Preview

SHE’S GOT THAT HEAT

There’s something about that girl in the kitchen. She’s wearing a bright, friendly smile as she comes out from the kitchen. When she turns to go back, there’s a pause.

Oh shit . I know the signs. The thousand-yard stare. The way she doesn’t seem quite certain where she is in space as she holds onto the counter.

With three fast lunges, I catch her before she hits the floor, cradling her head gently.

“You’re okay,” I murmur, not sure if she can hear me or if my words are even true. Her eyes are flickering, as if she’s truly out cold. Wait…no… She’s really hot. Her skin is burning up.

“You’re okay,” I murmur again, gently brushing a few stray hairs out of her eyes. “You’re safe. You’re going to be fine.”

Her eyelashes flutter, and I smile warmly as she opens her eyes. “You’re okay,” I repeat gently. “You’re safe. We’ve got you.”

She looks around and tries to jump up with a start, but I gently hold her down. “Just relax for a moment. Slow, deep breaths. It’s okay.”

She grabs my hand frantically. I shouldn’t feel…whatever this feeling is. Wow.

“Allie,” Gina says softly, placing a hand on her knee, “You’re at Fran’s. You’re safe.”

“I’m so sorry.” Her voice is light and sweet, but sad. “I overheat really easily, and the kitchen?—”

“Ice water…” I start to say, but Gina’s already grabbing some. Slowly raising the girl to a sitting position, I shift behind her so she can lean against my chest while she sips it.

“I’m fine,” she murmurs. “I’m so sorry.”

“Could you bring me another glass full of ice, and a clean towel?” I hand them to Allie. “I’ll carry you outside for some fresh air.”

“Sure, but you can’t—” Her eyes and beautiful pouty pink lips fly wide open as I lift her easily and take her out the back door.

I carry her to a wide, wooden bench, and set her down gently, partially leaning against me, then wrap the ice in the towel. I pat it across her forehead, then hold it at the back of her neck. “More water.”

She looks up at me through those long lashes, then as a soft smile blooms across her lovely face, I feel my heart stretching the center of my chest open.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“I’m Damon. I’m a volunteer firefighter, so I’ve had a bit of medical training. Should I take you to the town medic?”

“No. I’m really sorry to bother you like this. She looks up at me sheepishly. “I’ve recently switched thyroid meds, and apparently now I overheat easily.”

“Well, hopefully you can go home tonight and crank the air conditioning.”

Damn… The sadness in her eyes. “No air conditioning. I live in an attic apartment. I’m going to pick up a little fan on the way home to blow right on my face while I’m sleeping. ”

“Listen, I know you don’t know me. But I would feel a lot better if you’d let me check out your space to see what can be done.”

Her lips part, then close. Staring at every single detail of this lovely girl, I can’t control the rush that floods my entire body from seeing how curvy and sexy she is.

Then she slowly nods. “Yeah. Maybe I do need some help. Thank you.”

My heart does a couple of backflips. Not only do I have a valid excuse to spend some more time with the most breathtaking woman I’ve ever met, I can also do everything in my power to make her more comfortable.

Damon and Allie are scorching in in

She’s Got That Heat.