Read Online Torched by Bella Love-Wins - Free Book Online Page B

an older guy. Remember Jeff Mason?”
    “You mean Jeff the assistant manager at the petting zoo?”
    “Yes, that Jeff. This is his dad’s place. He goes to Florida every winter, and it’s usually a pain for Jeff to maintain while his dad is gone. So, here’s the deal. You get to stay here for just the cost of utilities. Think about it. This could be perfect. That way, come spring, you won’t have to worry about a lease.”
    “I don’t know,” she said reluctantly.
    He turned her around so she could look at the house, then wrapped his arms around her, clasping his hands on her belly.
    “Just look at this place, Tara. It’s amazing and...crazy cheap. And imagine me coming over. We can do whatever we want. Stay wrapped up in each other’s arms for days.”
    “If that’s the case, why not move in together?” she asked.
    He had considered it. It made sense, but he didn’t think it was the right time.
    “Babe, I’d love nothing more than to move in here with you.”
    “But?” she asked.
    He turned her to face him and lifted her chin with his index finger.
    “It’s not the right time. I need to make sure my parents are okay. I can’t just abandon them. They’ve already lost one son.”
    She frowned, which pained him.
    “You have to believe me. If I could...I would.”
    “I know you would, and you’re probably right. Besides, if I’m considering moving in here, I need to see the inside. It might be a mess and I’d have to run away kicking and screaming.”
    “Let’s go check it out.” He grabbed her hand and headed up to the front door. Before he got a chance to knock, Jeff opened the front door.
    “Hey, guys,” Jeff welcomed them both with a handshake.
    “How’s it going?” Kevin asked.
    “Hello,” Tara said, her voice low, betraying her hesitation.
    “Come on in.”
    Tara remained glued to Kevin’s side as they went through each room, finding there was a fireplace in the living room as well as in the master bedroom. Kevin smiled at that thought. When they were in the master bedroom, he noticed Tara kept her eyes focused on the bed. He could only imagine what was running through her mind. They went back downstairs, and reached the foyer.
    “It’s a really nice home,” Kevin said.
    Tara nodded in agreement, which was a good sign.
    “Well, it’s yours until April, if you’d like,” Jeff informed Tara. “Just don’t paint the wall hot pink or anything.”
    Tara smiled. “I won’t.” She looked around the foyer and then turned to Kevin and finally to Jeff. “I think it’s perfect. How much do you think utilities will run me?”
    “Probably four hundred a month if you watch the heating costs. Think you can swing that?”
    It seemed almost too good to be true.
    “Yes! That’s perfect,” Tara replied. “Thank you so much, Jeff!”
    “No thanks needed. I’m glad to help you out. And in a way, you’re helping me out, too. It means I don’t have to come out here as often.”
    Kevin and Tara walked to the door. “Do you mind if we bring over some boxes tomorrow?”
    “Sure,” Jeff replied. “Here’s an extra set of the house keys. My dad left a list on the kitchen table. It’ll tell you where to find everything and how to pay the utilities.”
    “Great, thank you,” Tara said, accepting the keys with newfound enthusiasm.
    They walked around the outside before heading to the car.
    “This is pretty amazing,” Tara said, holding on to his shoulders and kissing him all over his face. “I can’t believe you found this for me, Kev. I can’t thank you enough.”
    “I can think of a few ways,” he said, licking his lips.
    They finally had a place where they wouldn’t have to worry about anyone interrupting them. He couldn’t wait.
    ***
    T ara loaded the rest of her things in boxes the next day. She kept busy, sorting while the television played in the background. She had not been paying much attention to what was on, as she was so focused on her task. That was only until