Page 11 of Heat Stroke

Before… as kids, and then in our teens, I hated him. He was horrible. A real rat bastard.

This Blaze seems different. The main thing is that he seems attracted to me…

And, I’m damn sure attracted to him.

But, I don’t want to be…

Muttering under my breath, “Are you crazy?! Nooo. I’m not attracted to Blaze Carrington…” I hurry back across the street knowing damn well I’m lying to myself.

Chapter Four

Wren

A few days later

I’m groaning asthe phone rings for the seventh time while I’m trying to go over today’s orders on my computer screen. It rings again and I swipe it while still trying to organize the orders by need by dates. “LeSalle Lumber. This is Wren. How can I help you?”

There’s a pause on the other end before the voice I’ve secretly been waiting to hear chuckles and says, “Oh, good. It just so happens I was calling for you.”

My breath catches in my throat as I lean back and stare at the receiver in my hand like I expect it to turn into a snake and bite me. Shaking my head, I press the phone back to my ear and calmly reply, “Really? Who is this and how can I help you?”

Take that! Just because I know exactly who you are, doesn’t mean that I have to let you know that.

He laughs again and warmth pools in my stomach at the sound. “I think you know who this is, Wren. But, I’ll play along.

“This is Blaze… Blaze Carrington.”

My hand tightens on the receiver and I blithely reply, “Why do you assume I knew who it was? This is a business… We get phone calls all day long. What can I do for you, Mr. Carrington?”

“I know it’s a business, but since I don’t have your cell number, this is the only number I can call to reach you. Unless you’d prefer that I just come over to see you… And, stop calling me ‘Mr. Carrington.’ I’m not my dad.” The amusement in his voice is evident.

No….

Do not come over here and mess with me.

I’m busy. I don’t have time to play these games.

I will too call you Mr. Carrington. Blaze is too personal and you and I have no type of personal relationship.

“This is the only number you’re going to get. What do you need, Mr. Carrington?”

Ha!

He sighs. “If you call me Mr. Carrington one more time, Wren, I will come over there and I’m not going to leave until you agree to call me Blaze.” I can hear that he’s exasperated.

I groan. “Try it…I can have you removed. By the police. So, no, you won’t. Why does it matter what I call you? And…what do you want? I’m busy.”

“It matters because you need to call me Blaze. That is my name. You know that is my name. You also won’t call the cops on me. And, if you do, they won’t arrest me… What would they arrest me for? Flirting with a beautiful woman?!” He’s so amused.

Stop flirting with me!

Asshole.

Of course they won’t arrest you! They’d just laugh at me.

Ugh.

I mutter, “Fine,Blaze. What do you want? I’m very busy. And, shouldn’t you be building the community center? Why are you calling to annoy me?”

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