One Song Away Read Online Free PDF Page B

Cooper.
    As long as he doesn’t keep showering me with hugs and those dangerous, lopsided smiles of his. I swear, he must have the patent on them. No one smiles at me like Coop does. No one.
    He’s doing it now, but he isn’t as focused. He’s distracted. Rumpled, as if he’s been running his hands through his hair. His eyes aren’t quite as bright, but when he focuses on me, I feel my heart give an enthusiastic thump.
    “So, here we are.”
    “Here we are,” I say, then grimace. What am I, a freakin’ parrot? I never have trouble talking to guys, but suddenly, all I can do is echo Jake’s words. So much for being calm and collected.
    “I can’t get over this, running into you. You look amazing. It’s incredible to see you, because I was just thinking of you the other day.”
    “You look…” Kissable? Drool-worthy? “Great!” That’s an understatement. I must let out a small sigh, because he touches the back of my hand. My skin tingles.
    “What’s wrong?” His eyebrows furrow as he gazes at me. “I know we’re pretty much strangers now, but I want us to get to know each other again. So you can talk to me, if you want.”
    Hesitating, I study him. There was a time when we told each other everything, and right now, I want that back. “I’m having trouble finding any job leads. I’ve only been looking for one day so it’s not like I expected to have one already, but I thought I’d get somewhere . I have to work to afford an apartment. If I don’t find a job soon, I’ll be stuck living with my parents.”
    “Can I see your résumé?” There’s a strange expression on his face.
    I hand him a copy, trying not to fidget while he reads. To distract myself, I peek at him. He’s not wearing a ring, so he probably isn’t married. From what I’ve seen of him while I’ve been here, he’s a good boss. I saw him giving orders, but I also saw him stop and smile at a harried cashier, and make what seemed like arrangements to let a church have a bake sale outside the shop. I have all these memories of Jake the boy, but now, I really want to get to know Jake the man . He hasn’t told me much about his life yet, but I hope he will.
    As for mine, well, he’s just read the abridged version, minus roommate drama, an empty bank account, and a dose of heartache. God, my life really is a bad country song.
    He’s looking at me with a small smile, and I raise an eyebrow at him.
    “What is it?” I ask warily.
    “You need a job.” He nods after he says it. “I need a barista who can start immediately.”
    “And what makes you think I’m your girl?” As I realize what I’ve said, I want to choke myself. “I mean, not your girl girl , but…um…” I can’t see myself but I know my blush is a giveaway of how I feel. You’d think I’m a redhead as often as I blush.
    His dimples appear. “You’re Sophie-Claire Wright. You can do anything you want.” His expression changes. “Come on. As a favor for me.” He reaches for my hand again, and strokes my palm. I don’t know if he’s aware of what he’s doing, but it’s slowly killing me. “Please?”
    Dammit . I’m going to say yes. A paying job and the chance to spend more time around Jake? What could possibly be better?
    “Well.” I’m not sure how much longer I can resist those dimples. “I mean, sure I’ll do it. Thank you, Coop. You’re saving my ass.” I lean forward in my seat and give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
    He beams at me. “No, you’re doing me a huge favor. We just lost several staff members, so I’m really hurtin’ for help. I really appreciate it.” He settles back in his chair, dropping the smile, and I see how exhausted he looks. “I promise you’ll like working here. I’m a great boss, and I’ll owe you, big time.”
    I open my mouth to tell him it’s not a big deal, and that he’s the one helping me , but then I realize I have a very rare chance here. A chance to ask for a favor of my own that will get me