Texas Two Steps Four-Pack Bundle by Anne Marie Novark Read Free Book Online

wanted more than a quick romp in bed. Maybe he was old-fashioned. He didn't want to be rushed. He wanted their first time to be candles and romance. He wanted to spend the night with her, make slow passionate love to her and hold her in his arms while they slept. He wanted to wake up in the morning and leisurely make love again.
    He had it all planned. Saturday would be the day. Unfortunately, plans don't always work out.
    ****
    Kristy cleaned her house all day Saturday, her body humming with suppressed sexual excitement. Tonight was the night. They were finally going to make love. She knew Jim wanted her as much as she wanted him, but he'd kept her at arm's length all week long much to her consternation.
    It wasn't like she was in the habit of falling into bed with men right and left, but she felt as if she'd known Jim forever. Their relationship had quickly turned into something hot and heavy. Not only on a physical level--technically all they'd done was kiss and touch--but also on an emotional level. They'd lingered over the dinners they'd shared. Drinking coffee and talking about everything under the sun.
    Watching Jim at the bingo game interacting with his old teacher had only emphasized how sweet and kind he really was. And the kiss he'd stolen in front of God and everyone had taken her breath away. Very hot. Not sweet at all. When the residents laughed and applauded, Kristy had quickly returned to the front of the room to call out more bingo numbers.
    Had it only been a week ago that she'd actually met Jim Hennessey?
    She plumped the pillows on the freshly made bed and placed a candle and a lighter on the bedside table. In the drawer, there was a brand new box of condoms she'd bought yesterday. Should she set the box near the candle? Maybe leave a couple of packets out? No, that wouldn't be romantic. Best to be unobtrusively prepared and not disrupt the mood.
    Kristy smoothed the comforter and tugged the edge of the spread straight. She stood looking at the bed with a dreamy smile on her face. They were eating in tonight for a change. Steaks were marinating in the fridge and Jim was going to grill them. For dessert, there were strawberries and whipped cream. They could eat them in the dining room . . . or maybe they'd eat them here in bed. Her body tingled in anticipation at the visual that thought conjured up.
    Hugging herself, Kristy glanced at the clock. Goodness, it was getting late. Jim said he'd be here at five and it was already a quarter to four. She headed to the bathroom. If she hurried, there was just enough time to take a hot bath, shave her legs and paint her toes. She planned to wear the new slinky sundress she'd bought earlier in the week.
    At four-fifty, Kristy was dressed to kill. She took down the wine glasses and searched the kitchen for the corkscrew. As she rummaged through a drawer, her cell phone burst into song. Her tummy did a little somersault when she saw Jim's name on the display.
    "Hello?" She pulled open another drawer and found the corkscrew hidden under the clutter of utensils.
    "Hey, honey." Jim's deep voice sounded muffled. Noise and static buzzed in Kristy's ear.
    What in the world? Where was he?
    "Jim, are you all right? Nothing's wrong, is there?" She gripped the phone tightly in her hand.
    "I'm fine. But I'm going to have to cancel our date. I was called out about an hour ago. A wildfire is burning north of town and we're having a hell of a time trying to contain it. I'm sorry, honey. I've got to go. I don't know when I'll be able to see you. I'm so sorry."
    "Jim? Jim? " Only silence answered her. She ended the call and set her phone on the counter. She dropped into a chair and sat staring out the window. Sure enough, she could see billowing smoke towering against the blue West Texas sky.
    Be careful, Jim, she thought silently. And please be safe.
    ****
    Jim couldn't remember fighting such a hellacious fire any time during his career as a firefighter. The wind had picked up and