Read In a Heartbeat (Heartbeat #1) for Free Online Page B

turned up in that mouth-watering grin and he winked at her.
    Thank God Stella was sitting down, or her knees would have buckled. How was it even possible for a single person to possess so much charm? He strolled towards her, his swagger perfectly accented by his faded blue jeans and black T-shirt. His eyes sparkled dangerously as he sat down at the bottom end of her lounger and said,
    “Something I should have said this morning ...” Stella blinked, unable to form words – again. “Hi, I’m Max.”
    Noooo, no, no, no, no!
    “Max? Lisa’s Max?”
    I can’t believe this!
    “So you’ve heard about me.”
    Yes, I’ve heard of you – you’re my best friend’s best friend! You’re probably the only man in Genoa, no scratch that, in Italy , that I can’t have. You’re the only person I can’t have my hot, summer fling with … and the only person I want to have my hot summer fling with!
    This was a disaster.
    Hot blood rushed to Stella’s cheeks as she remembered everything she’d told Lisa. When she found out her lifeguard was Max she was going to freak out. Stella knew her cousin would never be OK with someone using one of her closest friends for some summer fun. Even if that person was one of her closest friends.
    “Yeah, I’ve heard about you,” she said. It was going to be fine. She was going to pretend she didn’t find him insanely attractive and try to be friends with him.
    “Whatever she has told you, I guarantee the real deal is better,” he said, and smirked.
    Good plan, Stella, good plan. Now try and stick to it.

    *

    When Max saw her, he couldn’t believe his luck. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her all day. He knew she reminded him of someone – there was a photo in Lisa’s room of the two of them together. She was about twelve on it so that was why he couldn’t place her right away.
    Stella. Her name was Stella – Lisa’s cousin.
    She definitely looked uncomfortable with his flirting and Max couldn’t help but find it adorable. Not many girls these days shied away from his charm.
    “Max, stop pestering Stella,” Lisa said as she came out, followed by his sister and Beppe.
    “I’m not pestering her; I’m just checking on my patient.”
    Stella closed her eyes and blushed.
    Wow, she must have told Lisa about me, thought Max.
    Judging by his friend’s almost comical surprised expression, she had. And it was juicy – the girls shared a look that spoke volumes.
    “Is that your latest pick-up line?” asked Beppe and walked in their direction, stopping right in front of Stella and theatrically kissing her hand. “Don’t waste your time with that loser, bellissima .”
    Stella laughed, to Beppe’s delight. He was still holding her hand. She didn’t pull it away, but held his gaze, her lips parting as she licked them with the tip of her tongue. Max knew women reacted that way to Beppe – his friend was tall, lean and had that dangerous bad-boy vibe. His perfectly symmetrical face, dark smothering eyes, piercings and tattoos also helped lure women in. Right now, however, Beppe needed to move away from Stella or Max was going to make him.
    “Back off, man. This is between doctor and patient. In fact, I think we should go somewhere quieter to examine you properly.”
    Stella tore her eyes away from Beppe and let go of his hand. Focusing her attention back on Max, she bit her lip to stifle a laugh.
    “There’s no need, but thanks. I’m fine.”
    To prove her point, she swung her legs from the lounger and got up, stepping on her injured foot. Not such a good idea. Max saw her flinch in pain and lose her balance. Fortunately, he had shot to his feet the moment she had stood up and supported her weight by circling her waist with his arms. She tensed under his touch and her breath caught.
    “Are you sure about that examination?” Max whispered in her ear, as he released her and she supported her weight on her other foot. Stella exhaled loudly, her pupils dilated and she flushed