Read Online Flash Burned by Calista Fox - Free Book Online Page A

the holiday. I appreciated that greatly, and I could see that my dad did as well.
    We all clinked rims and sipped.
    â€œMm, the expensive stuff,” my father said, impressed.
    â€œWe’ll break out the scotch and cigars later,” Dane tempted him.
    â€œNow we’re talking.”
    I gestured for them to sit and started passing the salad and bread around. Dane graciously opted for my dad to take the head of the table, even though it was Dane’s house, his domain. I found that respectful. Clearly, it was one more thing about my boyfriend that my father had to admire, regardless of how he felt about Dane being too old for me at thirty. Really, I thought that was code for Dane being too mature and sophisticated for me. Not to mention well beyond my tax bracket.
    I’d gotten an earful of Are you sure you know what you’re doing, sweets? when I’d told my father I was moving in with Dane. But maybe now he saw that I hadn’t turned into a Stepford or become some sort of concubine.
    Actually, I supposed I did serve that last purpose, since we weren’t married. And hardly a day went by without us stripping each other bare and going at it like sex-starved addicts.
    The smile returned. I just couldn’t contain it for long.
    After dinner, Dane and my father surprised me by offering to clean up, but I shooed them away for more football and the afore-promised scotch and cigars on the patio off the theater room. I didn’t need them throwing my organized kitchen off-balance. I’d rearranged all the cabinets and drawers, since I wanted everything in its proper place so I could find even the most minor of accessories.
    My OCD made me a successful planner, but it also made me anal-retentive about my workspace. Even Rosa had had to learn where I now kept dishes and flatware and how I wanted the pots and pans arranged on the rack that hung over the large island.
    I served chocolate lava cake and coffee during halftime, bypassing the traditional pumpkin pie. My father stuck around for the rest of the game, which pleased me. I could tell he’d reluctantly had a good time, even clasping Dane on the shoulder as they shook before he kissed me and climbed into his car.
    We went back inside the house once my dad had cleared the gate. I hoped he could find his way out. It was a tricky location, set off back roads in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. But I’d given him detailed written directions, so I figured he’d be okay.
    â€œI’m ready for a shower,” I said. “After golfing and cooking … I must stink pretty bad.”
    Dane chuckled, low and deep in my ear as his arms slid around me from behind. “You were amazing today. Dinner was incredible.”
    â€œThank you. My game, however, was atrocious.”
    â€œYou didn’t seem to mind while we were on the course.”
    â€œThat was because I was admiring the view. You have a very powerful swing. There were a couple of tee-offs when I actually thought you’d edge out Dad by a few yards.”
    â€œLuckily, I’m not quite as good as him.”
    â€œYes, that is fortunate. He’s having enough trouble digesting the fact that we’re living in sin.”
    â€œAh, but not for long,” Dane reminded me. As if I could forget. “Though … you didn’t mention it to him.”
    â€œFirst of all, it was challenging enough to have him come for dinner while we all pretended it wasn’t a holiday. Thanks for playing along, by the way.”
    â€œAs much as you’ve told me about your family situation, I can understand how Thanksgiving might seem … sardonic … to him.”
    â€œThat’s a very polite way of putting it,” I muttered. Then I worked out of Dane’s tight embrace and turned to face him. “What were holidays like at the estate in Philadelphia, when you were growing up?”
    â€œEventful,” he said. “My aunt went all out