Closer_To_You Read Online Free PDF Page B

people having a drink.” Waving her hand as if brushing away the thought, “After tonight, we will probably never see each again.” Oh yes, she was truly being brave. All this gumption was coming from somewhere and she loved it. This outgoing, flirty personality of hers was something new to her, but it felt good. She liked it.
    “Oh, I can guarantee you we’ll see each other after tonight. I can tell, you are someone that I very much want to see again.” His hand brushed on the leg of his pants, as if removing a speck of dust. “Even if only to spend more time in your company.”
    “I’m sure you say that to all the girls you meet on a rooftop bar in the heart of Washington, DC on a Saturday night.” Glancing over at him, she watched his mouth tilt up in a slight smile.
    Shaking his head at her, Gabriel winked as he adjusted one of his coat sleeves. “Oh no, darling, I can promise you that no one has ever captured my attention the way you have tonight.” He gave her an intense look, “There is something about you that I cannot put my finger on. But you, my dear, are one of a kind.”
    Those pesky butterflies were back and they seemed to be dancing a jig in her belly. How could one man make her feel so special after only a few minutes in his company? As she began to talk, the music pumping through the speakers became louder, “It’s kind of difficult to talk in here,” she yelled across the table at him.
    “Let’s get out of here!” she saw the words form on his lips rather than hearing his voice.
    Should she go with him? Looking at her watch, they had only been sitting with each other for a few minutes. Sure, she had been looking to let loose tonight, but maybe this was the extent of her bravery. Sitting with a strange man, no matter how sexy he was, was something she never did. Biting at her bottom lip, she thought about what would happen if she said no and walked away.
    Her mind played out the entire scenario and it wasn’t very exciting. She would hang out with Rosalind and Crystal for a bit longer and go back to her boring apartment after a few more drinks. Tomorrow, when she woke up, she would relive this night over and over again and think about the “what if’s”. What if she had went with him? What if she hadn’t gotten caught up in her own issues of morality and right and wrong? What if she had just allowed the night to go where it was meant to go? What if she finally started living life?
    Mind made up, she turned to him and smiled as she responded to his question “Sure, where do you want to go?”
    “How about you go tell your friends you’re leaving. I’ll be right here waiting. I know the perfect place.”
    Looking over her shoulder, she caught sight of her friends. They were trying not to stare, but were doing a horrible job of being subtle. Gaining some liquid courage, she finished off her martini and ate one of the olives that had been soaking in the liquid. Before she could change her mind and chicken-out, she quickly stood and began walking over to them. Pushing her way through the throng of people talking too loudly and trying to get close to the person of their choosing, she finally arrived to her friends who were standing by the bar, sipping on their own drinks. Rosalind spoke first.
    “Spill it. Who is he? Does he have a brother?”
    Crystal chimed in next, “Yeah, you’ve been monopolized by him for a minute. What’s the deal? Are you ready to go?”
    The moment of truth, “No. Well, yes.” At the looks of confusion on their faces, Penelope knew she looked like a blathering fool. “Okay, yes, I’m ready to go, but Gabriel and I are going to go somewhere. The noise is too loud and he says he wants to talk with me in a quiet space.”
    “What the hell, Penelope? Are you serious?” Rosalind practically screamed at her, causing several heads to turn their way.
    “Yes, I’m serious.” Taking a deep breath, she continued, “Come on Rosalind, don’t be like that.