Heat Wave by Sara Orwig Read Free Book Online Page A

angry words.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “That was long ago. I seldom even give it thought anymore. It doesn’t seem very real to me now. I used to sleep outside when I was a kid. The patio wasn’t fenced and you could watch the sun come up. Dawn is beautiful in summertime.”
    She settled back in her chair, gazing at the stars, surprised that Cole would enjoy just sitting quietly.
    After a time he asked her, “What’s your father do?”
    “He retired last year from his job as a pharmaceutical salesman.”
    “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
    “Yes, five sisters.”
    “I’ll bet your father’s spoiled rotten.”
    She laughed. “He might be at that. I’ve never seen him cook anything.”
    “I can’t remember learning,” Cole remarked. His thumb moved back and forth over the back of her hand, tickling lightly, making her acutely aware of his proximity, his touch.
    “Want something to drink?”
    “No, thanks.”
    He scooted closer, dropping his right arm around her shoulder, taking her fingers in his left hand.
    She was ready to protest if he turned to kiss her, but he settled back to gaze at the sky. Somewhere in the distance a forlorn howl drifted through the night. Close at hand, dogs barked an answer.
    Marilee listened, wondering what it would be like to grow up in the country, to live in a big house as Cole had. She tried to visualize what he would have looked like as a small boy. Instead, into her mind flashed the enticing image of his lean tanned body at poolside, his blue eyes dancing.
    With the lightness of a breeze, his fingers grazed the back of her neck, then drifted across her shoulder and along her upper arm. The swift singing current that raced in her veins was enough to bring her to her feet.
    “Cole, I need to get home,” she announced firmly. He stood beside her and placed his palms on her shoulders, the knit sleeves of his blue shirt tightening around his biceps.
    Ignoring the heated touch of his hands, she brought up the subject she had managed to avoid all evening. “I want to take Jack’s balloon home. I don’t want you to buy a new one.”
    “I’ve already told him to buy one and that I’d pay for it. I don’t go back on my word.”
    “You’re making the inevitable more difficult.”
    In a soft voice, he drawled, “Here’s the inevitable—and I’ve waited much too long.”
    Her mouth felt dry while the hammering in her ears almost drowned out the sound of his voice. He reached out, pulling her into his arms. His smile vanished as his voice deepened. ‘This is as certain as the wheat turning gold beneath the Kansas sun.”
    When he leaned down to kiss her, taking her mouth and stopping her mild protest, she knew she had made a mistake. She should have asked him to take her home the moment dinner was over. The thought faded into oblivion, driven away by total awareness of Cole, his mouth, his lean frame.
    He parted her lips, invading her mouth with an assurance that confirmed his words. Why did his kiss have to feel right? So exciting? Finally, she pushed away slightly to whisper, “We shouldn’t. I shouldn’t. Not now. Please …”
    “Shh, witch.” His mouth brushed hers lightly. “No negative statements, no rejection. Not between Us.”
    “Cole, I want this to end, finish. Period.”
    He shook his head. “Impossible. You’re an enchantress, an auburn-haired Circe who’s bewitched me.” Once more his lips feathered over hers, melting her resistance.
    The lightest brush of his mouth was electrifying, tripping the hammers, revving the tiny motors to send steamheat boiling in her blood. His lips pressed hers eagerly, parting them to give him access to her mouth. She was held fast in his arms while his tongue demanded her response, the sweet, fiery clash that raised temperatures instantly.
    His lips trailed kisses to her throat, overwhelming her. Her bones melted. Her lashes dropped as she sought his lips for another incredible kiss that would sweep her beyond