Arrested Pleasure Read Online Free PDF Page A

thing Cassie enjoyed about this part of town was the eclectic businesses in the area. It helped shape the area from its former reputation as a seedy section Portlanders avoided to that of a thriving business district.
    "I take it you met the new owners?" Dani chuckled. "Good thing the present was wrapped, or it could've been awkward. Can you imagine what they would have thought opening that package from you?"
    Cassie glared at Dani. Her friend was having way too much with this. "Not exactly. There was someone there. I'm not sure who he is, but he's acquainted with Gavin and Sharon." Her mind momentarily filled with visions of his face and the feel of his fingers on her intimate places. She'd tried to push the memories to the back of her mind all morning, but she couldn't hold back the shivers that still rocked her body.
    "He?"
    She blinked at Dani's question, aware she'd lost track of the conversation. She forced herself to focus. "Some guy. Not somebody I'd ever met while Gavin and I dated."
    "Oh? Good looking? Single?"

    "Yes. Or . . . wait . . . I don't know if he's single. He just didn't act married."
    Dani's eyes widened at Cassie's choice of words. "He didn't act married?" She sat down on the edge of the desk, a satisfied smile on her face. "Tell me more. He must have left an impression on you. Did he come on to you?"
    Cassie opened her mouth, and then clamped it shut. She didn't want to let on to Dani about how she'd behaved so wantonly with a stranger. "Look, I'm going across the street to get a sandwich. You want to come with me?"
    "Changing the subject, are we?"
    "You could say that. I doubt I'll meet him again, so the issue isn't important anymore."
    Dani stared at her for a moment. "Well, you do know where he lives and that he's a friend of Gavin's. You could . . . ." She let the words trail off.
    Go to his house again? "Not a fat chance." Cassie laughed and shook her head, grabbing her Louis Vuitton purse. "End of subject. Come on, let's get lunch."

    * * * * *

    Gabe turned onto Front Street, amazed at how this part of town had risen from the depths of prostitution and drug dealing to become one of Portland's best-kept secrets. Shops, restaurants, and respectable businesses lined the streets, giving the area a makeover despite the surrounding buildings that still housed older generations of families. A few renovated their houses into apartments to rent to the young people just starting out.
    One of the major reasons for its change was people like Rosa Miller, who had built a homeless shelter and kept strict rules about no drugs and prostitution.
    He glanced at Olivia beside him, fully aware there were those who slipped in their quest for redemption, but with Rosa's kindness, Olivia would hopefully soon be on the road to reform. Jaywalkers dotted the street, causing Gabe to curse at their foolhardiness.
    He turned to check to his left and realized why people wanted to cross a busy street to get across. Markham's Deli had a busy crowd due to the lunchtime rush. Chaz had taken Gabe there a couple of times, and he'd enjoyed the huge sandwiches the place specialized in. Maybe once he dropped off his charge, he'd stop and grab a bite.
    "It's on the right over there." Olivia's quiet voice broke through his musings.
    Unobtrusive, except for a small white sign that proclaimed it a homeless shelter for all, the house blended in with the other businesses in the block. A computer company had recently relocated to the area and processed billings out of the location. A thriving spa near the shelter urged pedestrians to come in for a relaxing massage.
    "You picked a good place with Rosa Miller," he remarked. He slammed on his brakes as another jaywalker darted in front of his car. He cursed and then muttered an apology to Olivia. "Sorry about that. I wish people would be careful where they're going."
    She nodded and smiled. "Rosa is wonderful. She has taken Sienna under her wing."
    He was about to respond when two females ran