DaughterofFire Read Online Free PDF Page B

front room lamp and switched it on. The living area was instantly bathed in
a creamy, golden glow.
    “See, it was nothing, probably the wind knocking something
over,” Kalama said. Jack flicked off the light and returned to the living room.
    “I guess.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair, further
ruffling the already disheveled strands. Kalama imagined that’s what it would
look like after a night of hot sex. Looking for a distraction to her sexy
thoughts and the memory of how his hand had felt cupping her breast, Kalama
headed into the kitchen. She opened the ancient refrigerator, not at all
surprised to see it was empty.
    “Okay, so there is nothing to eat in this kitchen,” Kalama
said after finishing her search through the meager cupboards.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t think to get groceries. I’ve had a lot
on my mind.” Jack sank down on the threadbare sofa that hugged the right side
wall.
    “That’s okay. But I’ll need coffee in the morning or I can’t
be held accountable for the havoc I wreak,” Kalama said.
    “Well, my house is only down the road a short walk. I can
bring you some in the morning. After that we can head to the grocery store.”
    “Sounds good, but can we hit the farmer’s market instead? I
like to help out the local merchants and growers.” Kalama flopped down on the
couch near Jack. The cushions were soft and squishy, cocooning her in their
warmth. The raggedy sofa was more comfortable than it appeared. “Tell me about
the break-in.” Jack’s muscular chest heaved as a massive sigh of frustration
ripped from him.
    “I’d rather kiss you again.”
    “Kissing is a bad idea,” Kalama said, an amused smile
tugging at her lips.
    “Kissing you is certainly not a bad idea. Why would you even
think that?” Jack asked, his blue eyes held a hint of confusion.
    “Never mind. Now quit stalling,” Kalama said, brushing aside
the sudden urge to give in and slant her lips against his.
    “The Jaggar Museum was broken into last night. Some artifacts
were taken and no one can figure out why the hell it’s happening. Not the
Rangers, not the Kahunas , not even me. And this wasn’t the first time
either.” Lines of worry furrowed his brow, a look of fatigue filled his eyes
and his massive shoulders seemed to slump under the strain of it. “Someone is
destroying the offerings left at the crater rim as well.”
    “I’ll bet Pele just loves that,” Kalama mumbled under her
breath. Jack gave her a quizzical look. “Never mind. What was stolen exactly?”
    “A smaller lava rock exercise ball and a glyph page on ti
cloth on loan.” Jack scrubbed a free hand over his eyes.
    “What was on the cloth?”
    “It was a drawing of some kind of tiki carving.” Jack sighed
and turned to meet her eyes.
    “We have to get them back, Jack,” Kalama said and scooted a
little closer to him. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and hug him close.
He seemed so sad, so lost when it came to the thefts.
    “Don’t I know it? We also have to stop the vandalism going
on. I have no idea why someone would want to destroy the offerings. They’re not
hurting anyone.”
    Kalama lifted her hand and caressed it along the back of his
neck, letting her fingers work out a bit of the tension she encountered there.
    “I think maybe you should head home and get some sleep. God
knows I could use some. That flight from Vanuatu was a killer. We can go over
the details of the vandalism tomorrow when the day is fresh.” Kalama stood, not
really wanting to send Jack on his merry way, but she had no choice.
    “I get the hint,” Jack said, rising from the couch and
heading toward the front door.
    “I’m tired, Jack. That’s all. It’s been an interesting first
day.” Kalama followed him out, standing on the front lanai as he headed to the
Jeep. He flashed a smile, sliding into the seat. Raising a hand, she waved her
goodbye and let an answering smile light up her face.
    Jack turned the key in the ignition. The