Perfectly Broken Read Online Free PDF Page A

customer left. She then slipped into the restroom and removed her apron, undid a few buttons on her top, making sure her cleavage was properly exposed, and applied a fresh coat of make-up. She returned behind the counter and peered through the glass window of the kitchen door, making sure Peyton was still occupied, then reached into an ice box for a plate. She sashayed over to Reed, proudly holding a slice of devil’s food chocolate praline.
    “Has Peyton had the pie every night?” he asked.
    Julia took a seat beside him. “Yep.” She tossed her hair. “Some girls just like to play games.”
    He stared down at the pie, wanting to take a bite, but disappointed it didn’t come from Peyton. He pushed it away. “Maybe you could help me figure out what Peyton likes?”
    Julia sat back, wrinkling her nose. “I don’t know.”
    “Oh, come on, Julia,” Reed said, leaning forward, splashing his best smile. “Help me out.”
    “I really don’t know. We don’t talk about guys. I can’t remember Peyton ever talking about a guy or a date.”
    Reed looked at her, confused. It seemed impossible a woman as beautiful as Peyton didn’t have guys lining up over her, no matter how badly she dressed. He didn’t know what else to say. An awkward silence fell over them — and then Julia obliterated it.
    “You know I was on American Idol last season, right?”
    Reed bit his tongue hard not to laugh. “I’m sorry, Julia. I missed last season.” And every season .
    “I made it through the first few preliminary rounds. I’m going to try again next year.”
    “Good for you.”
    “The producers were interested in my back story, working here at the pie shop, so I’m going to push that more next year.” Julia nodded. “I know that would be awesome for Peyton.”
    “I’m not interested in being on American Idol ,” Peyton said sharply.
    Reed snapped his neck to look at Peyton, a cold gray in her eyes, for a moment wondering if she was jealous.
    “Why don’t you head on home, Julia?”
    Julia shot up from her chair, embarrassed, then grabbed her purse and left.
    Peyton took the pie from Reed. “You can’t eat that,” she huffed, walking behind the counter. “Julia didn’t even garnish it properly.”
    He strolled to the counter, a crooked smile on his face. “At least she gave me a piece.”
    She locked on his smile and dumped the pie in the garbage. “How long are we going to do this?”
    “As long as it takes.”
    Peyton exhaled and wiped her hands on her apron. “Fine, you win.” She reached under the counter — Reed sneaking a peek as she bent over — and pulled out a fresh piece.
    Reed watched her shave some chocolate for the top, licking a smidge from her finger, the motion of her tongue across her lips causing his pulse to quicken. It seemed every little thing she did was sexy, and she wasn’t even trying. He took the pie from her and returned to his table. Peyton turned the sign to “closed,” but she didn’t lock the door.
    “I’ve been wondering something. What kind of pie are you?”
    “That’s private,” she teased.
    “If I guess, will you tell me?” He took a giant bite.
    “Guess away,” she said, waving her hand in the air. “But you’ll never get it right.”
    Reed motioned for her to sit at his table, and she came over slowly, carefully. He smiled, pleased he was finally making some progress. “Let me see your hand,” he said.
    Her heart pounding, Peyton placed her hand in his, fitting perfectly, the same jolt of electricity shooting between their fingertips. She quickly pulled her hand away, as if electrocuted.
    “Same as me,” Reed said. “Devil’s food chocolate praline.”
    “You’re really bad at this.”
    “How about you tell me over dinner?”
    Peyton reached for her locket. “No, I don’t think so.”
    “Why not? Are you involved with someone?”
    “I just don’t think it’s the best idea.” She looked away.
    “You didn’t answer me,” he said sweetly,