The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set Read Online Free Page B

happen.
    I made several more attempts to leap up to grab it, but it was beyond useless. 
    I squealed in frustration. “Just give me the coffee, Joel.” I stood back and crossed my arms over my chest. I was not in the slightest bit amused, I was about to blow.
    “Say please and I will,” he answered smirking.
    Ugh, I wanted to knock that smug smile off his face so bad. Here we were back to playing these childish little games he so easily got a thrill from.
    “Please,” I muttered, hoping it would end my torment.
    “Please what?” he asked chuckling.
    I glared at him as I knew exactly where this was heading. “Please, Joel, can I have the coffee.” I moved towards him, but he stepped back, holding the coffee in the air.
    “Uh huh, please, Joel, you are the king and the master, and maybe I’ll think about it.”
    What a complete idiot.
    I shoved him back hard, and he let out a small groan when he hit the counter. “Get stuffed, I’ll go out and get a coffee. I’m not stroking your ego you’re big headed enough as it is.”
    “I know what I would like you to stroke,” he remarked grinning. He suggestively raised his eyebrows, emphasising the point further.
    Oh god.
    His words had the intended impact, and I instantly felt my face flush. “Fuck you, Joel.”
    I needed to get out of here.
    Now.
    I spun around to storm off, but he grabbed me, pulling me back into his hard chest. With one arm holding me in place, his other hand tucked the loose strand of hair behind my ear. I groaned softly when his fingers brushed lightly against my skin, gently stroking my cheek.
    “Only joking, Iz,” he whispered.
    I felt his hot breath tickle against my face, sending shivers down my spine. He breathed deeply, pressing his nose against my hair, then placed a soft kiss there.
    I gasped lightly in shock, it was such a sweet move that it threw me. It was so completely out of character, and I needed a minute to process it all. I stood clutching his arm and he held me for a few more moments longer.
    He slowly released me, and I stumbled a little, shaken by the fact I’d been wrapped in his arms only seconds before.
    I quickly grabbed the coffee to keep myself occupied, turning my back to him. I needed to regain some kind of composure.
    After a minute I heard him start whistling, and he headed back upstairs, acting like nothing had happened. Which was typical Joel, and unfortunately, for me the story of my life.

Chapter 2 - New Beginnings
     
     
    The alarm woke me early, and I groaned, instantly hitting the snooze button and snuggled deeper into the pillow. I refused to leave this bed just yet, well not until I really, really had to.
    I was not a morning person.
    I hated everything about this time of day. I had to get several cups of coffee in me before I practically felt human again.
    Five snooze delays later.
    I admitted defeat and dragged my tired cranky body out of bed heading for the shower. It was my first day at college, and turning up as a sleep zombie was not an option.
    Stumbling towards the bathroom, my eyes snapped up to the sudden flash of white as I took in the sight before me—Joel stood in just a towel.
    Holy shit, I was awake now.
    His lips turned up in delight at my reaction, and he chuckled as the usual blush crept over me.
    Great!
    Just to add to my embarrassment.
    I involuntarily flicked my tongue over my lips, zoning in on the beads of water that clung to his hard chest. God, I wanted to lick those off so bad.
    He grinned like he could read every damn thought in my dirty little mind. I was probably an open book right now, with every single emotion on display.
    Fantastic.
    “Like what you see?” he asked teasingly. His eyes were alight with amusement, staring tantalisingly deep into mine.
    Did he even need to ask?
    I swallowed slowly. I knew I needed to remain calm, but a large part of me was all for lunging forward to act out my fantasy.
    “You know you’re not all that, Joel,” I retorted.
    Wow, worst