A Heartbeat Away Read Online Free PDF

what to say, so he just looked out over the soccer field and tried to keep his mind off Emily’s short shorts.
    â€œGot wheels?”
    â€œNo. My mom’s picking me up.”
    â€œI can give you a lift. Our place backs up to yours.”
    â€œYou have the strawberry farm?”
    â€œIt’s my dad’s.”
    His throat felt suddenly dry. She wanted to give him a ride? “Uh, sure.”
    He followed her to her car with the distinct thought that his social status at Shore High was about to make an upward turn.
    A minute later, they were in her BMW convertible with the wind in their hair. They approached a curve, and Emily ignored the sign posting a reduced speed limit. Christian’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the door and braced himself against the dash.
    Emily glanced at him. “Don’t worry.” She laughed. “I’m an organ donor. I signed up on the back of my license.”
    The BMW magically tracked around the corner.
    Christian relaxed.
    A little.
    Emily slowed and turned into the gravel lane leading up to the Cassady farmhouse. “You looked a little freaked out back there.” She hesitated. “I was only joking.”
    He shook his head and wiped beads of sweat from his forehead. He inhaled deeply, bringing in the scent of honeysuckle. He forced a laugh. “This car is amazing.”

    The bedroom is on fire, flames blocking the doorway. How appropriate—the room that had become a hell is now an inferno.
    Calls for help. Forgiveness. So sorry.
    Too late for that.
    I have to get out of here.
    Flames spreading into the hallway, blocking the exit.
    Maybe if I run …
    Choking smoke.
    My arm is on fire!
    She felt a nudge on her foot. “Dr. Taylor, are you asleep?”
    Tori opened her eyes. Where am I?
    She waited a moment as the fog cleared. She rubbed her left arm. She looked down to see a man with a familiar face. Tall. About thirty. Sandy blond hair. No white coat. An administrator?
    â€œDr. Taylor, are you okay?” His accent was British.
    She rubbed her eyes. “Nightmare,” she said. “I think it’s all the medicines.”
    He nodded. He had the build of a runner. Lean. Hungry. “Is this a bad time?”
    â€œA bad time for …?”
    He reached out his hand. “I’m Phin MacGrath. I work on the transplant team with social services.” She’d seen him a thousand times, but like so many others, she hadn’t taken the time to learn who he was. He was outside her circle. The people she noticed were those in orbit around her.
    â€œOkay.” She took his hand. Callused, belying his hospital day job. She inspected his clothes. He looked like he had just stepped out of an Eddie Bauer catalog. Professional but contemporary. Casual but neat. “What’s this about?”
    â€œI visit all the transplant patients. We need to talk about your discharge.” He sat in the chair next to her bed.
    â€œGreat.”
    â€œAre you single?”
    â€œIf that’s a pickup line, it’s a winner.”
    â€œIt’s a part of what I do,” he said, smiling. “I need to know who will be with you after discharge. Dr. Parrish doesn’t allow his patients to be alone for the first few weeks.”
    â€œYes.”
    He looked confused.
    â€œI’m single. I take care of myself. I’ll be fine at home. I can live on the first level for a while. I don’t think I want to take the stairs just yet.”
    â€œHmm.”
    She didn’t like his response. It was patronizing. “Look, Mr. MacGrath—”
    â€œCall me Phin. Everyone around here does.”
    â€œOkay, Phin,” she said, emphasizing his name. “I’ll be fine.” She reached for his hand, surprising herself, as she’d never been much for such physical gestures. What is happening to me?
    His hands were strong and rough. She ran her finger across his callused palm, distracted from their