Free Heat of the Storm by Elle Kennedy

her body. “You look…
    incredible.”
    “Thanks.” She awkwardly rested her palms on her sides then glanced up at the lights twinkling on the Ferris wheel. “Have you gone up yet?”
    “No.” A hint of a smile. “Want to take a ride?” Her heart did a little flip. “Hol y won’t mind?” He smiled wryly. “She’s not the jealous type.”
    “Oh. Okay then.”
    They moved toward the line, but didn’t have to wait more than a few moments before the passengers from the last ride were let off. Neither of them spoke as they walked up to the gate. Wil watched her slide into the car, and then sank down next to her, his long legs looking awkward in the smal space. The attendant lowered the bar and then the car soared up a few feet, pausing in mid air as the next passengers were let on.
    Mac didn’t look at Wil , her gaze sweeping around the carnival grounds and empty Main Street instead.
    They rose higher, and now she could see the entire town, charming houses, tidy lawns, and in the distance the rol ing acres of land and dusty two-lane highway that Wil drove on each time he came back here from San Diego. His visits had been the highlight of recent years. She always felt better when Wil was around.
    Pain pierced her heart. Oh God, how would she survive if he died?
    “What are you thinking about?” he asked softly.
    She final y turned and met his eyes, gorgeous dark eyes that could always see through her. “You. Me.” She changed the subject. “So, are you serious about Hol y?”
    Something indecipherable flickered on his face. “I could be,” he said with a shrug. “But it’s too soon to tel . It’s only been a week, after al .” She swal owed. “You met her the day after you left here.”
    He shifted his attention to the crowd below. “Yes.”
    “Does this mean you’re—” she searched for the right word, “— over what happened between us?”
    “Are you?”
    “Yes,” she lied.
    His jaw tensed. “Aren’t you tired of lying to yourself?”
    “And what am I lying about?”
    “The way you feel about me.”
    She released a tired breath. “What does it matter now? You’re dating someone else.”
    A glimmer of triumph. “And that bothers you.”
    “No,” she lied again.
    Wil shook his head in frustration. “I can’t do this anymore, Mac.”

    anymore, Mac.”
    Panic tugged on her gut. “Do what?”
    “Keep coming back here, acting like we’re best friends.”
    “We are best friends.”
    “We should be more,” he burst out, anger staining his voice. “And if you can’t give it to me, that more , then maybe it’s time I moved on with my life.” She chewed on the inside of her lip. “With Hol y?”
    “Maybe.” He made an annoyed sound. “And maybe not. Either way, I’m not putting myself through this shit anymore.”
    Her panic intensified, snaking through her intestines and squeezing hard. “I knew this would happen if we slept together,” she whispered. “I knew you’d leave.”
    “It would’ve happened regardless.” Pain creased his handsome features. “I’m not leaving because we had sex, and it’s not because I’m bitter that we won’t do it again. It’s just too hard, Mackenzie, wanting you this badly, knowing you want me too, and having to fight you every step of the way.”
    The car started its descent, and anxiety rol ed through her. Soon the ride would end, they’d get off, he’d find Hol y, and then he’d walk out of her life. And his helicopter would crash in the jungle, and she’d lose him for good. Forever.
    Unless she stopped him.
    “Wil ,” she began hoarsely.
    He raked both hands through his dark hair, eyeing her grimly. “Yeah?”
    “I…”
    I love you.
    “I don’t want you to go.”
    His mouth tightened. “Then give me a reason to stay.”
    Desperation rippled up her spine. She opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. But no words came out. She couldn’t find her voice, couldn’t find the courage to tel him how she