Heart on Fire Read Online Free PDF Page A

see,” Gavin muttered under his breath, a sly grin on his face. “The new neighbor?”
    Kyle shot him a dirty look before kneeling down, “Hey Cherish, how are you and your mom doing?”
    She clasped her hands and shifted side-to-side, batting her lashes. “Good. She thinks you’re cute.”
    Adorable.
    He glanced up to see Mila flush deeper, and winked. “Thanks.” He ruffled Cherish’s hair and stood up with a nod at his buddy. “This is Gavin, a longtime friend. He has a daughter about your age.”
    “You do?” she asked, directing her attention to Gavin.
    A thought occurred to him, and he couldn’t help himself. “Maybe this weekend I’ll barbeque and have everyone over.”
    Cherish bounced again, tugging on Mila’s hand. “Can we, can we?”
    Mila’s mouth fell open as she met his gaze. She blustered, “Oh, I don’t want to impose.”
    “Not at all. I enjoy grilling, and I like having company over.” Hoping to calm her nerves, he glanced to his oldest friend. “What do you say, Gavin? You and Cadence busy Saturday?”
    “Nope, we’ll be there, with Jenny.” Gavin grinned at Cherish. “My daughter was telling me about the new girl in class. Said you two were best friends.”
    Cherish nodded, looking up at Mila. “I told you about her, Mommy. She’s nice, and likes the swings. Can we go? Please?” She stretched the last word out, begging with big blue eyes.
    “You did, and if everyone’s going to be there, then I suppose it doesn’t hurt to go over.” She looked nervous as her attention switched to Kyle. “That is, if you’re sure?”
    “Absolutely, I’m sure. It’ll be fun.”
    “I’ll bring some dessert, maybe pie?” Mila blushed again.
    Cherish tugged her hand, and Mila looked down. “Make your cherry pie, it’s the best.” Then Cherish beamed up at him. “It’s so yummy. You will love it.”
    Gavin coughed back his laugh, and Kyle was tempted to punch him.
    Instead, he nodded. “Sounds delicious.”
    “I think you’re up.” Mila nodded at the counter.
    “Thanks.” Kyle turned to order the pizza.
     
    * * * *
     
    “So,” Gavin started in a conspiratorial whisper, “you’re Kyle’s brand new neighbor? He mentioned there was someone moving in the other day.”
    “Yup, that’s me.” Mila nodded, feeling uncomfortable.
    “Just you and Cherish?”
    She nodded again. “Mmhmm.”
    “Kyle is a great guy. If you need help with something, he won’t hesitate to give a hand.”
    Those hands, and an image of similar big hands, flashed through her mind. Swallowing hard she pushed that memory as far back as she could.
    “I’m sure he is,” Mila answered simply.
    Cherish piped in, “Mommy said he was cute.”
    Mila closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Looking down, she patted her daughter’s head. “Cherish told me he was cute, I didn’t disagree. She also told me he was nice, and so far that seems to be true. My little rugrat likes to overshare.”
    “She’s five, they all do. Don’t be embarrassed. She’s darling.”
    “Thanks.”
    Kyle shot Gavin a dark look and nodded toward the door. “Come on, Gav, Let’s get these down to the firehouse while they’re hot.” Kyle made eye contact and gave her a smile that was much too inviting. “Catch you later, Mila, Cherish.”
    Catch? That left her with intriguing images, but she wasn’t about to go there. She waved. “Later.”
    “Don’t forget my pepperoni and olive pizza.” Cherish giggled.
    Forcing herself to turn toward the counter, and not watch Kyle walk out, she grinned at Cherish. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
     

Chapter 3
     
     
    Kyle stepped outside and stretched his legs, breathing in the cool air. It might be cloudy, but the breeze would help during his morning run.
    He needed to get his mind off his latest naughty teacher dream. Awake or asleep, Mila occupied every thought. Kyle couldn’t get her out of his head.
    Might help if he stopped running into her every chance he got. All his