Janet Read Online Free PDF Page B

behind his back. “For you.”
    I smiled, taking them from his hand. After I smelled them I looked at him. “They are beautiful.” I placed them on the kitchen table and came back to the door.
    Ryan looked at my sister on the couch. “Is that your roommate?”
    “My sister.”
    “Oh.”
    “I’d introduce you, but she’s very unpleasant.”
    “And has ears like fox,” she said, turning toward us. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    He nodded. “Ryan.”
    “Beatriz.”
    I stepped out of the apartment and closed to the door. “I didn’t mean to be rude by not inviting you in side. My sister is just going through a hard time.”
    “N o need for apologies,” he said. He extended his arm for me to grab. “Shall we?”
    “We shall,” I said with a smile.
    We left the building and got inside the cab. I took advantage of the opportunity to examine his appearance. He wore a black suit with a matching tie. It was a classic look. His shoulders and chest were evident through his clothes. I could tell he worked out regularly. His brown hair was light and highlighted the color of his eyes. His lips were curved at the end, not straight like mine.
    He didn’t reach for me while we sat in the car. His hand grazed mine but he didn’t touch it. The lights from the city passed the windo w while we sat in silence. I tried to think of something to say but I was at a loss of words. Ryan seemed just as nervous. It seemed like we were in high school all over again.
    When we arrived at the gala, Ryan opened the door and helped me get out. He hooked my arm through his and we walked inside. There were too many people to digest. They were dispersed around the lobby of the hotel, drinking from their flutes and wearing their formal attire. Most of the men looked identical in their plain suits. The women wore long length gowns. A few trailed across the floor.
    “This looks amazing,” I said.
    “I’m sure Mr. Garrison in very happy.”
    “It wouldn’t have turned out this nice if I did it all alone.”
    “I don’t know about that,” he said with a smile.
    We moved to our colleagues and said our hellos. Unfortunately, most of the people in my office were lawyers, which meant they were men. There was one female lawyer that worked for us and she was amazing at what she did, but she and I didn’t along very well. She was too serious all the time, even more serious than I was. If I tried to make small talk with her, it always backfired horribly.
    Some of the guys glanced at our locked arms but didn’t comment on it. I suspected to be questioned about it on Monday. Most of the people were strangers, lawyers and legal representatives from other firms in the city. A few of these events were hosted every year, trying to raise my money for the city or charity.  Personally, I thought it was the time where each firm tries to prove they are better than all the other firms. And that was usually done by the amount of money that was donated from each place. When the lawyer’s at Garrison’s firm donated money, they were always given the best and most lucrative cases. As a result, everyone donated. Since I was the human resources director, I didn’t have to worry about giving away my money just to keep my job.
    Ryan grabbed two glass of wine and handed me one. “Are you having a good time?”
    “Yeah.”
    He nodded then drank from his glass.
    “Your suit looks nice.”
    “Thanks.” He averted his gaze and looked across the room.
    When I stared at his body, I knew it was nice. But it still didn’t do anything for me. What was wrong with me? There was nothing wrong with this guy. There was something wrong with me.
    “Have you seen Mr. Garrison?” I asked.
    “Nope,” he said. “He’s swallowed in a room of suits.”
    “You better make your presence known.”
    “I made a considerable donation,” Ryan said. “I won’t be forgotten.”
    I thought that was a little vain but I kept the comment to myself.
    “So, have you been in a