Wrapped in Flame Read Online Free PDF Page B

also had its appeal.
    “I need you there… Waited forever… Wanted you forever… Do you understand what I’m saying?”
    She understood very well. She had needs and wants too. They’d clawed for freedom from deep inside ever since she’d met Mike. Erica had let a fool blind her. A fool who still threatened to block her happiness. Never again. She was the one in control. Finally. Her life. Her choice.
    “So now what?” Trish asked.
    There was only one way to respond. “Now I take things a step at a time.”
    Erica watched Mike in the pool. Needing him, wanting him. But what happened once those wants and needs were fulfilled? What happened when they breached friendship and turned into lovers? Or had the kiss already changed their status? Too late to unring that bell. Mike seemed on a fast track to something here. Someone had to slow that train down. Much as she wanted him—and she truly did—Erica wasn’t willing to relinquish her life and her control to any man. At least, not that fast. Once burned, twice shy. And Mike Barnard was a man who could definitely set her heart and soul on fire.
    She drank in the sight of him playing with the kids, letting them take him down again and again. They loved every second. He climbed slowly up the steps, giggling children dripping from his shoulders, waist, and biceps. He let them drag him back into the water, let them have control. Would he be so indulgent with her? Would he let her have that level of control?
    There was only one way to find out.

Chapter Four
    Erica remained curled in the corner of Mike’s couch, waving good-bye to the last of the crew. No one commented on the fact she was still there. Why would they, when everyone supposedly knew how much she and Mike wanted each other? It would have been nice if she and Mike had been aware of that. Or perhaps not. It would have complicated matters.
    As if things aren’t already a mess.
    True, but it wasn’t a mess either of them had created. They’d been content as friends, never looking for anything beyond that. How had Gina put it? They were aboveboard. Well, they hadn’t wasted much time dancing around the subject now, had they? Or at least Mike hadn’t.
    He shut the door behind CJ, then looked her way, one hand on the deadbolt. “I presume you’ve agreed to stay?”
    Erica’s gaze connected with his. “I presume if I don’t, you’ll follow me to the hotel?”
    Mike turned the lock. “I think we could both use a glass of wine right now. Pinot noir all right?”
    “Perfect.” She picked at a hangnail rather than give in to the sight of his ass as he walked into the kitchen. She’d stolen more than a few looks tonight. He’d changed from swim trunks into cargo shorts and a T-shirt and still had the nerve to look killer handsome.
    “I noticed you and CJ were off whispering in the corner earlier. Care to share?” she called out.
    A cork popped, followed by the clink of glasses. “Craig Stanton talked with the fire-department attorney. He suggested it would be in everyone’s best interest to put Keith on paid administrative leave pending a full investigation. He’ll be notified when he reports for work.”
    “Well, isn’t that skippy.” She’d have a very, very small window to get into the house for her things.
    “Don’t worry.” Mike returned with their wine and a smile. “Craig plans to drag out the process long enough to give us time to move your stuff. Keith won’t be cut loose until we’re ready.”
    “Thanks.” She curled her fingers around the glass, brushing his in the process.
    Mike parked himself on the other side of the couch. “We’re all set to visit the school on Monday. Want me to put you on the truck so your students will think you’re cool?”
    “I’m good. Thanks for the offer, though.” Erica took a sip of wine to cover her lack of smile. Enough small talk. “You have to know I’m nervous.”
    “You aren’t the only one.”
    “This will change everything between