TONY: Slow Burn (Raging Fire Book 1) by Kallypso Masters (the false prince TXT) 📕

wouldn’t discourage him from jumping her bones if he were so inclined. The man was all kinds of sexy hotness and had kept her on a slow burn most of the summer.

When he continued with the Mr. Silent treatment, she sighed. “Look, I think we both could use some time away from our daily grinds. And you haven’t truly experienced diving until you’ve done it in the Caribbean.” Okay, time for her final pitch, then she’d leave this alone. “The waters are warm and so clear. It’s like you’ve entered another world down there. You won’t believe the colors of the fish and the coral. And when will you ever get a chance to swim with sharks and manta rays up here?”

He grinned for the first time in a long while, and she relaxed a little. “Let’s hope never or we might be in the middle of a flood of biblical proportions.”

That he’d just made a joke about a flood surprised her, but he didn’t seem to equate it with the disastrous call in June. Seeing a teasing Tony peeking out again warmed her heart. He could be so much fun to be with.

Come on, T.G., say yes. You know you want to join me there.

“I appreciate the offer, Carm, but I’m not going to intrude on your vacation. I’m no freeloader.”

Did this mean he was interested as long as she let him pay his share? “I’m happy to split expenses for groceries and meals, and we’ll cover our own dive excursion expenses. The villa’s already paid for, but you can share part of that expense too, if you want.” She just wouldn’t tell him how much the total bill really was, because it would be far beyond a firefighter’s budget. Besides, she didn’t want his money, she wanted his company.

More silence. Was he considering her offer or trying to find a polite way to decline her counteroffer? This really did seem like a negotiation of sorts.

“You’ve tempted me yet again, Carm, but I doubt I could catch a flight this late.” He’d said similar words before about her tempting him. All’s fair, because he’d been tempting her for weeks. “Listen, I really appreciate the invitation, but I need to stay here. I have a couple of appointments scattered throughout the week, and I’m doing an open-water dive Wednesday at the Dillon Reservoir.”

To say she was disappointed was an understatement, but she wouldn’t let on how she felt. Carm shrugged. “It was just an idea. I understand. You could only get in one dive this week, though?”

He didn’t hide his disappointment. “Yeah. Busy week for them.”

“I’m telling you, you could dive at least five days while in the islands. The offer stands.”

She’d be heading to the Eagle Vail airport before dawn and still needed to pack but wasn’t ready for Tony to leave yet. “Want to come inside for some coffee?” She wouldn’t offer him food after all they’d eaten and knew he wouldn’t drink alcohol before the drive home. She also didn’t say anything about what she’d really like to happen tonight.

He cocked his head then smiled. “Thanks, but I wouldn’t be great company tonight. I had a rough day yesterday. Besides, I’m sure you have packing to do.”

“Maybe it would help to talk with someone about it.” She placed a hand on his jacketed arm and squeezed. Something else must have happened at work. “Come inside. The coffee will help keep you awake on your drive over the pass.”

Or you can spend the night.

Fortunately, her mutinous brain didn’t express that suggestion aloud. The heat emanating from his body across the seat warmed her to the core. She wouldn’t say no if he was interested. She’d have plenty of time to catch up on her sleep either on the plane or while lounging around the villa. Alone. Suddenly, that prospect held less charm than it had when she’d booked the place.

His hand stroked her cheek, but the sadness in his eyes told of yet another rejection. “Thanks for that offer, Carm, but I’d better head home. Let me carry that box in first, though.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m fine.”

Tony was out of the truck and opening the passenger door for her in seconds, helping her down. He then opened the extended cab next and grabbed the box. At her front door, she turned to Tony. Would she get another goodnight kiss? At the moment, she had mixed feelings about it, knowing it would only leave her even more frustrated.

“You throw a helluva party. Thanks for doing that for Angelina.”

That was it? Thank you, ma’am, without any wham bam?

He acted as if she was nothing more than a party planner his family had hired for his sister’s birthday.

Tony placed a hand on her shoulder, then must have realized the box between them would make it difficult to close the gap for a hug—or a kiss.

Most likely, he hadn’t intended to kiss her at all. She turned around to shove the key in the lock and then reached out for the box.

“I can put it inside the door for you,” he said.

She didn’t need Tony to just drop the box and watch him leave a few minutes later. A girl could only take so much! “I think I can handle it.” She tried to take the box from him, but he didn’t let go.

He stared at her a long moment, and she wondered if he was considering coming in. “Good night, Carm.” Or maybe not.

He closed the gap between them, and her heart fluttered in anticipation of…then he grasped the knob and opened the door before placing the box on the floor inside.

“Thanks, Tony.” Her voice sounded a little breathy. “Have a good week.”

He stared down at her mouth, which tingled as if he’d brushed his lips across them softly. She licked her lips, which had suddenly gone dry, and tilted her head back slightly as if in invitation.

Tony groaned before moving closer and placing his lips on hers