Read Slow Burn (The Blake Boys Book 7) for Free Online Page A

those cuffs you’re out of here. That’s your M.O.”
    “How long do you intend to keep me chained up?”
    “As long as it takes.”
    “You can’t be serious.”
    “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my entire life.”
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Michelle put on her apron and finished preparing lunch. The minute he stood up she knew why that man drove her to distraction. It was that gruff sex appeal that always drew her to him. Those mischievous green eyes that twinkled when he talked to her. Hair that seemed to go everywhere on his head but oddly perfectly in place. The beard that crept up on his face every day by midafternoon even though he shaved every morning. And soft full lips that were made to be sucked on like a delicious piece of taffy. The jeans he wore seemed to be clinging to him for dear life, and coupled with the form-fitting plaid shirt he wore with his favorite pair of cowboy boots was a recipe for disaster.
    She’d decided on phase two of her plan. The chain was long enough so he could get to the dining room table and half bathroom so he couldn’t complain too much. But Tyler would have to earn his freedom, and that meant he’d have to be honest with her. She just hoped she liked what he had to say. She heaped the tomato soup into bowls with a dash of cilantro and sliced the grilled cheese. She took everything out to the dining room. Tyler had turned on the television.
    “Lunch is ready.”
    “I’m not hungry.”
    “Are you feeling ill?”
    “No, I’m upset.”
    “Well, I made one of your favorite meals. Tomato soup with grilled cheese. I used Monterey jack cheese and fresh tomatoes, just the way you like it.” She set the tray down. Tyler’s eyes brightened for a moment as he came over and inspected the food. She took that as a good sign.
    “If I eat this, will I wake up next month?” He rubbed the back of his neck.
    “No! I promise that won’t be happening again.” She held up her hands. “But you have to be hungry. Let’s call a truce. You get something in your stomach and then you can go back to being pissed at me when we’re finished eating.”
    “Deal,” he grumbled.
    Michelle took a seat next to him, placed a linen napkin in his lap and handed him a bowl of soup. It was hard to gauge his response to the food, but after a few spoonfuls he took half of his grilled cheese and dipped it into the soup. She’d take the inelegant scoffing down of the food over the detailed verbal compliment she secretly wanted.
    Tyler let out a loud guttural moan that sounded similar to sounds he made when he climaxed. “This is the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had. It’s simple but fancy.”
    “I jazzed it up a bit to accommodate adult taste buds. But the cheese makes a strong statement on its own.”
    “It’s just as good as my momma’s, but she puts a smiley face on the sandwich.” He continued to munch.
    “My mom used to do that for me when I was a kid too.” She smiled.
    “Oh, Momma did that for me last month when I was home.” He sipped on the fresh brewed raspberry iced tea.
    Her cell phone rang. The caller ID displayed the name of the production company that was creating the cooking show.
    “Sorry, I have to take this call.” Michelle answered the phone and motioned for him to pass the notepad next to him on the table. “Hello, Nathan. This is Michelle Bradley. Sure, I can have that to you by Thursday. Thanks so much for the opportunity.”
    She disconnected the call and scribbled notes furiously. The producer liked her application and wanted her to audition! She needed to email a video of a sample cooking segment from start to finish. He especially liked her wry wit and suggested she go with it. There were at least five dishes that sprang to mind but she needed something with vibrant colors that would pop off the screen. It wasn’t until she felt Tyler pulling her close that she came back to reality.
    “You’re leaving the bookstore?” Tyler lifted her