Read Online Frostbite (Touch of Frost) by Lynn Rush - Free Book Online

up, the weekend crowds had taken over the beach. It was an informal spot, no lifeguards. But they amply warned everyone with posted signs, like, every two inches.
    “You going to swim?” Zach’s voice sounded near. He must be lying close to me. The very thought sent my mind into a frenzy.
    “Never been much into water sports. You?”
    “Rather hang with you.”
    Couldn’t think of anything to say to that, so I let a smile take over. Maybe that’d be enough to let him know it was way cool.
    “I was wondering something…”
    When he didn’t continue right away, I shaded my eyes to see him. He propped himself up on one elbow, resting his head on his palm, watching me.
    “What?”
    “Why’d you really bail on me last night?”
    “It was late. I was ready to go home.” Total lie.
    “But you had time to dye your hair?” A grin tugged at his lips.
    “I’m here with you now, aren’t I?” I mimicked his position.
    “Because Georgia wanted to come.”
    I smiled. “Mostly.” I smoothed out the sand in front of me with my free hand, studying each grain. Nerves inside my fingers vibrated.
    Zach burrowed his hand into the sand and met mine. Just the fingertips, though, then he stopped as if daring me to take it further.
    “What are you afraid of?” Zach whispered. “You don’t come across as someone who gets freaked out by much.”
    “Oh yeah?” My voice wasn’t much more than a whisper either.
    The look in Zach’s eyes was breathtaking. Challenging yet filled with want. Such a tempting combination. I leaned forward and eased my fingers over his.
    He met me halfway, consummating our hands beneath the thin layer of sand. “So, what are you afraid of then?”
    “You’re the hot man on campus. Lots of girlfriends. I’m afraid I might suffer by comparison.”
    “Ouch.” He coughed.
    “And like you said. College coming. No ties, right?”
    “I did say that, didn’t I?” He let out a long breath, holding by gaze. “Maybe I felt that way because I was with the wrong girl.”
    “You barely know me, Zach.” And I was so the wrong girl. He just didn’t know it.
    “I’m trying to get to know you. You won’t let me.” His dark eyebrow quirked up, and his dimple flared as he offered me his totally addicting half-smile.
    He was right, though. So trained to stay protected, I’d pretty much forgotten how to…be. So controlled. So…
    I inched closer, which probably looked ridiculous as I scooted across the sand, but if I was going to take a chance, Zach was going to be that chance.
    His eyes widened, and he leaned forward as his grip on my hand tightened. Despite the sand mixed in with our hands, his warmth still crept up my arm. But it also left a trail of goosebumps.
    Do. Not. Freeze. Him .
    I drew in a breath, then pushed that last inch separating us. My reward was the softest pair of lips. The contact, as light as it was, sent a shockwave through my chest, rattling down my spine. The warmth of the sun toasting us, and his now familiar scent, swarmed around my body, filling me with him.
    All Zach.
    I turned my head a fraction and that angle offered me even more of him. That pouty bottom lip I’d been eyeing since I’d first seen him was all mine to taste. To nibble. And I took full advantage.
    One quick suckle, and he took in a sharp breath. Too bad he pulled away.
    “Wow,” he said, leaning his forehead against mine. “That was way more than I expected.”
    Stay calm. Breathe. No ice. I was worried my ice would show up just to cool me down. And not just from the sun heating me. There wasn’t a spot on me that didn’t vibrate with excitement. Desire.
    “You okay?” Zach nudged my chin with his sand-covered finger.
    I’d not even realized he’d released his hold on my hand. Man, I’d gotten lost there for a second. But relief flooded my hammering heart at the sight of his tan skin. No ice. No frost. No nothing but smooth flesh.
    I cleared my throat and shifted my elbow a little. “Fine.”