Passion Storm by Diane Escalera

Author:Diane Escalera
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: humor, contest, hurricane romance, unlikely couple, beach and vacation, matchmaker romance
Publisher: Diane Escalera

Chapter 10

“What?” Karina looked horrified. Her pulse throbbed wildly against her neck. “Where’s it headed?”

The fear in her voice sent him into protective mode. She didn’t have to worry. He would guard her with his life if he had to. “I spent all day at the local hurricane agency projecting Chantal’s path. We’re not working with the same equipment, but they’re linked to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.” He squeezed her hand, assuring her that he would never let anything happen. Not to her body. Not to her heart.

Karina’s eyes became glassy. Her hand trembled in his. Totally stunned by the news, her body slackened and fell sideways. He caught her shoulder and steadied her. “Is Florida in danger?” she mumbled, half-dazed.

“Don’t know yet.” He saw a different side of her, not the warrior she’d been projecting all along. Interesting switch from her usual cool self, and he welcomed the opportunity to play hero, demonstrate his worth.

“But it could be?” Her eyes were deeply troubled.

His self-interests evaporated. Yes, it would’ve been nice to feel needed, but he couldn’t capitalize on her fears. “Right now Cuba is more at risk,” he said, making her look at him. “It’s moving pretty slow and bobbing and weaving all over the place. We’ll have a better idea over the next twenty-four hours.”

“What do you think will happen?”

Her vulnerability gave his heart a little squeeze. He lifted her chin with his knuckle. “Stop worrying,” he said as calmly as he could.

“Thanks to Hurricane Alex, I can’t.” She tucked her bottom lip, stared down at the shiny, wooden dance floor.

“This is no Hurricane Alex.” That much he could guarantee. Karina may have had him off balance, but when it came to weather, he had firm footing. “You have to trust me on this.”

She looked up at him and analyzed his features. “I hope you’re right,” she said, moving to the music again.

Out of nowhere, Tino swirled right into them. “Cutting in,” he said, giving them no chance to react. He took Karina’s hand and twirled her across the floor.

“Hey cutie, buy me a drink,” Jackie said, primping her curls at him.

“Love to,” Andy replied, still watching Karina. He threw his arm over Jackie’s shoulder. Jackie snaked her arm around his waist, and they strode to the bar, planting themselves on two empty stools.

“Where you been all day?”

“Had to work.” He caught the bartender’s attention. “Tropical Storm Chantal turned again.”

“Really?” Jackie said. “Where’s it going now?”

“Not sure yet. Maybe Cuba.”

“Did you tell Karina?”

“Yeah.”

“Did she freak?”

“A little.”

“I’m surprised she didn’t freak a lot.” Jackie took the drink that had just been placed on the colorful mat in front of her. “Karina’s terrified of hurricanes.”

“Hurricane Alex, huh?”

“Yeah. She barely survived it. Karina and her family had to hide in a closet when the eye of the storm passed over them. One of the bedroom windows blew out, and the whole house shook like a train had barreled through it. They even said their goodbyes.”

“Oh, man.” Andy comprehended the wrath of that storm.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.