Closing The Gap (Dangerous Pasts, #1) Read Online Free PDF

and quit it guy.  You know that, old man.  I will never allow myself to be leg shackled.  I don’t care how hot the woman is.”
    Roberts rarely saw the same woman more than a few times and had a reputation that rivaled Hugh Hefner’s.  Worse than his own which spoke volumes.  Josh didn’t understand why Roberts had turned out so dead set against marriage and relationships.  His friend’s parents, John and Theresa, had a wonderful union and were very happy after many years together.  Roberts had a great way of stifling any conversation that started to drill deep so Josh didn’t even bother continuing with the subject.
    “Well, don’t deliberately break some poor girl’s heart here in Scottsdale or my dad will never let me hear the end of it.”
    Pushing his long hair out of his eyes, Roberts gave another grin.  With his facial scruff and beach bum hair style, he could rip his tux away and be sporting his board shorts in ten seconds.  Insecurity crept in and brought its friend doubt along with it.  Retirement looked great on Roberts.  Since Josh had left the game, he avoided the gym, giving himself relief from the constant pressure to be in perfect physical condition for his job.  Even though he welcomed his friend’s presence, his stock had just plummeted as far as sex appeal with the younger, hot women out in the audience with deep pockets.  He prayed to God Roberts didn’t walk before him.  No bachelor desired to be embarrassed by not bringing a respectable bid.  Josh realized he wouldn’t likely be the highest selling lot since he wasn’t a local boy but it would piss him off if the Chicago society section got a hold of news of his shame and splayed it all over the paper.
    “How many days will you be here?”
    “All weekend, for sure.  Once I see who has the winning bid, I may just stay longer.  I’ve got nowhere to be until next Saturday.  Ben and I are playing Sloppy Joe’s.  I wanted to stay with your dad so we could spend more time together but he told me he only has one guest bedroom.  I opted for the Montelucia.  The thought of us sleeping in the same bed scares me shitless, old man.  Besides, that would seriously cramp my style.  I invited your dad over for drinks after the auction so we can catch up.  I’ve got a presidential suite so it has its own patio.”
    “Sounds great.  I can’t wait to talk about this new band that you and Ben have come up with.  Sloppy Joe’s only books the best so you two must really have your shit together.  I need to book a Florida vacation and check you out.  What number are you for the auction?”
    “I’m lucky number thirteen.  I go up right after you do, just so I can make you look bad.”  Roberts lived to tease him.  Besides Josh’s brother, he was the only one who could get away with it.
    As they continued to catch up in the back of the room, the auction began.  Before he was ready, the auctioneer called his name as the next bachelor so he strode towards the on deck circle, telling Roberts he would text him later.  As if in a hypnotic trance, Josh climbed the stairs leading to the stage.  Inhaling with each footfall, he hesitated at the top, preparing for his grand entrance. 
    He experienced a perception of unreality as though his brain were swollen and vaguely noticed the host of the evening’s festivities reading his bio and announcing his name.  Josh hated feelings of insecurity as they were not normal for him.  He wondered again why he’d decided to put himself through this.  It’s Dad, moron.  I’m doing this for dad and I can make it through a few minutes of being uncomfortable.   He slid through the silver, velvet curtains to land on the taped mark.  The spotlights and fluorescent overheads blinded his eyes.  His dad or anyone sitting at the first few tables weren’t even visible.  Christ, it’s bright .  In the back, women raised their paddles one after the other and the bid approached two thousand