Read Online Caught in the Flames by Kacey Shea - Free Book Online Page A

as a protective shield and wait. It doesn’t take long until she unsuspectingly rounds the corner, hot on my tail.
    Her steps halt and her eyes go wide, but not before she bumps my cart.
    I shove mine back in response, taking her by surprise. “What’s your game? Why are you following me?”
    “Are you talking to me?” Beauty bitch glances over her shoulder. Ha! Nice move, woman, but I’m not buying it.
    “Yes, I’m talking to you! You’ve been following me the entire time I’ve been here!”
    “I’m just shopping, hun,” she scoffs, and then adds beneath her breath, “You must be as crazy as the old lady.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “I’ve heard you like to spend time with Cuckoo Kiki.” She waves a hand as if she didn’t just offend me and then narrows her gaze. “You are the neighbor who’s been spending time with that old hag?”
    “Sometimes I stop and help Kiki with her cat, but she’s not crazy.” I don’t know why I feel the need to defend her, but Kiki’s been nothing but nice to me. This woman—well, she’s more like an evil witch.
    “Whatever.” Little Miss Bitch rolls her eyes. “I warned Chase to be careful with you.”
    “Chase?” Now she has my full attention. What does she know about Chase?
    “Yes, Chase. We spend time together.” I don’t like the way she says together. It’s probably just my jealous and protective inner bitch rearing her ugly head, but I reply without much thought.
    “Oh? Are you his mother?” I say sweetly. Her mouth falls open and a sound somewhere between a gasp and a choke comes out. Her cheeks turn a bright pink and her eyes narrow and blaze.
    “I never!” She turns on her heel, deserts her cart, and stomps toward the exit. I can’t help the wave of satisfaction that rolls over me in getting the best of that nasty woman. I never? Well, I’ve never been stalked through a grocery store.
    I finish my shopping, grab the last of the necessary items, and check out. My mind can barely focus on the task. Who was that woman and what does she have to do with my man? I’m loading my goods into the back of my Jeep when my phone pings from my purse. Crap! Alicia and Jill are probably worried I’ve been abducted. I jump into the driver’s seat and dig my cell from my bag.
    Chase: Hey, sorry I have to bail tonight.
    What the—? Tears sting the backs of my eyes. I’ve been anticipating this night for weeks. Really, since the moment we met, and now it’s not happening. And a text? Really?
    My fingers hover over the keypad of my phone while the cursor blinks in the respond box. I don’t even know what to say. He’s canceling our date tonight via text. I deserve better than that, a phone call at least.
    Chase: Callie?
    Me: Here.
    Chase: I’m really sorry. Lopez called out. He’s puking his guts out. I have to cover his shift. I’d rather be with you.
    Relief fills my gut. Oh. Thank God. It’s just work. And of course he wouldn’t call, not while on shift. Stupid that I even suspected his intentions were anything other than honorable.
    Me: We can reschedule. Be safe.
    Chase: Thanks, Callie. You’re the best.

I hate coffee.
    Okay, that’s a lie. I just hate the way it’s impossible to jog and drink coffee at the same time. After tossing and turning alone last night when I should have been tangled up with Chase, I woke early and decided if I’m not getting lucky I might as well get in better shape. Besides, what else do I have to do on a Sunday morning?
    I lace up my sneakers and hit the pavement with purpose. But that energy fades with each advancing step. My abstinent morning exercise plan messes with my normally caffeine infused routine. So when I turn the corner about a half mile into my jog and Kiki flags me down with a cup of java in her hands, I have to stop.
    The cool morning air hits the hot brew and causes a swirl of steam to rise over the mug. She observes my infatuation and invites me inside to join her in a cup. I can’t not say yes. Not