Elemental Reality Read Online Free PDF

defended.
    “Um, he’s probably not even legal.” Emery laughed. “You’re a total cradle robber, Kylie!”
    “Oh whatever guys,” I said, playing into their jokes. “So I might be a cradle robber. Big deal. Cayden’s cute, I like him, and I can’t wait to see him again. Damn. I should have gotten his number so I could text him right now.”
    “Slow down, crazy. Even if you had his number that’s the last thing you should do. Don’t scare him off. Let him come to you,” Ady suggested.
    “Woof, woof,” I barked.
    “What was that?” asked Ady.
    “I just said ‘good idea.’ ”
    She had a point. I couldn’t let him think I was easy or desperate for his attention. Not that I’d complain if all his attention was focused on me. When he decided to call, I had to be smooth and play hard to get. Make him want me more. I stared at all the gated houses we passed and realized we were in our neighborhood. We turned into my gate and drove up the long, wide driveway to the house. Emery came to a stop and put the Range Rover in park. Before I climbed out, I gave Ady and Emery a kiss on the cheek.
    “Thanks for everything, guys. It was actually really awesome. Much better than any of my other craptastic birthdays. Tonight kind of made me forget what happened. You two are the best, seriously. You always know how to brighten my day. Cayden was just the proverbial cherry on top.”
    “Don’t mention it, Cali-girl,” Ady trilled. “We just wanted you to enjoy this day for once.”
    “Mission successful,” I said with a genuine smile. “All right, I’ll give one or both of you a call tomorrow. Thanks again.”
    I hopped out of the back with my umbrella in hand, shut the door, and strolled up the front steps. I turned around and waved goodbye as they drove away. I turned back and picked up the faux rock to retrieve the house key from the hidden slot underneath. As I stuck the key into the lock raindrops landed on my head, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My back heated up immensely as if a fire had sprung to life directly behind me. Suddenly paranoid, I turned cautiously and scanned the yard. It was empty.
    There’s nowhere for anyone to hide, you goof, I thought. I hurtled over the threshold just as the rain poured down and bolted the door behind me. Once inside, I decided to find a new hiding place for the key. Just in case. Paranoia will make you do strange things.

5
    Fear and Wanting
    Ding-dong . The doorbell echoed through the quiet house. I groaned and opened one eye to peer at my clock. It was eleven forty-five in the morning, which meant Dad was already at work and probably halfway through his lunch meeting. Since I had the day off work, I was able to sleep in.
    The doorbell sounded again, and this time I jumped up. I scurried out of bed, slipped on my duckie slippers, bypassed my mirror—not even caring what I looked like—and trudged to the front door. I yanked it open, ready to sign for a package or yell at Ady. Instead my jaw went slack and my eyes grew wide at the sight in front of me. A dam cracked in my brain and the memories from last night flooded back in full force. Standing before me was Tall, Dark, and Sexy. Wow. Stalker much? Fear crept up my spine, but I couldn’t let him know that emotion was taking over. Wasn’t it a known fact that stalkers smelled fear? That they fed upon it? I knew what not to do: run up the stairs where there would definitely be no escape.
    Tall, Dark, and Sexy cleared his throat, and I stumbled back into reality. I smoothed out my hair, which was in disarray, and checked him out. Dammit, why didn’t I brush my teeth before I answered the door? He had on a grey long-sleeved thermal shirt, and vintage-worn in jeans that were faded and frayed. A leather chord necklace where four weird, unfamiliar symbolic charms dangled from it. His hair was disheveled and looked as if he had been pulling at it in worriment.
    The minute my eyes locked with his emerald