Beat of the Heart Read Online Free PDF

chin. “But to prove my intentions are honorable, I’m
    still offering dinner— just dinner.” With a pointed look, he added, “And maybe some third base
    action if the mood strikes us.”
    I laughed in spite of myself. “Tempting, very tempting. But, no thanks.”
    “You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Martinelli, but I’m willing to take the third base action off the table
    for dinner and maybe a good night kiss—with or without tongue.”
    “No.”
    Crossing his arms over his broad chest, he tilted his head to one side, surmising me quizzically.
    “Fine then. No dinner with its somewhat provocative undertones. How about just a drink after you get
    off?”
    “Sorry, but I’m not interested in dating at the moment.”
    AJ’s dark brows furrowed in confusion, and I could tell he wasn’t used to getting rejection from a
    female. Undaunted, he pursed his lips in a smirk. “I get it. You’re a little gun-shy about dating a
    musician, or you’re career minded, or some other shit is telling you to say no. But I can work with
    that.” He snapped his fingers. “Coffee it is!”
    “AJ, really—”
    He held up a hand. “Yeah, I get it. I now can see where coffee might be a little loaded for an
    outing. You know, with caffeine being an illicit, addictive substance, so maybe I should switch gears.
    Ice cream’s pretty innocent. How about that?” His gaze honed in on my mouth as he closed the
    distance between us. “After all, who can say no to some sugary sweetness? Maybe add some smooth
    whipped cream topped off with a ripe cherry?”
    His voice had taken on a deeper edge, a more seductive tone, which caused my resolve to
    momentarily fade. Instead of being focused on giving him the brush-off, I suddenly envisioned him
    lying buck naked on a bed while I licked ice cream off what I imagined were his perfect abs. Beads
    of sweat broke out along the base of my neck. I fought the urge to fan myself. Get a grip, Mia . “Um,
    no.”
    “How about I take you to the party in my pants?”
    “Look, I…wait, did you seriously just use a line from Anchorman on me?”
    AJ gave me a teasing wink. “I just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.”
    I huffed out a frustrated breath, blowing away a few errant strands of hair from my face. At his
    earnest expression, I held up my hands. “Listen, I’m really flattered by all your offers, but I’m just not
    ready to date again.”
    “Again?” AJ questioned.
    Dammit. How could I have let that slip? Glancing away from him, I stared over at the desk. “It’s
    just this year hasn’t been the best for me in a lot of ways.”
    “So, let me make it better by taking you out and showing you a really good time.”
    Dee sidestepped us on his way out of the medicine closet. “Trust me, sweet cheeks, baby girl needs
    a good time in the worst way possible.” He paused to run his gaze from AJ’s head down to his feet.
    “And you look like just the hot ticket she needs to clear away the vajayjay cobwebs.”
    AJ busted out laughing while I screeched, “Dee, you faccia di merda!” I smacked him on the arm.
    Hard.
    Pursing his full lips, Dee ignored my rant and bodily harm. “You can curse at me all you want in
    Italian, but the truth is the truth.” He eased closer to AJ, lowering his voice. “You see, our girl has
    closed up shop ever since she caught her dickhead fiancé banging one of her friends.”
    It was at that moment that if looks could kill, Dee would be toe up in the floor, writhing in agony
    with a slow death. I could not believe he had just told my most intimate details to a perfect stranger,
    especially someone like AJ.
    While I debated making a run for it, AJ’s amused expression turned sympathetic. “Damn, I’m sorry,
    Mia. I had no idea. That fucking blows.”
    I shrugged, trying desperately to play off my heartache. “What can you do? Shit happens.” My
    voice cracked betraying my emotions. Oh yes, I was going to kill Dee for dredging up my past in