Draw Me Close Read Online Free PDF

the driver side door and he was engrossed in texting someone. As soon as he heard her boots on the gravel he stood straight and turned toward her. And there went that muscle memory again, every cell in her body dialing into nervous tingling. Her body was a traitor.
    â€œHey,” he said, shoving his phone in his pocket.
    â€œI need to get going.” Lindsey reached around him for the door to her SUV.
    â€œHold on, Linds.” He reached for her arm but she pulled back and stared at him.
    â€œWhat part of ‘leave me alone’ don’t you understand?”
    He smirked. “Trust me, I’m picking up your vibes loud and clear. How’d it go?” He folded his arms across his chest, pushing the muscles of his biceps into view. She refused to notice them. Instead she gave a dramatic sigh and crossed her own arms.
    â€œUhh, fine. Why?”
    He sighed and leveled her with a glare. “Well, maybe because this is my project too and I care how it’s presented in the local newspaper.”
    â€œWell, you seemed to have no problem charming the pants off Vanessa before I got here so I wouldn’t worry too much.” For a moment they faced off, matching stances, both glaring at one another. But then slowly the corners of Derek’s lips slid up until he was actively holding back a wide smile. He cleared his throat before he spoke.
    â€œThe pants off her, huh? Sorry I missed that.” Derek chuckled. Lindsey’s glare turned hostile. She couldn’t help herself. How could he continue to joke around when she was so clearly irritated? “Good Lord, woman. I’m kidding. You need to lighten up.”
    â€œI will. As soon as you get out of my way.”
    Derek slid in closer to the door handle of her car, effectively blocking her entry. The only way she’d be getting in would be to shove him out of her path, which wasn’t even physically possible. Before she could insist he move, his eyes turned warm and serious.
    â€œI’m sorry about the other night.”
    She looked up at him but remained quiet. Truthfully she didn’t know what to say. She was still angry with him for so many things. When it came to Derek, Lindsey’s thoughts were so messed up she wasn’t sure what she felt anymore. There was definitely a lot of anger and sadness. But there was also a little curiosity. And maybe a teensy bit of lust. Enough to make her angry with herself also. She finally gave a slight shrug in response.
    â€œI shouldn’t have surprised you the way I did.” Derek ran a hand across the back of his neck, holding on to the tense muscles there. “I just … I really want a chance to talk to you. Without anger or hard feelings between us.”
    â€œWell, just so you’re aware, not everything is about you and what you want. You’re going to have to wait until I’m capable of that.”
    His eyes squinted a little. Contemplating, as if he hadn’t even considered that she’d have to want their reconciliation. Finally he nodded and backed away from her car. Lindsey opened the door and pulled out her keys.
    Derek’s boots scuffed the gravel as he walked away and Lindsey’s heart fluttered. Every time they parted she felt a deep sense of panic. A silly thing to feel considering she was always begging him to go. She turned, suddenly desperate to stop him. Look at him once more.
    â€œDerek.”
    He turned immediately and took a step in her direction. Only one, not too close, his eyes wary. Soft. Too damn handsome and hopeful. Why did he keep pushing?
    â€œYou should know. I may never be capable of that.”
    The corner of his lips lifted before he spoke quietly. “Then I’ve got my work cut out for me, don’t I?”
    And with that he walked away.
    *   *   *
    Lindsey pushed “publish” on the blog post she’d finally finished and let out a deep sigh of relief. Through her