Read Online Heat of the Storm by Elle Kennedy - Free Book Online Page B

sure to chastise Mackenzie for not dating Wil . Her sister was stil convinced—as she had been for fifteen years—
    that the two of them belonged together.
    Letting out a breath, Mac shut off the engine and got out of the car. Maybe Alice was right. Maybe she should be with Wil . But just as the thought floated in, a memory did too. Her last vision, the one that had final y scared Dan away.
    She remembered the horror and pity on his face when he’d woken up to her sobbing and throwing up.
    And what he’d said…
    God, those words were imprinted in her brain, weighing on al the insecurities she’d felt her entire life.
    I can’t be with a woman like you. You represent death to me. I feel sick just looking at you.
    She shoved the memory aside, but not fast enough.
    Her throat grew tight, her stomach churning with bitterness.
    She locked the car and tucked her keys into her purse, bleakly wondering if Dan was right. Did she represent death?
    Hel , of course she did. Look what happened with Wil . She’d given in to her desire, spent a few incredible hours in bed with him, and presto! She had a vision of him dying.

    “Wowsers, you look amazing!”
    Mac glanced up to see Paula poke her head out of the general store. Swal owing down the pain sticking in her throat, she pasted on a smile. “Thanks, Paula.
    Closing up soon?”
    The other woman grinned. “Of course. I plan on dominating the shooting booth tonight.”
    “Wel , good luck.”
    “Thanks, hon. You real y look terrific.” Paula’s face darkened. “You’re not the only one, though. I just saw Wil and his new flame strol by, holding hands like a couple of randy teenagers.”
    “I take it you heard about Hol y?”
    Paula frowned. “They were at the diner earlier.
    Everyone met her.”
    “She seems like a nice girl,” Mac said noncommittal y. “Pretty too.”
    “I guess,” Paula said in a grudging tone. “Not as pretty as you, though, not by a long shot.” She laughed. “Hol y and I aren’t in competition. Wil and I are just friends, remember?”
    “I guess,” Paula said again. She paused. “He’s never brought a woman back here before.” A lump of sadness lodged in the back of her throat.
    “No, he hasn’t.” Then she forced another smile. “I’m going to grab a bite. I’l see you later, okay?”
    “Sure thing.”
    With a wave, Mac crossed the street and headed toward the parking lot of the bowling al ey, where the carnival was in ful swing. The lot was the only place large enough to accommodate such a big event, and it seemed like everyone in town had decided to make an appearance. Bodies packed the spacious lot, wandering around the fairgrounds. Al the rides boasted long lines, and children streaked by her, holding enormous stuffed animals in their hands and shoving pink handfuls of cotton candy into their mouths. Everyone looked like they were having a great time, but Mac only felt tense as she threaded her way through the crowd.
    Paula had said she’d seen Wil and Hol y head over here, but Mac wasn’t sure she was ready to face them again. It didn’t help that Hol y was so damn beautiful.
    Why couldn’t Wil have hooked up with an ugly chick, someone who didn’t bring this funny twist of inferiority to Mac’s gut?
    She inhaled the scent of fried food and sweet desserts, her gaze fixed on the Ferris wheel, a commanding shape that dominated the large parking lot. As she walked toward it, the mob parted slightly and her breath hitched when she caught sight of Wil standing near the iron gate circling the ride. He was alone.
    Her pace quickened, along with her heartbeat. Wil turned his head at her approach as if he sensed her presence. His eyes smoldered as they rested on her outfit, the tight shirt, the sexy boots.
    “Hey,” she said, reaching him.
    “Hey,” he answered gruffly.
    “Where’s Hol y?”
    “Restroom, and then she was going to make a phone cal .” His gaze swept over her, causing tingles of heat to spread through