Blindsided Read Online Free PDF Page A

Apparently, her phone is ringing off the hook.” He winks and backs out of the room.
    “Bragger!” I yell after him.
    He laughs. Then the front door shuts. His car rumbles outside as he drives to meet with his agent.
    I swing my legs up onto the sofa and sigh heavily. It would be easier if I could just tell Cole about Lea V., because then my reasoning for staying away from Corey would make more sense. Right now, I just look like a flighty, indecisive little girl.
    And let’s be honest, I’m not going to talk to my mom or great-aunt about it.
    With a heavy sigh, I grab my drawing pad from its hiding place in the coffee table drawer, open to my latest design, and get to work on next fall’s collection.

    “You know, Leah, I’ve always thought about going running.”
    My hand hovers over the coffee pot and I turn to Aunt Ada, her tiny frame swamped by a fluffy, pink robe. “Why on Earth would you go running?”
    “For the same reason you do.”
    “I run to keep fit, Aunt Ada. Not because it’s fun.”
    “A gun? Who said anything about a gun?”
    I look at the ceiling and shake my head, but a smile creeps onto my face. “Don’t worry. Coffee?”
    “Toffee? No, dear. It’ll stick to my dentures.”
    “Coh-ohff-ee,” I repeat.
    “Oh! Coffee. Six sugars please.”
    I choke back a laugh. One is more than enough for her. I don’t even want to think about what’ll happen if she has more than that. I pour two mugs and then join her at the island in the kitchen.
    “You’re missing five.” She holds the mug out at me.
    “Ada, you’re not having six sugars.” Mom’s voice filters through the house. “Do you remember what happened last time? You ended up at the hospital because your diabetes thought it was Christmas for your pancreas.”
    I look down to hide my laughter.
    “I’m older than you, Gracie.”
    “And you agreed to my rules when you moved in here.” Mom walks past and opens the door. Nine thirty. Mail time.
    “What was that? I can’t hear you.” Ada winks at me.
    I smile and shake my head. Crazy old lady. “I’m going for a late run. See you later.”
    “Can I have your coffee?” Mom yells after me.
    “Sure!” I tie my hair back as I step into the early morning Los Angeles sun.
    From the entrance to Mom’s sprawling house, I can see right across L.A., the skyline reaching into the sky and spanning the horizon. It’s quiet and secluded up here, safe from the media, a total haven for those rich enough to own a house away from the craziness of the city.
    I hit play on my phone, tuck it into my bra, and hook my headphones over my ears. Then I turn right and jog up the road, sweeping a loose lock of hair behind my ear. Running is freedom—the steady beat of my feet against the asphalt a constant rhythm I adore.
    That’s why, even with a folder full of designs to alter and finish and finals coming in for next month, I’m out here. It would be all too easy to hole myself up in my room and finish my work, sure. But I’d become a recluse, only emerging for a multipack of chips and cookies like a rabid kind of monster.
    Something sharply connects with my ass, and I scream, turning around and swinging my fist at the body behind me. I make a connection with something solid, and I yank my headphones out in time to hear the resounding grunt.
    “Corey! What the fuck?”
    “Shit!” He rubs his arm. “Is your fist made of steel?”
    “Did you seriously just run up behind me and slap me on my butt?” I shriek, my eyes widening. “You pig!”
    He holds his arms up. “I thought you’d hear me coming!”
    I hold my headphones up. “No. Oh my God.” I rub my left ass cheek. Shit. That hurt.
    “I’m sorry.” He laughs.
    “No, you aren’t.” I stuff the headphones down between my boobs and run away from him. “You just wanted an excuse to touch my ass.”
    “It’s a fuckin’ nice ass.”
    “Great. I always wanted your approval on it.” I roll my eyes.
    “You wouldn’t be the first,