Page 4 of She's Got that Heat

Yes, it’s totally inappropriate in my workplace, especially when the burgers might overcook. But I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire life than for Damon to kiss me…

And then he doesn’t.

He simply smiles and steps back. There’s no missing the way his gaze wanders across my breasts and down my hips, though. I’ve heard of men who prefer curvy women. Could he really be one of them?

“See you tonight, beautiful.”

The second he disappears, I zoom back to the burgers, then slip them into the waiting buns. I place them in the pass-through and ring the bell. Then I look out the front window of the diner, where Damon is standing in front of a big truck, chatting with several people walking by.

He’s probably one of those guys who has lived here forever. Maybe he’s interested in me simply because I’m someone new.

But I want to believe that there’s a chance Damon and I could truly click. My mind already finds him fascinating. My body finds him unbelievably desirable.

And my heart… My heart is filled with so much hope.

Maybe, just maybe, Damon feels this too, and we can explore this wild heat together.

3

DAMON

Ihonestly can’t remember the last time I was on a date. And I certainly can’t remember any time in my life when I was so completely over the moon for a woman.

For goodness’ sake… I even dressed up for the occasion and put on nice black pants and a navy golf shirt. I wanted to go all out and wear long sleeves and a tie, but it’s just too darn hot.

Allie answers the door looking like one of those oil paintings where they somehow make the woman seem like she’s glowing – all soft and peachy and dreamy.

“Hi.” I hold out my hand. “Are you ready?”

“One sec.” Her fingers thread through mine, but she motions to her feet. “Fancier than this? Or are we going hiking anywhere?”

The adorable dark purple dress shows just enough cleavage to get my motor running. It also brings out the auburn highlights in her rich, chestnut hair, and lights up her eyes. My gaze skims over her shapely hips, to the edge of her skirt that drops a few inches below the knee. I think those shoes are called Mary Janes – kind of old-fashioned, with a strap and only a half-inch heel.

“As long as they’re comfortable, those are perfect.” I wink. “Pretty cute, actually.” Allie beams, grabbing a small purse and locking the door.

Just taking her hand to help her up into my truck gives me a little thrill. Every single thing about this lovely girl lights me up from the inside, making my chest feel unnaturally warm. And no, that has nothing to do with the heat wave.

Once we start driving, I reach over and squeeze her hand gently. “There aren’t a lot of restaurants in Old Hemlock Valley. I was going to drive to West Stoneburg where there’s a bigger selection. Sounds good?”

“Sure. I’m up for anything.”

After I pull onto the highway, I ask, “Is there anything you don’t eat? Any food allergies?”

She glances over at me sheepishly. “Yeah, with all my health issues, you’d think so…but thankfully, no intense food allergies. There are some things – processed foods, especially processed meats, and red wine – that I shouldn’t have two days in a row if I don’t want to risk triggering a migraine. But today I’m okay for anything.”

“Migraines?” I stroke her hand again. “That’s awful, I’m sorry. My mother had those. Then my folks moved to Nevada and she doesn’t get them anymore.”

“Yeah, here in the mountains, the air pressure is more volatile, which can trigger them.” She rolls her eyes and laughs. “Triggers regular air pressure headaches, too.”

“Which, let me guess, you get as well?”

“Of course!” Allie laughs. “’Let’s see… I also have a knee that clicks when it rains for several days, and I can’t put my head underwater in lakes, or it’s an instant ear infection.” She looks over at me, and I catch her eye for a brief second. “I’m fully aware that I’m a pain in the ass, but I’m usually pretty well equipped to deal with the lunacy.”

“It’s not lunacy.” My fingers thread through hers. “It’s definitely more than one person should have to handle, but it’s not lunacy.” I love how tentatively she squeezes my fingers back.

“I’m not going to complain. Some of the people I’ve talked to when I’ve been having allergy testing done – wow. They can’t eat in a restaurant because they might get a life-threatening reaction. Or the people with all the environmental allergies. Like, I sniffle for a week in the spring and fall, and that’s it.”

“Yeah, true,” I nod. “But all of the headaches – that’s just…”

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