Melting Ice Read Online Free Page A

used in the shower and feel the heat from his big body. He peered in the stall at the panting dog. “That’s the one.”
    Damn, he was attractive in a bad boy sort of way—just the kind of guy Bella went for but not usually Avery’s type, if she even had a type. He shoulder brushed against hers, and she bit back a gasp. His touch scalded her and sent all kinds of happy signals to her female parts.
    Avery found her tongue and managed to squeak out the next sentence. “We caught him chasing one of the horses. You need to keep your dog confined. These horses are valuable, and we can’t afford to have stray dogs injuring them.”
    “Sorry,” he said again, not sounding sorry. “He got away from me. I didn’t know the fat, little sucker could run that fast.”
    “Now you do.” Avery scowled, letting him know she wasn’t amused. “Do you have a leash?”
    The man held out a pair of big hands, palms up, and shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I didn’t take the time to grab one.”
    “Fine, use a lead rope.” She handed him one from the nearby stall.
    “Thanks, I’ll return it.” He reached for it, and his fingers brushed hers. Avery inhaled sharply, and she swore she heard him do the same. She raised her head to meet his intense blue gaze and almost collapsed in a heap right in front of him. He was too damn sexy for his own good. Her pulse sped up and her throat closed up, rendering her speechless. He smirked again, as if he knew the effect he had on women. It was enough to slap her out of her momentary lapse.
    With a shrug, he approached the dog. The dog leapt to its feet, hackles raised, and snarled showing an impressive set of yellowed teeth.
    “Are you sure this is your dog?” She watched the two with skepticism as they circled each other like prize fighters in a ring.
    “Absolutely.” He made a move to grab the dog’s collar.
    Still growling the boxer ran to her side and glommed onto her, leaning against her leg. Avery frowned, wondering if the guy was abusive or something to this poor animal. “He’s afraid of you.”
    “Trust me, he’s not afraid.” Again that sexy smile showing double dimples on each cheek. “He just hates me. He likes women, not men.”
    Avery was confused, as she took the lead rope from him and snapped it on the boxer’s collar. He wagged his tail and stared adoringly at her. As soon as she handed the end of the rope to the owner, the dog went stiff-legged and snarled. “But he’s your dog?”
    For a minute his guard dropped and she saw deep pain cross his handsome features. It disappeared so fast, she wondered if she’d imagined it.
    “He belonged to a friend, and I promised to care for him.”
    “Oh,” Avery didn’t ask any more questions, just backed out of the stall.
    “I’m Isaac, and this is Hal.” He followed her into the aisle, stepping much too close for comfort.
    She didn’t need introductions because this was going to be her only encounter with this guy. “Fine, now take Hal off the property and make sure he doesn’t come back.”
    “Will do.” Her brush off didn’t faze him. If anything, it encouraged him. “I’ll see you later. We’re neighbors.” He pointed to the house Sam’s brother-in-law had bought six months ago. Avery had no idea Brad had decided to rent it, especially to a guy who didn’t look like he had a penny to his name, but then appearances were deceiving. Maybe she’d made too many assumptions about this guy.
    Isaac stared down at her, as if he wanted to say something more. Avery licked her lips, feeling a surge of excitement race through her. He reached out and touched her cheek, a gentle touch for a man so overtly masculine. She shivered, and a cocky smile slid across his face, lighting up his eyes.
    “Well, horse lady, I’ll be back to return the rope.” He headed down the aisle with the dog grumbling at his heels. Pausing, he called over his shoulder, “I’m looking forward to getting closer to my neighbors.” With