Freezing Point by Elizabeth Goddard

around her.
    He’d become much more than a habit for her. He was an addiction.

TEN
    J esse ended the kiss and pressed his nose against Casey’s, holding her hands in his. He sighed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
    â€œNo. It’s okay,” she said, her words a little shaky. Then a playful grin tickled the corner of her mouth. “I liked it.”
    Could she be any more appealing?
    â€œAnd,” she added, “you’re more than just a story to me.”
    â€œAre you sure?” he asked.
    â€œI’m sure,” she whispered.
    He wanted more than anything to believe it. But did he really? She could be playing him because she was after a different story all together.
    Wasn’t Jesse playing her?
    He was a man torn in too many directions. He’d kissed her to keep her from asking questions. He’d kissed her because he wanted to kiss her. And now, where did that leave the both of them?
    Him acting out a part, and her falling for that guy, not the real Jesse.
    She didn’t have a clue. And he was a jerk for it.
    From the beginning, he’d wanted to prevent anyone else from getting hurt or, worse, killed, at the ice company. He feared Casey was in danger, but where would she be safest?With him? Or far away from here? It wasn’t within his power to send her away. Not without the threat of discovery.
    For those reasons and a million more, he was torn over how best to protect Casey.
    And worse, he was falling for her.
    Help me, God. What do I do?
    She lingered against him, her breath smelling minty, like she’d just brushed. He smiled a little at the thought. All the chaos in his head melted away as he savored this moment with her.
    Thunder clapped, too close for comfort, startling Casey. She jumped and he wrapped his arms around her.
    He’d thought it before—she was a woman on edge. But why? “The storm’s moving in fast. Maybe we should get back.”
    Simon returned just in time and, barking, ran ahead of them toward the house.
    â€œI don’t want to get caught in the storm. Race you!” Casey took off running. Surprised, Jesse laughed and then gladly followed. He had every intention of letting her think she was winning until the very last second.
    Casey glanced behind her, shooting a mischievous smile at him. Keep that up and she’d lose without any effort on his part. Jesse burst forward and tagged her. She stumbled, and he fell next to her, laughing. A drop of rain smacked him in the face.
    Lying in the sand next to the deck, Jesse looked up and noticed the lights were out. Footsteps pounded the sand, running from the house.
    Simon growled and barked, then ran in the direction Jesse had heard the footsteps come from.
    â€œThat wasn’t a happy bark.” Casey sat up. “Jesse?”
    Jesse jumped up. “Stay there!” He ran after what he fearedto be another intruder. Had they armed the system when they left? He didn’t think so.
    Idiot!
    Large raindrops began pelting him and, with the clouds moving in, the moonlight was no longer lighting his way. “Simon!”
    The dog barked somewhere in the distance. Jesse paused and considered giving up on catching whoever had run from the house and began to worry about leaving Casey alone. Simon could find his way back.
    From somewhere ahead on the dark and stormy beach, Simon yapped in pain. The sound crushed Jesse, angered him.
    Should he go back for his standard company issue SIG P226 locked safely in his car?
    An arm gripped his biceps. Fist raised, he turned and almost slammed Casey.
    Lightning flashed, revealing that she was soaked to the bone. “I told you to stay put,” he yelled over the storm.
    â€œI was too scared, so I ran after you.”
    A few yards away, Simon limped toward them, whimpering.
    Casey knelt down, “You poor thing.”
    â€œCome on,” Jesse said, and lifted his dog.
    Â 
    â€œAnd be sure to arm