Justice Falling Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn’t feel compelled to put on an act. Unfortunately, I wish could offer the same in return. There was a side to my life I hid and wasn’t planning on revealing. Ever.
    Nate led me to a seat near an open window. This section of the restaurant had an indoor/outdoor feel. Technically we sat inside, but our table butted up against a huge window that opened out onto a garden where others were happily enjoying their meal. The sun’s rays sprinkled through the trees, and the sounds of the city were drowned out by the piped in music. It felt incredibly serene for the busy lunch hour.
    “This okay, love?” Nate asked, and helped push my chair in.
    “It’s wonderful, thank you.”
    When the waiter arrived, Nate ordered water and something he called a “Charcuterie” plate as he handed the waiter the menus we hadn’t opened. I was disappointed for a moment. I was looking forward to pouring over the menu until he added, “I wanted to get right down to getting to know you.” It was really sweet and fit the alpha male side he’d presented yesterday and today.
    “There really isn’t much to know.” I shrugged, and placed my hands demurely in my lap. I’d never been to such an expensive place. I wanted desperately to fit in. Sometimes I thought I failed miserably. My clothes were secondhand, and my dwindling pitiful bank account could attest to my lack of success.
    “Start at the beginning.” His blue eyes sparkled. I found it hard to look away. “Tell me about your name. Where did Cami come from? It’s rather uncommon. Did your Mum and Dad have a reason for it?”
    “I don’t know.” His eyebrows knit together. Trying to change the subject of why I didn’t know where my own name originated from, I went another direction. “It’s actually short for Camille. That’s my birth name.”
    “Camille is lovely. I rather like Camille. Unique. Just like the woman.” Nate winked, and I felt myself flush with heat.
    “Thank you.”
    “And your Mum and Dad? Where are they now? Here in the city?” He asked with a twinkle in his lovely green blue eyes. I loved how he used the word “Mum” instead of “Mom”, but really didn’t want to get into the specifics of the fact I didn’t have one.
    Avoiding my past was going to be harder than I thought. Not that there was anything of great interest or importance. I was a nobody. He’d figure that out and move on to the next hot ticket. Which would be better for me. Easier. I wasn’t the kind of girl you took home to your family.
    “I don’t know my parents. I grew up in foster care. I was placed in one home or another as far back as I can remember.”
    “Does that mean you don’t have any siblings?” His tone was kind and made me want to share with him.
    I shrugged. “I guess it’s possible. Sometimes I lay awake at night and think about the fact that I may not be alone. I could have a brother or sister somewhere.” He smiled, and put his chin into his palm while leaning against the table.
    “Siblings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, you know?” His smile showed an adorable dimple on one cheek almost hidden by the dark swath of hair from his goatee and mustache. My heart sped up as I studied his face. Men like him graced the covers of magazines and dated perfect model types whose biggest worry was whether their handbag matched their outfit. I was not that girl. Yet, here he sat at a table with me. For how long? Once he knew about Tanner and about my other job, he’d be gone as fast as my first love. Tyler -- the man that screwed me over in more ways than one.
    “You sound like you speak from experience.”
    He nodded. “I do. You’ve met my brother, Collier Stone.”
    “That’s right! The little mix-up.” I looked down at my hands, regretting the accusatory way I’d spoken to him yesterday.
    Nate’s finger tipped my chin up. “Eyes, Precious. I like to watch your eye color change as I speak to you. It’s mesmerizing.” Once more, my face