Love's Slow Burn [Southern Heat 2] Read Online Free PDF

How nice it is for you to join us,” Dean Stark greeted after swinging open the front door.
    Casey was caught off guard, stepping through the main door into the foyer. She turned around with her arms crossed, waiting for an explanation from Jake.
    Dressed in a charcoal-gray dress shirt, black jeans, and loafers, Dean spoke again. “I guess he didn’t mention I live here, huh? Leave it to Jake to save the best for last. We co-own this property. We bought it two years ago. So, what do you think?”
    “It’s breathtaking. You two have great taste,” Casey said.
    “Thank you, I think so,” he added, handing her a glass of white wine. “You might even say we have excellent taste when it comes to picking the right things to fill those empty spaces in our lives.”
    “What are you talking about?” she asked suspiciously with a raised brow, as Jake took her by the arm, leading her into the Great Room.
    “Well, if you two will excuse me for a second, I’m going to check on dinner,” Dean said, stepping into the kitchen.
    After emptying her glass, speaking in a low tone, Casey stared at Jake and said, “What the hell is going on here? Why didn’t you tell me he lived here with you?”
    “I wanted to wait until we got here, Casey. After the cold exchange you two had back at Jenna’s, I figured if you knew, you would have never agreed to my invitation,” Jake replied reluctantly, filling her glass again.
    “I cannot believe this. You charm your way into my life, and just when I think we’re headed in the right direction, you—”
    “Dinner is served,” Dean interrupted, re-entering the room, wearing an apron imprinted with the message “Kiss the Cook.”
    He looked so adorable and proud of himself that Casey decided to play nice. Both Jake and Dean were excellent hosts, and she didn’t want to come off like a total bitch, so she pushed her anger aside for the time being.
    The three-course meal, including fresh garden salad, barbecued shrimp, grilled rainbow trout, and a vegetable medley, was absolutely delicious. For dessert, Jake unveiled his specialty, Key lime pie, topped with whipped cream and a slice of lime on the side.
    Spending time with the two firefighters, Casey gained a new perspective and greater appreciation for the men and women who risked their lives daily to save others. She even began to warm up to Dean, in spite of his seemingly cocky, reassured attitude. Sitting across the dining room table from him, she realized he wasn’t just extremely handsome, but he was quite charming and funny as well. She always gave points to a man who could make her laugh.
    As Dean poured another round of Pinot Grigio, Casey said, “I want to thank you both for such a scrumptious dinner. Everything was perfect, and this dessert is to die for.”
    “Hey, don’t say that. We’d like to keep you around for a long time. But that being said, thanks for the accolades,” Jake replied.
    “Casey, I bet you didn’t know Jake was so handy in the kitchen,” Dean told her. “Living with this dude is like having your own personal chef.”
    Smiling at Jake, Casey said, “No, I had no idea, but I think a man who knows how to cook is a valuable asset.”
    “What about someone who can warm up leftovers like nobody’s business?” Dean asked.
    “Who can put a price on that?” she questioned with a laugh.
    Staring at her fondly, Jake said, “Cooking for three isn’t any harder than for two. We’re glad you came, Casey. It gets a little lonely around here sometimes.”
    “You’ve got that right,” Dean added.
    Casey looked puzzled. “You two are kidding right?”
    “Why would you ask that? Jake questioned.
    “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you are two of the most eligible bachelors I’ve run across since I’ve been back in town. I can’t imagine either of you having any problem getting dates.”
    “We’ve done all right in the past. It gets old after a while,” Dean commented, staring at Casey. “You