Read Heat LIghtning for Free Online Page A

he’d stop. She was sure he would. In the meantime, it was important that she not let him upset her.
    “Evenin’,” Linc said as he moved up the steps to the porch.
    Abby countered with a short nod. “Mr. Knight.”
    Linc laughed. “Are you upset with me, Abby?”
    “Not at all.”
    “And yet you’re calling me Mr. Knight.”
    “It’s better than some of the things I could call you.”
    “There you are,” he said with a familiar boyish grin as he sat on the porch railing before her. “I missed those snotty remarks. Where have you been hiding for two days?”
    Abby refused to laugh. She absolutely refused. “Where have you?”
    “I’ve been busy. Some of the ranchers hired on a few guns to protect them.”
    “Is that why you came here? Are you a hired gun?”
    He nodded. “A few folks had their places burned out. A few others had their wells poisoned. Looks like someone wants these ranchers to sell out. It’s a nasty business.”
    “Have you always worked for the good guys?”
    He grinned. “There was a time or two when I worked for rich men or their corporations.” He shook his head. “A man doesn’t feel much like a man when he goes up against some poor guy, asking little more of life than to eke out a living.”
    “So now you work only for the underdog?”
    He shrugged. “I sleep better, and the pay is almost as good.”
    “Why would someone want them to sell?”
    “Maybe the land is worth a sight more than anyone suspects.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Linc shook his head. “Don’t know yet.”
    He watched her for a long moment. She knew he was watching her even though she couldn’t see his eyes, for despite the moon’s bright light, his hat shadowed most of his face.
    Finally, she couldn’t stand the tension another second and asked bluntly, “What? What are you staring at?”
    With a slow lazy drawl, he returned, “Just wondering if you’d taste as good as I remember.”
    Abby’s heart turned to thunder in her chest. She could hardly breathe over the pounding of it. “Don’t,” she said as she came to her feet. “My God, we’ve been here a week, and you’ve never stopped. Can’t you forget what happened? Can’t you leave it alone?”
    She watched his lips curve into a grin.
    “I knew it was too much to expect you to act like a gentleman for once.”
    “I never said I was a gentleman.”
    “I’m going in.” She couldn’t take any more. She couldn’t remain in his company and act normal. How many times over this last week had he touched her? Seemingly innocent touching even as his gaze darkened and lowered to her breasts, telling her clearer than words where he wanted to touch her, where he would touch her if they’d been alone. She couldn’t stand the tension a moment long. She couldn’t bear it.
    “Wait.”
    Abby frowned. “No.”
    She said no and yet she remained in place. What in the world was the matter with her? Why didn’t she run for safety? Unless she left right now there was only one way this encounter could end. Yet, she stood there, leaning against the house, waiting like a mouse offering herself up to a cat who had come to claim his dinner. Oh my God, it wasn’t as if she wanted his kisses. She knew she didn’t. Then what was she doing? What was she waiting for?
    He moved to stand before her. Slowly, he lowered his head. His breath, warm, moist and clean, teased her skin. He was going to kiss her. And she ached for him to complete the kiss even as she swore she’d never allow it. Only, she knew she lied. She didn’t know why or how he had managed it, but he’d made her want him, want his kisses. She frowned unable to understand. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before. When he stood near her, her mouth grew dry, her breathing became strangled and uneven, while a warm, heavy wetness seeped between her legs. It was happening now, and she couldn’t stop it.
    Abby moaned a sound of pure hunger as his lips touched hers at last. Despite any