Mr. August by Jan Romes Read Free Book Online

their ground.
    Max almost had his hands on Rory when he switched directions, zigzagging away from his master and hopping on and off the rocks that lined the shore.
    Libby giggled when Max threatened Rory with no treats for a month if he didn’t get off those rocks this second. In a small way she was tickled that Rory was being obstinate. At the same time, those rocks didn’t look too stable. One false move and that cute pile of fur would be in the lake. She contemplated calling him to see if he’d come running. Max might not want her help. After all, the day they met he said he’d appreciate it if she didn’t get chummy with his dog. A lot had come and gone since then and she wasn’t sure that still applied.
    Alarm coursed through Libby when the rock Rory pranced on wobbled under his tiny weight. She was down the deck steps and halfway to the lake in two seconds flat. Max lunged forward to get the taunting mongrel. The little dog jumped out of the way and the rocks gave way.
    Rory didn’t end up in the lake—Max did.
    Libby got to the scene at breakneck speed. “Oh God, Max!” She offered her hand but he waved it away. Adrenaline pummeled her insides. The lake was ice cold and if he didn’t get out of there ASAP he would be in big trouble. “Please, let me help you.”
    “Get back, Libby, it’s not safe.” Max swam to another spot and tried to pull himself out. The rocks he grabbed let loose too, sending him underwater.
    “Noooo.” Libby was about to dive in when Max surfaced, teeth clattering, his eyes wide with alarm. “Give me your hand, dammit,” she said with more fear than authority.
    To her surprise, he didn’t argue.
    With all her strength, she pulled and fell backwards onto the ground. The effort was enough to heave Max out of the water but his chest hit the rocks.
    Libby sprang up. “Are you hurt?”
    Max didn’t respond to the question, probably because he was shaking so hard it was difficult to do anything else. His lips were a light shade of purple and his skin, a milky tint of gray. Libby’s pulse thudded in her chest and at her temples. With the cold air and blustery wind hitting him, she had to do something fast before hypothermia took a hold of him. Libby put her arms under Max’s shoulders for leverage, which put his face in her chest. There was no time to adjust him. She took a deep breath and tugged with all her might. They both sailed backwards. Max landed smack dab on top of her. Under different circumstances, she would’ve blushed from her scalp to her toes. As it was, she didn’t have time to dwell on the familiarity of their bodies touching everywhere. She rolled him to the side, took his forearms and brought him to his feet. With his arm draped across her shoulder she hurried them to her cabin. Rory followed close behind.
    Libby monitored Max’s vital signs while removing his dripping wet jacket, wondering if a call to 9-1-1 was needed. His breathing seemed okay, although his body was being racked by shivers and he was still the color of ash. She spoke gently, but in a rush. “We have to get you out of those clothes.” He didn’t resist and seemed incapable of helping.
    She pulled off his sneakers and tried to unbutton his chambray shirt. After fighting with the first two buttons, Libby took a hold of the front and pulled it apart, buttons went flying. “I’ll buy you a new one.”
    She dropped to her knees to unsnap his jeans. She slid down the zipper and tried to work the wet denim from his hips but the soggy fabric seemed to stick to his body. Libby tugged hard but the jeans stayed in place. If the darned things didn’t move soon, she was going to cut the blasted things off. One last effort paid off. The jeans came down around his ankles and she was face to face with the front of his boxers. Libby jumped up like a coiled spring. Wet or not, those were staying on.
    A hard tremor shook Max’s muscled frame. Tears welled in Libby’s eyes. She had to get him warmed