Read Online Seaside Kisses: A Sweet Romance (The Seaside Hunters Book 4) by Stacy Claflin - Free Book Online Page A

know. I've been doing it for years."
    "But you didn't even know you had this allergy. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I left and something happened."
    "You think I'm going to die?" he asked.
    "Hopefully not."
    "Okay, here's the deal. I'll sleep on the recliner. You can take the love seat or couch."
    Amara shook her head. "I'm not going to sleep. You're going to take the couch, and I'm going to watch TV. I hope you can sleep through noise."
    "I grew up with five siblings. I could probably sleep through an erupting volcano."
    Amara laughed. "Perfect. Get some blankets. Do you need anything to drink or anything?"
    "No thanks. I just need some rest."
    "Have you drunk any water?" she asked. "That would help, I think."
    "Are you a nurse?" he asked. "I thought you worked in a candy store."
    "I know a thing or two about allergies. My dad has a ton of them."
    After a few minutes, she had gotten Rafael settled on the couch with a pillow and some blankets.
    "Your eyes look a little watery," Amara said. "Mind if I find a wash cloth and pat them with some warm water? I think it'll help."
    "Sure," he said, his eyes closing. Poor thing looked exhausted.
    Amara found what she needed easily enough and then dabbed his eyes. She felt really bad for him. He was acting tough, but he looked miserable. She set the cloth into a bowl of warm water and leaned against the couch. Rafael's breathing warmed her neck.
    "You can turn on the TV," he said.
    She jumped, not realizing he was still awake. "Okay, thanks."
    He opened one eye. "No. Thank you. I really appreciate you staying to look after me."
    "My pleasure," she said, never having meant anything more. She scooted over to the recliner, which was closer to him than the love seat. "Goodnight," she whispered.
    Amara thought she saw him smile. Butterflies danced in her stomach. She watched him sleep, listening to his deep breathing. She could still feel his lips on hers from the other night. It was time to think about something else.
    She grabbed the remote and then found a movie to stream, but she couldn't pay much attention. Not when Rafael Hunter slept only a few feet away.
    Amara found herself glancing over at him often enough that she couldn't keep up with the movie's story line. The swelling around his eyes did seem to be going down, but mostly she just liked watching him… and reliving the brief kiss.
    Part of her wished she could go back in time and tell her teenage-self about this. They would squeal together, jumping up and down. Teenage-Amara never would have guessed Rafael would ever kiss her, or that Amara would be alone in his house taking care of him. Grownup Amara almost had to pinch herself.
    Her phone alerted her that she had a text. She quickly turned it on silent, not wanting to disturb Rafael, despite his claims to be able to sleep through an exploding volcano.
    The message was from Janelle.
    What's going on? Did you get lost?
    Hardly. Looks like I'm staying over at Rafael's.
    What??????? Get out! I didn't think you were that type of girl.
    Amara laughed.
    That's not what I meant. He's asleep on the couch, and I'm just making sure he doesn't stop breathing.
    Likely story. Two kissing smilies followed the words.
    Stop. Want me to send a picture as proof?
    Of him sleeping? I'll bet he's still hot as Hades.
    If he suddenly clears up, I'll go back to your place.
    You'll do no such thing. I'm fine. See you in the morning?
    We're on for breakfast, and then I have work to do.
    Nighty-night.
    Goodnight.
    Amara put her phone away in her pocket, wondering if she would actually be able to get any work done the next day. If she stayed up all night watching Rafael sleep, she would need to crash as soon as she got home the next morning.
    She glanced back over at him. His arm hung off the edge of the couch and his mouth gaped just slightly. She sighed, enjoying the sight.
    Amara dozed off. She woke when her head jerked toward her chest. Her eyelids were heavy, fighting to close again, but