moment. He never did make things easy. Gazing at him again, I said, “So … somehow marriage is okay in your mind?”
    â€œYou don’t seem to get it. I’m one-hundred percent committed to this. To you. I’m deeply, madly, passionately— insanely —in love with you.” He grinned. The lazy one that made my insides ignite. “No escaping it. So I want you to officially be mine.”
    â€œI am yours. With or without the I do s.”
    â€œI want the I do s,” he said emphatically.
    â€œJesus. Dane.” My heart beat much too fast, my chest rising and falling quickly against his. “You really like keeping me from getting my feet underneath me.”
    â€œAri.” His fingers grazed my temple, stroking languidly.