A Beautiful Thought (The Beautiful Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

itself within his expression, making my heart stutter. “I see you already got started without me.”
    I shrugged, going for innocence. “Liquid courage and all…” I trailed off, realizing that was probably too honest of a response.
    His eyes shimmered, and the corner of his mouth slightly twitched with humor. “Not a bad way to go,” he teased.
    I had to laugh. “That’s what I thought.”
    The waitress appeared at our table. Damon ordered a full rack of baby back ribs and a Bud Light while I went for the Ketch Burger, fries, and a water.
    “So, how long have you known Abbey?” Damon inquired after the waitress left us.
    I toned everyone around us out. I wanted to openly talk with Damon, so we could get to know one another better, even if it would only be fractionally.
    “Since my first year in college. Abbey and I had an English course together.” I smiled, recalling that first day I’d met her. “I saw her sitting down, waiting for the professor to arrive. She had these dark purple glasses on, and she was organizing her notebook with a pen already in her hand, so I figured she was smart,” I admitted sheepishly.
    Damon let out a husky laugh. “So, you assumed you’d sit by the smart one in class?”
    “Yep.” I chortled. “I sat in the seat next to her, thinking she could help me get by with a passing grade.”
    He perked up one brow at me. “And how did that work out?”
    “Well, I later found out that we both sucked at English, but with all our late-night study sessions, we managed to pull off an A-minus for the semester.” I paused, feeling grateful that I had Abbey in my life. That woman was my rock. “But the best part was gaining a best friend along the way.”
    “So, it was all worth it then?” he asked sincerely.
    The waitress returned with our food and drinks. It was then that I realized how hungry I was.
    “Definitely.” My cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much.
    The two of us began to eat, and we also made small talk with one another. For being in a bar, I barely heard the noises around us. I was completely zoned in on Damon, and I felt my earlier uneasiness slip further away as we continued to talk.
    I told Damon about my occupation as a physical therapist, and I learned he was an architect. He had designed all the floor plans at the office he and Jason had recently purchased with their newest family member and business partner, Kyle Madison. Kyle’s wife, Lily, was Damon and Jason’s cousin, and Kyle was Abbey’s older brother. Kyle, Jason, and Damon were currently in the middle of rebuilding the interior of the building. It sounded like a very lengthy process, but I could hear the excitement and passion in Damon’s voice as he spoke about the details.
    It was calming to learn more about Damon, considering the circumstances we were about to endeavor in the near future. I caught myself sneaking glances at him for a few seconds longer than would be considered polite even though I had been trying hard to resist. He was just utterly attractive in every sense of the word.
    He seemed very responsible, composed in the way he carried himself, and compassionate about his work and family. He had all the admirable traits I looked for in a man—I mean, roommate.
    As the end of our night neared, an immense dark cloud formed, hovering above me. I had yet to ask him about moving in with me, and I needed to get it over with before I chickened out and ran for the hills.
    Instead, I found myself avoiding the subject. “So, do you think you’ll make California your permanent home?”
    Damon’s soft eyes turned thoughtful as they penetrated mine. It was as if he was trying to get a read on the sudden shift in my demeanor. He bent forward and gently rested his forearms on the table. My attempt to ignore his movement failed miserably as I found myself glancing at the way his biceps hugged the sleeves of his slightly fitted shirt. He was just so damn gorgeous.
    “I’m not sure yet, but