A Case of Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

back of the seat, trying to stop the pain that made her head feel as if it were going to split in two. She needed a nap, a shower and her laptop, but definitely not in that order.
    Hawk gave the driver her address, and then sat quietly next to her. He didn't speak, noting her pale face under the smudged soot. Instead, he reached out, linking his fingers in hers and pulled her hand against his leg.
    Kenzie stiffened for an instant when she felt his hand but then when he did nothing more but hold it in his own, she couldn't protest. Her mind was spinning with images behind her closed lashes, seeing the flames that had lit up the smoke darkened room, hearing the roar of the flames and the panting coughs of the woman and her baby. She could still feel the constriction in her chest, the pain in her lungs as the smoke made it harder to breathe. She knew the panic and the fear of wondering if she was going to die.
    She must have made some sound, because she felt Hawk scoot closer to her, his arm going around her shoulders. His hand rested against her soot darkened curls, pushing her head down to his shoulder.
    "It's okay, Mac,” he whispered. “You're safe."
    She didn't protest when he paid the cab driver at her apartment building, sending him away and following her to the elevator. He took the keys from her at her door, unlocking all four locks without a word. Sending her inside, he lifted her chin, studying her red rimmed eyes with a knowing gaze. “Go take a shower. I'll stay until you're out and then I'll let you rest, okay?"
    "I have to write the story,” she argued.
    "Fine, but take a shower first. You'll feel better. I promise I'll leave as soon as you get done."
    She nodded, letting him follow her into the room, kicking off her shoes and dropping her purse by the front closet. “I...I'll only be a few minutes,” she said, feeling somewhat self conscious. “Make yourself at home."
    She hurried through the shower, scrubbing the scent of the smoke from her skin and hair, feeling ten times better when she was done. Throwing on another big t-shirt, she dumped her smoky clothes into a plastic bag, tying it shut. It would take a miracle to get the smell out.
    She was brushing out her short curls when she went back into her living room.
    Hawk looked up, his eyes trailing over her wet locks and rosy cheeks, the soft fabric of the shirt that clung to her sweet curves and the long slender legs that the shirt exposed. Looking back into her eyes, he knew she saw the heat in his own.
    "Ah...thank you,” she said slowly. “I feel much better now."
    "You look much better,” he said slowly, his eyes dropping once more, lingering on the curve of her breasts. He smiled ruefully when he noted her small shiver and the way her nipples protruded against the fabric.
    "Thank you, and thank you for staying. I'm fine now. I'll write my story from home and send it in after I make a few calls."
    Hawk looked down at his watch. If he left now, he'd have enough time to make it to the courthouse and be there for his appearance. The funny thing was, he really didn't want to leave. “Promise you won't get into any more trouble, at least until I get out of court,” he joked.
    "I'll do my best.” She followed him to the door, holding it open and leaning against it.
    Without thinking, he lifted his hand, his palm caressing her cheek. His head bent, his mouth finding hers, brushing hers with a light kiss. “I'll be in touch,” he said, when his lips left the clinging warmth of hers.
    She nodded, watching as he turned and left before closing the door and sliding down against it. Her fingers touched her mouth and she breathed a huge sigh. “Gideon Hawkins, you're going to be trouble."
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    Chapter Three
    * * * *
    It took another couple of hours and about ten phone calls to get all the information she wanted on the fire. She talked to her contacts down at city hall and called in a favor, but she finally had everything she