Penny Serenade Read Online Free PDF Page B

wasn’t ready to let him off the hook yet. “I realize some people think they’re useless trinkets, but they have special meaning to me.”
    A hint of red spread along his face and ears. She was having way too much fun making him feel bad.
    “I don’t suppose you’d care to elaborate on their meaning?” His eyes were wide and he genuinely sounded interested. Still, it was a personal topic and she didn’t feel comfortable discussing her life in a public place.
    “No, not really.”
    He leaned back in the chair again, propping his arm up on the side. Audrey decided he looked very sexy in that pose, and wished he didn’t.
    “Would you care to get a drink with me after work? I’d like to hear more about what you sell in your store.”
    Her throat felt drier than the desert. There was no way she could be alone with this guy. Not with the way he sent her body into hormone overdrive. Self-control would be out the window and she couldn’t afford that. She needed to stay far away from him. “Thanks, but no,” she replied in a rush. “Besides, I know you’re not really that interested in what I sell in my shop.”
    “No, no…I’m very interested.”
    She frowned. “Why now?”
    “Well for one, my niece is big into that crap, I mean that stuff.” He rushed his cup to his lips and took a sip.
    And there he went from sexy to schmuck in two seconds. Such a shame. Why did he always have to ruin a good moment with words?
    “And for another—”
    “Stop right there,” she said before he could finish. “See, this what I mean. You think my store and the stuff I sell is crap. Including my pennies. An hour alone with me guzzling booze isn’t going to make you suddenly change your mind and have it pique your interest. Don’t bother or waste your time.” Knowing things were headed downhill fast, she decided it was time to leave. Sure he had the ability to melt her body, but in the same breath he turned into Jack Frost.
    Audrey forced herself to her feet and snatched her notebook. “I need to get back and open the store again. Some people like what I sell.”
    His hand went for her but she dodged it. “Hang on one sec,” he said, “okay?”
    “For what?” Her shrill voice echoed. Heads turned and her body started to shake. Public displays of anything were not high on her favorite things to do list.
    He sipped his coffee and stood up. “My name’s Dominic. Dominic Blume.”
    Great, now she would forever think of him anytime she met someone named Dominic, anytime she watched a movie or read a book and the character’s name was Dominic, and at least for awhile anytime she masturbated. Now she had a name to attach to the “fuck me” part. Life could be so cruel. “And?” She prompted.
    “Can I get your name?”
    “What difference does it make?” She took a few steps and he caught up to her.
    “I’d like to know your name,” he said and followed it up with a sexy smile.
    After a long pause she answered, “Audrey Kessler. Satisfied?”
    He held out his hand, which like the rest of him had paint splattered on it. “Then Audrey, thanks for making my lunch break an unexpected treat.”
    And the charming side of him had returned. Much as she wanted to touch his strong looking hand, she knew it would unleash a chain reaction inside her. She gave him a curt nod of her head and walked out the door.
    Audrey grumbled under her breath all the way back to her shop, cursing when the key gave her a problem in the lock. She managed to get it open with some magical cuss words and stormed inside.
    Her mind whirred. The man was bad for her nerves. On one hand he had an incredible face, voice, and body. He smelled damn good, and his seductive smile made her entire being shudder. On the other hand he didn’t know the first thing about communication. His words spilled out, without any filters. She speed walked around the store, finding herself too wound up for the peaceful ambiance she’d created. The music was all wrong.