LOVE QUAKES: BOXED SET (BOOKS 1-4) by J.S. Luxor Read Free Book Online

enthusiastically.
     
    “There’ll be no kissing involved, Joanna, at least between you and the rescue crew,” he commands with a smirk. “The reason they’re so thorough is that I’ve been texting them detailed instructions about what we want and need. And, don’t worry; I’m paying them well for their efforts.”
     
    “Then, maybe it’s you that should be thanked with a kiss,” I venture and hope it’s what he wants to hear. Tristan immediately leans his face toward mine. I take my time planting a gentle but firm kiss on his forehead and then make my way to his mouth and give him a passionate and long taste before pushing back.
     
    His megawatt smile makes a second appearance this morning. “Your kiss is so delightful, Joanna, and very much appreciated.” I look into his face with satisfaction. His aqua eyes reflect growing desire. It’s time to slow things down again.
     
    “Since you’ve been on the IPhone with the crew, is there any news about when it’ll be safe to move us to higher ground?” I ask with hope.
     
    “The latest quakes are coming in around a 4.0. I’d guess they’ll haul us out of here in a few hours,” he assures me with a confident smile. “Does that make you happy?”
     
    “Well, I’ve really enjoyed our little camping trip. But, it’ll be great to return to campus and finish my final exams, graduate, and then move to my new condo. My life is changing so quickly now, it’s making my head spin. Everything’s been very predictable for the past four years.”
     
    “I’ve a feeling that your new life in Mission Beach will be even more head-spinning in the months to come,” he states cryptically. He looks at me with longing for a full beat before breaking eye contact.
     
    “What do you mean by that?” I ask bravely. “Please, Tristan.”
     
    He seems to be a bit flustered when he responds with a wave of his hand, “It’s just that you’ll start a new career, make new friends, and have new experiences, as a new adult.”
     
    “I, for one, can’t wait to move ahead with my career. I’m so tired of taking classes, writing papers, and working at a dead-end part-time job,” I admit and sound more exasperated than I intended.
     
    “Joanna, I’m envious of you. My world consists of the same old analyses of therapeutic outcomes and bottom line profit indicators,” he admits with some frustration.
     
    I smirk and shake my head, “Yeah, but look what it gets you,” I indicate while I gesture around the space with my hand. I’m thinking of this beautiful building and his economic success.
     
    He laughs without mirth, “Hmmm, trapped in the elevator of a badly damaged skyscraper. Of course meeting you, Joanna; it’s been more than worthwhile.” His eyes fill with an unnamed emotion as he looks directly into my face. This is getting serious, very quickly.
     
    I stare into his wondrous eyes and then ask my burning question. “So you’d like to see me again, after we leave this tight space?” I’m feeling bold, given his behavior toward me over the past 24 hours.
     
    “You know I’ve made that rather clear with my comments and actions over the past several hours, Joanna,” he states with a look of desire and longing oozing from every pore of his body. His breathing sounds heavy already.
     
    “Why would someone like you want a relationship with a naïve college graduate like me?” I ask while my heart beats out of my chest. It’s a showdown at the OK Corral now. There’s nothing to lose at this juncture. I decide to lay my cards on the table.
     
    He huffs out a sigh before speaking. “First and foremost, I find myself drawn to you like no one else. You’re incredibly attractive, innocent, bright, fresh and soothing. When I woke with you wrapped in my arms this morning, I felt wonderful. I can’t remember ever being so refreshed after sleeping.”
     
    I’m stunned at Tristan’s confession. “That’s quite a revelation, after knowing me for