Freezing Point Read Online Free PDF

licked her, causing laughter to erupt. The sound of it warmed Jesse. As he watched her petting Simon, he knew that she’d recovered from having a gun pointed at her. She’d be all right—at least this time.
    Soon enough he’d find out if Spear was criminally involved in the smuggling ring, working with Miguel or Carlos, or if he really was checking on the house for the Helms. Still, how had he gotten in unnoticed? Was he already here when Casey arrived home? For his own cover, he’d given Spear no reason to suspect he was anything other than Casey’s friend—he’d done exactly what a friend would do.
    Casey looked up at Jesse, breaking into his disturbing thoughts. Unable to look away, he held her gaze a little too long. In that instant, he felt a strong connection to her.
    Not good.

FOUR
    T he trauma of the last few minutes still fresh in her mind, Casey ran her fingers through Simon’s soft fur and looked into Jesse’s face.
    Pain seeped into her thoughts. She remembered hitting the tile with her head and biting the inside of her mouth. She frowned and touched her head.
    â€œYou’re hurt.” Jesse nudged the dog from the sofa and sat next to her. “Let me see.”
    He placed his hands on her head, tilting it just so, then ran a finger over the lump. “Ouch…” he said, as though her pain were his.
    Though she winced a little, his gentle touch and apparent concern sent a barrage of warmth through Casey’s insides. Uncomfortable with his nearness, she pulled away. “It’s nothing. Just a bump.”
    He shoved his hand over his mouth, a contemplative look on his face. “Maybe we should take you to the E.R., just to be safe.”
    Casey pushed up from the sofa. “I’m fine. I’ve had a concussion before, and this is nothing.”
    When Simon began sniffing around the living room, Jesse rose and moved toward the dog. He reached down andgrabbed the leash then looked over at Casey. “What can I do to help? Can I get you something?”
    She weaved her fingers through her hair, careful to avoid the sore spot. “I’m just a little shaken, that’s all. It’s not every night a girl faces off with a man holding a gun in her own home.” She offered a small grin. “Even if it isn’t exactly my home.”
    â€œMaybe you should call your aunt and uncle and let them know what happened.”
    â€œYeah, let them call off any other dogs.” Feeling chilled, Casey rubbed her arms and turned her back on Jesse. Tonight’s incident, coupled with fleeing her home only days ago, left her more than frazzled. Tears stabbed at the back of her eyes.
    From beside her, a strong arm wrapped around her shoulders and squeezed. “It’s all right, Casey.” Jesse’s words were soft, his breath warm against her ear.
    This wasn’t the man she met today on the loading dock. This was someone entirely different. She liked this Jesse much better.
    Casey wanted to ask him how he knew it was all right, but she couldn’t because he would hear the tears in her voice as she fought them sliding down her cheeks. At least she didn’t fall victim to a full sob, which is what she really wanted to do.
    She couldn’t be that uninhibited in front of Jesse—a man she’d met only this afternoon. By all counts, he was a complete stranger.
    And yet, Casey felt safe with him. Because of that, she allowed him to hold her, if only for a few moments. She sank into what felt like the protective armor of his arms. It had been far too long since she’d experienced that feeling.
    Finally, her anguish dissipated, at least for now, she released a slow breath. Jesse must have taken that as his cue and dropped his arms.
    He turned her to face him and lifted her chin. “You’re going to be all right. Make sure you set the alarm when I leave.”
    Casey wanted to tell him that arming the place