Beyond Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

opportunities to tell me the truth. I felt like an idiot.”
    “Did he defend himself?” Mackenzie asked.
    “He said he wanted an opportunity to show me his real self, instead of me jumping to conclusions because he was rich.”
    As soon as the words popped out, I knew I was doomed. They knew honesty was my sticking point, and that I was a bit overzealous when it came to the quality. Cassie spoke gently. “Sweetie, maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe he just liked you and didn’t want you to have expectations.”
    “Was he hot?” Mackenzie asked.
    I shivered from the thought of his broad, muscular chest, and piercing blue eyes. “Yeah,” I admitted. “Really hot.”
    “Explain.”
    “Curly dark hair, beautiful blue eyes. Tall. Lean. Perfect mouth.”
    Mackenzie grinned. “Like that guy over there?”
    My head swung around and I came face to face with James.
    Holy shit.
    He sat at the corner table with a few friends. A pitcher of beer served as the centerpiece, and they were all laughing at something, but he remained still, his gaze locked on mine just like he had at the party hours ago.
    What was going on? Was he following me? Why was he here?
    “I think that’s definitely him,” Cassie commented. “You’re right, Quinn. He’s smoking. And very into you from the looks of it.”
    My heart pounded and my palms felt slippery around the glass. A weird ache thrummed in my lower belly, as if I was hungry or thirsty or something, but I had an idea of what it was. He turned me on. Big time. This was not good. Right?
    “What’s he doing here?” I hissed, spinning back around.
    Mackenzie looked delighted at my sudden interest in the male species. “Probably trying to find you. His friends look cute too. Maybe you can introduce Cassie to one of them.”
    “No!” Cassie and I blurted out.
    Mac pouted and disappeared under her hat again. “Just trying to help.”
    “I can get my own man,” Cassie said.
    “Tock’s clicking, girlfriend. Tick. Tock.”
    Cassie shot her an annoyed look, but a grin threatened her lips. “Okay, virgin girl.”
    That got Mackenzie to peek from under the brim. “Lowball shot. You’re one too.”
    “You’re right. Sorry.”
    “Can we refocus on my problem, please?” I said. “What should I do?”
    “Well, you’re not allowed to stay here with us and hide,” Mackenzie announced. “Remember the rules. We don’t meet anyone unless we split up. Now take your gorgeous ass outside to the tiki bar near the beach and find someone else if you don’t want Mr. Blue Eyes for the week.”
    Damn. I hated to admit it, but I tended to suck at going up to men, and how could I find one at this bar if James was here? I certainly wasn’t about to march up to his table after my departure this afternoon. Besides, maybe he was just hanging with his friends and it was a coincidence. Maybe he realized I was kind of lame and he’d rather be with one of those easier-type girls.
    I drained the rest of my drink and stuck out my chin. “Fine. I’ll try.”
    “That’s my girl,” Mackenzie said.
    Cassie squeezed my hand. “Good luck. Be safe.”
    “You too. Call me if there are any problems. Meet Tuesday morning for breakfast?”
    They agreed. I tentatively got myself back on the ground, tugged my dress down, and headed for the door. I refused to look toward the back, but felt a burning gaze stripping off the little dress, finding skin, and stroking with pleasure. I fought the goosebumps, raised my head high, and pretended I owned this outfit and heels.
    Of course, being me, I stumbled over the first step, grabbed the door frame, and had to pull myself back up.
    Such is my life.
    The sun was hot and my heels clicked on the deck as I got to the second bar. Groups clustered around, and Jimmy Buffett was crooning the pleasures of Margaritaville and sweet alcohol. Girls swayed and danced in their bikinis, and others were dressed up like me, but seemed a hell of a lot more comfortable and