Read Online Freezing Point by Elizabeth Goddard - Free Book Online Page B

out. You can’t get a paycheck until we have your info. It’s all contingent on the story. Don’t forget.”
    Casey’s throat tightened. “I got it.”
    He slid to partially sit on her desk. “What exactly brings you to our little town, Miss Wilkes? I read some of your work. You’re good.”
    Casey rolled her chair back and studied Danny. Was he friend or foe? A little twinkle in his eye told her the former. “Just call me Carson, okay?”
    Danny laughed, revealing his other side. He wasn’t so gruff, after all. Or maybe it was just that all the men in Orange Crossings had to appear tough and unlikable at first.
    â€œCarson it is.” He slid off the desk and walked out of the cubicle as though he’d given up his inquisition, but then, at the last second he leaned back in. “Just so we’re clear, when things have died down and you’re willing to write a real story, let’s have a go at those exposés. That is, if you’re planning to stay.”
    Casey felt her jaw drop.
    â€œDon’t look so surprised. I talked to Eddie and he explained. What? Did you think I wouldn’t check up on you?” Danny smiled then disappeared.
    He knew? He’d talked to Eddie? Then why did he ask? Did that mean Eddie wasn’t expecting her to come back?
    A quiver started in her belly then worked its way over her body. She hoped Danny’s call to Eddie hadn’t somehow been intercepted by Tannin, or could somehow lead him to her. She’d been flabbergasted at the lengths to which he’d gone as it was—the email and newspaper hacks.
    Oh, Danny…why couldn’t he have simply asked her instead? He’d taken her on her word that she could get the story, and he hadn’t exactly inquired about the details of her résumé.
    She’d thought this morning’s incident could have been more of Tannin torturing her because he’d found her. Then she’d dismissed it. Jesse’s questions had made her believe she was overreacting, but she was reevaluating the wisdom in that.
    Jesse.
    He’d been there, protecting her both last night and this morning. But she’d be a fool to think she could count on him to be there every time, especially if Tannin did show up. Jesse wasn’t her protector, for crying out loud. He wasn’t even her boyfriend, nor did he have a clue she was in danger, that she’d been running. She barely knew the guy and yet she’d allowed herself, if only for a short time, to take shelter in his arms.
    By five o’clock, Casey had some semblance of an article, though she had plenty of empty space in her outline of questions. After shutting the desktop computer down for the day, she blew out a breath and shoved to her feet. It felt good to be back at work. She’d drive through Taco Bell before swinging home to grab something warm to wear. Tonight she’d wear her own coat, so she wouldn’t have to endure Jesse’s scent, though she hardly found it distasteful. But that was beside the point.
    She wondered which Jesse she would get—the Jesse whosent warm tickles through her or the Jesse who made her think she was an annoying fly he wanted to swat.
    That had to be it. He didn’t like reporters.
    Her cell rang. Meg. She’d been waiting on this call.
    â€œHey, girl. Got your message.”
    â€œWell?”
    â€œWill Tannin is still in town. I did a drive-by and spotted him with that same woman. Who knows? Maybe they’re an item now.”
    â€œDo you think he’s forgotten about me? Forgotten about his threats?”
    â€œI think it’s too soon to know. You haven’t been gone that long. And remember, Casey, you destroyed his life. That’s something he’s not likely to forget anytime soon or ever.”
    Â 
    Having handed off Casey’s tire for further investigation, Jesse sped through town, hoping he didn’t miss her. When he