Free Burning Heart: Fighting Heart Erotic Bad Boy Romance Series Book 4 by Nicole Hamilton Page A

they could call in help. If Terry was able to help, maybe this crazy little plan could work. It was simple, but she liked it. Unlike the others they discussed this idea worked on Brandon’s only weak spot. Brandon had to let her in to the house if he wanted her back and as soon as the house was open, they would have two opportunities – the moment the door was opened, or Ashley could open it later letting them in when she had got a free moment. Yes, going back to Brandon was the only way. But only for the shortest possible time
    Ashley smiled and bunched up her shoulders into a little shrug.
    “What?” said Cody, feeling warmth which wasn’t from his coffee.
    “You know what. This is so crazy it scares the shit out of me. But this whole stupid thing brought us together again. I know you’re with Joanna, Cody, I get that, but we’re on this mission together. I can’t help feeling it’s like those times just before we hooked up and…
    “You can say it, Ash.”
    She shook her head and her blonde locks swished tantalisingly around her lips.
    “It’s not right. I’m sorry.”
    “Say it.”
    “It just feels like the times just before we got together. It was like I knew it was going to happen, and I just got high on the feeling of it. There. I said it . I know I shouldn’t have, but I said it.”
    “And I’m glad you did…” They smiled and enjoyed looking into each other’s eyes. Other guests were starting to drift into the canteen, spoiling the atmosphere between them.
    “We haven’t finished talking over this plan” she said.
    “I know. We still need a running order and a time...”
    Ashley nodded. “Can we talk upstairs?”
    Cody’s throat tightened as he looked at his watch.
    “Yeah. Check out isn’t for another hour yet.”
    “Then let’s go.”
    “Sure,” he said, rising without looking at her, for fear of revealing the hope and heat inside.
    Whereas were alone with her in the lift, Cody spoke only to distract himself from thinking about Ashley’s sweet touch.
    “I suggest you call Brandon this morning, as soon as you feel brave enough. That might stall Amanda from caving in and revealing all she knows. If she thinks you’re coming over soon she might hedge her bets.”
    “Good idea. That’s one call I’m really not looking forward to.”
    “I know, Ash. But you can do it.”
    “And I need to arrange a time with you which gives me enough time to bag a weapon.”
    “Maybe you should organise some help too.”
    He nodded, though as yet he couldn’t see where any such help was going to come from.
    “You’re pretty brave you know,” said Ashley.
    “No, Ash. I’m a coward. But when it comes to you, I have no choice.”
    “That’s not true, Cody. There’s always a choice.”
    They walked towards his room, and already he felt the cloying warmth between them, the heat rising as they approached his door. He wasn’t sure whether it was just his own desire or whether there was some new chemistry in the air, but he saw hints of desire about her when he opened the door. The coy way she slid her hair behind her ear. He caught a glimpse of her eyes, and she smiled as he looked into the dilating pools of her pupils.   He bit his lip as he closed the door, and dismissed Joanna out of his mind.
    “Ashley,” he found himself saying, after he closed the door.
    She turned and looked at him, waiting, smiling. The bed was in view behind her.
    “You know what would really make things easier for me?”
    “What?”
    “We’ve got a whole hour left in here. How about, for old time’s sake, one minute for kissing, and fifty nine minutes for planning how to destroy Brandon Lynes.”
    Ashley stood in no man’s land between Cody and the bed, but there was a potent mix of emotion and coyness in her eyes. Cody sensed her answer could have gone either way.
    “One minute?”
    “Yes?”
    “For you,” she said, as she walked towards him. “I’ll make it two.”
    Ashley gently moved her face to