Ember Burns (The Seeker) Read Online Free

complaint filed against her, the pictures showing up again, and a sexy Angel moving in next door, her emotions had taken one hell of a ride.
    She really needed to talk to Laura about the day’s events. After a quick wash and rinse, she grabbed a towel from the rack and hurried out. The heavy terry cloth felt good against her skin. She dried quickly and dialed her friend.
    “Hello?” Some of the tension left with the sound of Laura’s voice.
    “Hi. You got a minute?”
    “Yeah. Sorry I bailed on you, but Mom fell. She’s okay. They took her to the hospital for X-rays to be on the safe side.”
    “Oh no. Just let me get dressed, and I’ll be on my way.”
    “Don’t be silly. She’s fine. I’m heading up to check on her now. I’m sure they’ll release her tonight. What’s up?”
    “It can wait. You have a lot on your mind right now. Call me when you know something.”
    “Spill it, Em. I have a few minutes left of this drive; it’ll take my mind off things.”
    Ember took a deep breath. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”
    Laura laughed. “You really need to get laid.”
    “No shit, but I’m serious.”
    “Okay. Who are we talking about here? And, no, I don’t. Lust at first sight maybe, but love?”
    “My new neighbor. I just met him an hour ago, but something happened between us, and my entire world tilted on its axis.”
    “Wow, did you sleep with him?” Humor was still obvious in her voice.
    “I’m totally not kidding here.” Although I wish I were. How do you tell someone you may be in love with a stranger? “I have never felt like this before. I know it’s crazy, but there it is.”
    “What’s this phenomenon’s name?”
    “Angelo. He goes by Angel. He’s really tall with dark hair and has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. Even his voice is hypnotic. And he smells so good, I could eat him with chopsticks.”
    “Maybe he is an angel.”
    “Laura…”
    “I’m teasing. Okay, so you think you fell in love with your neighbor. It’s probably just a healthy dose of chemistry. That happens sometimes. I’m sure it’ll fade after you sleep with him. How was his breath? Did you at least kiss him?” She was definitely fighting a chuckle.
    “It was perfect. He got a call and had to leave suddenly so I didn’t get a chance.”
    “It’s probably your hormones or lack of sexual activity.”
    Ember finally laughed. No one could make a weird situation funny quite the way Laura could.
    “You are so not right, but I love you for it. Hug your mom for me and please call as soon as you see her. I’ll worry.”
    “I will, and I love you too.” There was a brief pause. “Okay, I’m here. Talk later.” The call disconnected.
    Ember made her way to the bedroom with wine in one hand and phone in the other. I have such an exciting life. Not.
    By the time she was dressed and lotioned up, she’d almost finished the rest of the bottle. The slight alcohol buzz began to relax her.
    Her cell rang with an unknown number.
    “Hello?” Silence.
    “Is anyone there?” She could hear breathing, then a click, and the line went dead.
    An old, familiar fear came rushing back with anger right on its heels. “Fucking freak.”
    Ember sat heavily on the edge of her bed and stared at the phone. Someone was playing mind games, and she’d be damned if she would allow them to rent space in her head.
    With determination, she stood and made her way to the balcony for some much-needed air. She checked to make sure the porch light was off so she could sit in the shadows unseen. She felt fairly safe being on the second floor, but she wasn’t taking any chances.
    The night was warm, and a gentle breeze blew in from the north, lifting her hair as the glass door slid silently open. She sat in one of the two chairs positioned around a small table, rested her head on the seat back, and let her eyes drift shut.
    Almost immediately an image of the new janitor flashed through her mind with his emotionless