Blown Away: A Small Town Military Romance (The Moore Brothers Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

grouchy for ya?”
    Juliet stepped to the side while Ellie handed her a huge cup of coffee and went to work bagging up the rest of her order. “No, although he’s really not the most welcoming guy out there, is he?” Ian laughed and Juliet immediately wanted to make him laugh again. “He wouldn’t rent me a room,” she continued, eyes widening at the taut look spreading across Ian’s face.
    “And why’s that?” His voice had an edge she didn’t like.
    Not sure what she’d done to upset him, Juliet smoothed her hair back and squared her shoulders. Michael would have expected her to drop her eyes to the ground and go quiet. Julz wasn’t at all interested in being that girl anymore. “Because of Lulu, my dog.”
    Ian laughed again. “Fucking Lulu.”
    Juliet’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”
    “I’m sorry, but who names their dog Lulu ?” Ian asked through a broad smile.
    Juliet looked him over from head to toe, all the while her heart pounding away in her chest. “And who are you to judge me for how I named my dog?” Michael would have grabbed her by the arm and thrown her over his knee, pulled up her skirt and spanked her ass until she cried for holding eye contact this long, let alone talking back like this.
    It felt so . damn. good . to be free.
    Ian laughed again and it felt even better. “I’m Ian Moore, that’s who. I’ll judge you, and your little dog, too.”
    “Did you for really real just reference the Wizard of Oz? On purpose?”
    “And who are you to judge me for what movies I reference?”
    Julz put a hand on her hip. “I’m Juliet Lane, that’s who.” She lifted an eyebrow and turned her back to Ian, pretending to see how close Ellie was to having her breakfast ready, but mostly just needing to hide the blush that worked its way up her chest and flared across her cheeks along with a giddy little smile. She liked talking to Ian.
    Thankfully, Ellie rescued her and showed up with her order. “I threw a couple extra napkins in there. It’d be a shame to ruin such a pretty dress.”
    Juliet looked down and fought the urge to say ‘this old thing?’ because while it was true, the dress was old, it’d only come across as false modesty. And she absolutely, positively, one hundred percent couldn’t stand any kind of falsehood.
    Ellie smiled at Ian. “What can I get you, Lieutenant?”
    Julz turned her back to Ian and made a surprised little face. Lieutenant, huh? Well, now, isn’t that a surprise? Ian Moore’s not only the kind of guy who drives fancy black cars and attends engagement parties in tuxedos, the kind of guy that owns beachfront rental properties, but he’s also a cowboy boot wearing, jeans and t-shirt sporting, military officer? Just who was this guy? This Ian Moore?
    Juliet sipped her coffee and closed her eyes in pleasure as she swallowed. So good. She smiled at Ellie and tipped her coffee cup in Ian’s direction. “Nice meeting you, Ellie. And nice seeing you again, Lt. Moore,” she said and headed for the door despite every ounce of her body begging her to stay and keep talking to Ian.
    “Juliet,” he called and she liked the way her name sounded in his voice. She turned in time to see Ian finish giving Ellie his order and then beckon her back over to the counter.
    Juliet took one glance through the window towards Lulu. “I’ve got the dog in the car. Meet me outside?” She had to speak more loudly than she wanted to and the other customers were busy watching the interaction. Some politely trying to hide their curiosity while others stared unabashedly at Juliet as if they thought they’d find her family secrets written somewhere on her body.
    Ian nodded and she couldn’t help the smile that blossomed from the bottom of her feet and bloomed on her face. Take it easy, she reminded herself as she floated on little imaginary clouds over to her car. You’re not looking for a man. What you need is a place to stay and a way to make money.
    Seemed like she wasn’t