Heat Wave Read Online Free PDF Page A

started to tumble down the stairs, she grabbed at the banister. Cole’s strong arms caught her and she blushed furiously as she looked up at him, silently cursing the awkward, too-large sandals.
    “Thank you.”
    He continued to hold her against his chest. “I should’ve whistled sooner.”
    She wriggled free, keeping her voice calm. “It’s the shoes. Are you helping Jada cook dinner?”
    “Nope, I gave Jada the evening off. Come on. I’ll fix you a drink and you can watch me cook.”
    Walking cautiously to keep the sandals on her feet, she followed him to the kitchen. It was oldfashioned but equipped with modern appliances. The cabinets had glass fronts, but the countertop was white Formica. The woodwork was also white and pots of flowers hung in the south and east windows.
    Cole looked in the oven. “Potatoes are baking but it’ll be awhile before they’re ready. We’ll eat on the patio because it’s cooler and I can grill steaks outside.”
    While he knelt down to pull a pan out of a drawer, she noted how his slacks molded his strong legs. He straightened and caught her watching him, and she turned away to hide what she suspected might be revealed in her face.
    “Marilee.”
    His voice was low, seductive, sending an insidious shiver from head to toe. She heard his boots strike the floor, then his hands were on her shoulders and he turned her to face him. A thick lock of brown hair curled over his forehead and she fought the urge to smooth it back. “There is something special between us,” he said in a husky voice.
    Exhaling slowly, she gazed up at him. “Cole, don’t rush me.”
    “I’m not.”
    “Keep your mind on cooking.”
    “How can I?” He smiled. “The best dish in the house has red hair.” He kissed the tip of her nose and his voice returned to normal. “What would you like to drink? A glass of red wine?”
    “Yes, please. Can I help?”
    “Come here.” He took her arm and led her outside to the patio. It was shaded by sycamores and had rough oak chairs and a table, and a chaise with bright orange cushions. Another high stake fence gave them complete privacy.
    “You have a thing about fences, don’t you?”
    He shrugged. “I value my privacy.” He stopped by one of the chairs. “You sit down here. I’ll bring your wine and join you in a second.”
    After he went inside, she looked around. A trail of tempting hickory smoke rose from a black grill. The table was set for two with lovely crystal and china that looked slightly incongruous on the patio.
    Other than the song of a bird, it was still, so peaceful. She sat quietly relaxed while a slight breeze cooled her. It had been a strange day and she still felt dazed, as if in shock. This morning seemed years away.
    Cole pushed open the door, interrupting her reverie. Carrying a basket of bread, he stepped outside, his gaze lowered as he crossed the patio. The apron was gone. He walked with an easy grace, his broad shoulders swinging slightly. The vivid image sprang to mind of his muscular, nude body, the mat of dark hair covering his chest. When he sat down facing her, knees almost touching, his blue eyes levelled on her, she felt a tightening in her midriff.
    “What’re you thinking?” Cole murmured.
    She feigned casualness. “Not much.”
    In a mocking drawl, he said, “I haven’t known you twenty-four hours, but I know that answer is pure bull.”
    “I’m not about to tell you what’s on my mind.”
    “Let me guess …”
    “No!”
    He laughed. “That bad, eh?”
    “Not at all. I can just imagine your suggestive guesses.”
    “Do you know how pink your cheeks are?”
    “That’s a redhead’s curse.”
    “I think it’s delightful. It goes with your green eyes.” He smiled and handed her a glass of wine before holding his out in a toast. “Here’s to our future.”
    “How can I drink to that?”
    “It’s easy. Raise your glass.”
    Relenting, she smiled also and touched his glass lightly with hers.
    “I want