Her Fictional Fling: Scandals in Scotland Contemporary Romance Series Book 1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

little minx.”
    Andi let out a giggle. She’d forgotten what a simple pleasure it was to share guy talk with her best friend. She and Lily had a rough time after Andi had gotten in deep with Jared. Her ex hadn’t been fond of anyone getting more attention from Andi than him, and over time he’d slowly cut out her closest relationships as if they were a threat; first, the few guys she’d hung out with and then even her oldest girlfriends, until she woke up one day to realize her world with Jared had become very small. Small and suffocating.
    Lily’s voice went quiet and more serious. “Really though, doll, I’m just glad to see you out having a good time again.”
    “I know,” Andi said, and a ripple of unspoken words passed over the line.
    The past mistakes with Jared were a sore spot between the two friends; it would take a long time to heal completely. Lily had seen Jared’s overly possessive nature for what it was before Andi, and had done her best to give warning, but it was too late when Andi finally pulled her head out of the fog. She’d been so hungry for male attention after having none growing up, and when Jared, on the verge of taking his Bar exam at the time—successful, promising, and devastatingly handsome—had asked her out, she’d jumped in head first without even a backward glance. She had lost so much to him; thank her lucky stars Lily had stuck by her when no one else had.
    “Thanks Lily, that means a lot to me.” A moment passed and Andi lightened her tone. “Now quit squealing long enough to tell me what in god’s name I’m supposed to do next.”
    The phone still against her ear, Andi turned to see Colin through the open French doors, pouring burgundy wine into a long-stemmed glass. She made a mental note not to drink too much of it. Wine would only add to her lack of control, or, to call a spade a spade—desperation—and after two years of zero sex, and not so much as a little light groping, she didn’t need help in that department. As it were, she’d have to be mindful not to flail herself at him, rip off the erotic Viking garb, and pretend he really was Bjorn, and she the heroine, Astrid, from her story.
    Lily must have read Andi’s mind. “Just pretend you’re in your own romance novel and have your way with him.”
    Andi scoffed. “I’m not even sure I know what my way is anymore. It’s been so long I might not even remember where things go.”
    “Ha,” Lily snorted. “Fat chance. He’ll be glad to show you, I’m sure. Just make sure you’re careful.”
    “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m sure a guy like Colin has condoms in every drawer of this condo.”
    “That’s not what I meant,” Lily said, her voice stern, “and you know it, Andi. Jared left you in a bad place, and I’m worried you’ll get hurt again if you don’t look out for yourself.”
    Andi breathed in and out slowly, like she’d learned in that one yoga class she’d taken before forgetting about her gym membership. “I know. I don’t need a reminder,” she said, moving to gaze over the balcony at the street below. “I’ll be fine. Besides, I have a plan.”
    “A what?”
    “You heard me—a plan.”
    “Elaborate, please.”
    Andi rolled her eyes, grateful Lily couldn’t see.
    “I’m going to use Colin to help me with my work,” she blurted out.
    There was a long pause before Lily spoke again.
    “Okay, now I know you’ve gone mad.”
    Andi waited a beat, knowing her silence would only spark Lily’s inherent nosiness. She could practically hear Lily’s nails tapping with impatience.
    “Well! Tell me what it is already, this plan of yours. I haven’t got all bloody day, and if I’m going to have to have you committed, I’d rather go ahead and get started. I do have other clients you know. You’re not my only crazy writer.”
    “Yeah, but I’m your favorite.”
    Andi sensed Lily breaking into a grin.
    “Fair enough. So go on then.”
    Andi told Lily as much as she