The Heat Read Online Free

had finally asked, her tone low. Something strange flashed in the hazel blue of her eyes. But then it was gone and she was making a derogatory sound. “He wishes.” She shook her head, smiling wryly. “You are a bizarre creature, Lil. You got an imagination to die for, though. Wish I had it. Would have helped with that damned short story assignment in English.”
    Lily’d had that same dream, in different variations, many times since that night. But she hadn’t mentioned it again. Mostly, she just smiled and agreed and laughed along when her friends mentioned Daniel Kane and his unlawful hotness. There were other boys the group talked about, of course. They had been teenage girls, after all. But it always came back to Daniel. He was just too perfect.
    And in ten years, he’d only gotten better. If only they could see me now , Lily thought, smiling slyly. Daniel picked up speed on the Harley and the wind began to roar around them. Lily ducked her head and laid it against the back of his leather jacket. I hope he doesn’t mind , she thought. She couldn’t help herself. She sort of wished the helmet wasn't in between them. He felt so good against her. So strong. So s afe .
    They rode in deafening silence for several more minutes, Daniel handling the road as if he truly had been riding forever. His expertise put Lily at ease and she found herself melting into him, though she still held tight.
    Eventually, she realized that they were back on the main road that led to Tabitha’s house and a wave of disappointment washed over her. She squelched it, though, mentally reprimanding herself for having the hormones of an adolescent.
    Tabitha came out the door and onto the back porch when they rode up and Lily put some distance between her chest and Daniel’s back, suddenly self conscious.
    When he finally shut the bike off and kicked the stand down, Lily immediately pulled off her helmet and began to climb off of the bike. In front of her, Daniel reached back, quick as lightning and grabbed hold of her wrist.
    Lily stopped sliding off and looked up at him. His action had been so fast, she’d barely seen him move. He held her tight, his fingers firmly wrapped around her slim wrist.
    She had to admit that his touch gave her a strange sort of thrill. The heat from his hand snaked up her arm and seemed to wrap around her chest, making it hard to breathe. But he’d grabbed her so fast and his grip was so firm.… She held her breath and stared at him questioningly.
    Almost as swiftly as he’d grabbed her, he let her go. He paused a moment, as if collecting himself, before he softly spoke. “Be careful you don’t touch the pipes with your legs, cher.” His stark blue gaze seemed to lock her in. “They’re hot.”
    “Oh,” she stammered. “R-right. Thanks.” She nodded, realizing that he’d only wanted to prevent her from harming herself. She was an idiot. Why was she letting him get to her like this? She wasn’t eighteen! Snap out of it, she told herself.
    She continued to slide the rest of the way off of the bike and then pulled her dress back into place. Tabitha was there beside her in a heartbeat. “Have a good time?” she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
    Lily turned to her and wondered at her friend’s strange behavior. She also hoped that the darkness of night at least partially hid her blush, because though there was no real reason for it, she felt slightly guilty. “It was wonderful,” she said softly. Then she turned back to Daniel and added, “Thanks for the ride, Daniel. It was just what I needed.”
    Daniel Kane said nothing for what seemed like a long time. And then he nodded once at Lily, offering her a knowing smile. “Any time, cher. It’s my pleasure.”
    He then let his gaze slide to his sister. “I’ll be off now, little sis. But you and I got some catchin’ up to do.” He let this sink in, his gaze hard, his expression unreadable. “I’ll be in touch.” With that, he took the