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Category: Erotica/Paranormal Erotica/Horror
Description: Between the problems in her marriage, her writer's block, and the heat situation inside the basement, Lane Blume is sure she's going insane. When Bill Sorreni goes to Lane's house for a routine plumbing check, the last thing he expected was to be instantly attracted to her. But her problem isn't something he can initially help her with, so he suggests she call a priest to take a look. Can the compassion and understanding from Bill, a man whose faith might be just what she needs to help her out of the hell that her life has become, be strong enough to save Lane?
eBook Publisher: Eternal Press/Damnation Books LLC/Damnation Books, 2010 2010
eBookwise Release Date: October 2010

Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [146 KB]
Words: 31935
Reading time: 91-127 min.

Chapter One

"I really think we should get someone to take a look downstairs."

"Downstairs?" Sid echoed, distracted by the television.

Lane sighed, frustration coursing through her body. "Yes downstairs, in the damn basement!" She hated being ignored when she had something to say, and lately, it felt as if that's all her husband had been doing.

"Why?" He shifted slightly from his slouched position on the couch, but his eyes remained focused on the screen in front of him. Trying to give the illusion of paying attention just wasn't the same thing, and she'd had just about enough.

She left the kitchen, wandered into the living room, and stepped between him and his precious sports show. With both hands on her hips, she said, "Sid, it's hotter than Hades down there. While I was doing the laundry this morning, I could hardly stand the heat. We should call someone before it gets any worse. Maybe there's something wrong with the hot water system."

"Nah, we don't need anyone. I'll go down and check it out tomorrow, or next weekend." He readjusted his position, trying to see past her.

"What do you know about hot water systems?"

Sid shut his eyes for a second and muted the television with the remote before he spoke. "Look, I'm no expert, but at least I can check it out and see if I can find the problem. Or at least narrow it down so we can decide exactly what professional we need down there."

She released a frustrated breath. "We need to check this out sooner than later. I don't think it can wait until next weekend."

"Okay, okay. I'll check it out tomorrow." The volume blared again behind her. "Are you happy now?"

No, she answered silently. I haven't been happy for a while. She didn't bother to say it out loud. It wouldn't make a difference.

He wasn't going to listen to her anymore. As long as the game was on, the conversation was over. Lane sighed, rolled her eyes, and left him alone in the living room. She paused in front of the basement door and lifted a hand to touch the wooden surface coated in white paint. She pulled her hand back instantly as pain seared her skin, the undeniable sting of blistering heat making her flinch.

"We better figure this out soon," she whispered as she held her reddened hand against her chest.