Tequila Sunset: A Military Erotic Romance (Sexy Siesta Series Book 2) by Talina Perkins Read Free Book Online

bit.” There was a long pause. “And…I’m a little nervous about some news on a job I applied for today.”
    “ Ah , what kind of job?”
    Her sister sighed one of those dreamy, I’ve-got-it-bad sighs that signaled lustful thoughts. Something she knew about all too well. “It’s a temp job at a security firm here in L.A. I think you’ve heard of Re-Con Securities? Its owned by two former Recon Marines and from what I’ve heard, they’ve made a name for themselves on an international basis. Anyway, if I get the job, I’ll be their personal assistant and client coordinator.”
    “And I bet they’re dreamy, right?” Her sister’s laugh said it all. It only made an appearance when she was nervous or wanted to hide the truth.
    “I’m there to work, sis. It’s not my fault they’re a pair of hunky former Marines. Besides, with the ‘we’ll call you tomorrow’, and curt dismissal, I don’t think they’re all that interested in a secretary on that level.”
    “ Ahì , Mia, you have no idea just how beautiful you really are.” Her heart reached out for her sister. She changed the subject before the conversation turned sappy. No way she’d keep it together if that happened. “We missed you today, hermana.”
    “Yeah, me, too. With only another year to go, I really need to focus. I’m still making up for what I missed…ya know…when mama was sick. But hey, I’ll make it and when I do, we can rewrite our story a bit, sì ? I think we’ve lived enough hell, ya know.”
    “ Sì , I do know, Mia. I’ll call you when I hit San Diego tomorrow afternoon. Now get some sleep. Oh, and hey, good luck with that job, chica .”
    They said their goodbyes and hung up. Ema eased back from the water, rethinking the skinny-dipping at midnight plan, and turned on her heel.
    Mia worked so hard and sounded so happy. No way Ema could bring the rain to the party and tell her about the financial situation that could pull her from school even if she did land that job. Not yet. She’d have to find the right time, and soon.
    She made her way to Gabriel’s bungalow positioned back from the beach a few yards, shadowed by palm trees. The moon played in the palm fronds, casting long shadows that danced on the sand.
    The crunching of dry leaves caught her attention off to her left and slowed her pace. Fear tickled the back of her mind. Her gaze darted between the palm trunks, searching for the source of the noise. She squinted, fastening her attention to the corner of the bungalow.
    There was the crunching again. This time the noise came from deeper within the tree line. She strained to make out exactly which direction, but the pounding of her heart and the waves behind her both served as white-noise, drowning out sounds nearby. She took another three steps before the acrid smell of gasoline, carried on the wind, stopped her cold.
    Que diablos , what the hell? She knelt for a better look. Through the trees a single flame lit the darkest recess toward the back corner of the bungalow. Her palms began to sweat and her heart rate tripled. She balled her fists and pushed her body into action, all fear replaced with pure anger.
    Gabriel. No! No! No! She had to get to him.
    Esmeralda dashed across the sand, her feet sinking into the soft layers slowing her progress. She took the stairs two at a time, her calves screaming in protest.
    She busted through the unlocked door and rushed to where Gabriel slept. Smoke already obscured the small room, the flames were eating away at the back wall of the bathroom.
    She fell to her knees and crawled to the bed on the far side and closest to the bathroom. Fuck, she had to hurry. Why wasn’t he already awake? Maybe the alcohol affected him more than she’d thought.
    Ema reached the bed and rose to her knees. “Gabriel!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, shaking his shoulders. He bolted up, grabbing her, realization sinking in immediately. Thank God.
    “Move. Now.” He grabbed her hand and