Moment of Weakness - The Esquire Girls Series - Hailey (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

really grateful we became friends,” she says tossing an arm around my shoulder and giving me a quick squeeze. Hearing that means a lot to me. Madison and I didn’t automatically become friends when we started working at CMS in spring. She was actually really intimidating and standoffish. But once I got to know her, I was glad that I put in the effort to break the ice with her. “Speaking of gratitude, do you have plans for Thanksgiving? I know that Ruthie will be in Vancouver with Michael? What are you planning to do? Don’t tell me you’ll be sitting at home alone.”
     
    “No, no. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got plans.” The truth is I don’t but Madison will probably feel pity for me if I admit that to her.
     
    “Are you sure? You should come have dinner with us. My mom’s housekeeper makes the best sweet potato cobbler ever. And we’ll have an extra seat since Michael won’t be around.”
     
    I entertain the idea for a fraction of a second. I would love to accept Madison’s offer to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Dammit – I would love to show up to the Moretti Thanksgiving dinner on Matt’s arm. But that’s just wishful thinking.
     
    My mom has always made such a big deal about Thanksgiving in particular and I’m really sad that I can’t go home this year. Still, I have to decline Madison’s offer because I know that Matt wouldn’t want me sitting at his family table while his dad carves the turkey.
     
    “No – for real. I have plans.”
     
    Madison cocks an eyebrow at me, but doesn’t push the conversation any further. “Okay,” she says simply.
     
    Just then, the instructor takes his place at the front of the room and welcomes everyone to class. Madison and I rise to our feet along with the other students.
     
    Madison leans into my shoulder. “The offer still stands if ever you change your mind.”

Chapter 8
     
    “Hey Cowgirl.” I look up from my smartphone and come face to face with the cute security guard just outside the doors of the office building as I’m climbing the few stairs leading to the building. His jacket is zipped all the way up and he’s got his messenger bag slung across his body. It looks like his shift just ended.
     
    “Hi,” I say in a small voice before bringing my attention back to my phone. I feel a tingle in the pit of my stomach and I have to remind myself that, although this guy may be cute, he’s not what I’m looking for.
     
    He pulls the door open for me. “After you, m’lady,” he says gallantly as he follows me inside.
     
    “Thanks.”  I try to speed up but he’s hot on my heels as I unbutton my jacket and stuff my scarf into my handbag.
     
    “Wait up!”
     
    I pull in a deep breath as I turn to face him. “Yes?”
     
    “I never got your name.” He gives me that charming, boyish smile of his.
     
    For a brief second, I consider lying or giving him an excuse to get him off my back. Finally, I say, “Hailey.”
     
    “ Hailey .” I like the way my name sounds coming out of his mouth. “I’m Jackson,” he says, stretching his massive hand out to me.
     
    I try to suppress a smile but I can’t. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jackson.”
     
    He reaches for my hand. I’m forced to slow down. He brings the back of my fingers to his lips for a soft kiss. “The pleasure is all mine, Hailey,” he says with his unrelenting smile.
     
    He’s cheesy as hell. So, why am I grinning so hard?
     
    I gently pull my hand from his grasp and recommence my trek towards the elevators.
     
    Jackson is hot on my heels. “So, what else are you gonna tell me about yourself, Hailey ?”
     
    I glance at my watch.
     
    7:26 p.m.
     
    “Well, for starters, I work at the law firm on the 7 th floor…and I’m late .” This morning, Matt emailed to ask me to come by the office after class today. He’s expecting the client, Charles DuBois, around 7:30 – a bit late for a client meeting, but when you’re Charles DuBois, you say