Persuaded Read Online Free PDF

sounded amused. As a matter of fact, his easygoing mannerisms belied the pains he took to glance at everyone except me when he answered, “You’re not going to leave me alone until I do, are you?”
    “No.” His mom grinned at him.
    Gregory chuckled again and raised his hands in mock surrender. “All right! I’m not picky, I promise. Look, all I want in a girl is someone who doesn’t change her mind easily. I want a girl who is independent. Someone who won’t be persuaded how to think of me by her friends. If I can find a girl who can make the decision to love me and stick with it, then she’s mine.”
    “Wow. That’s pretty deep,” my dad said. “You’re sure you don’t want a girl who makes you laugh? Or likes baseball or something?”
    Gregory shook his head. “Nope. I’m pretty positive about what I want in a girl. I’ve had a few years to think about it. And I’ve decided that’s the best quality a girl can have. Someone who stands up for what she believes in, no matter what her friends say at the time. The rest is just bonus.”
    My hand had begun to shake so hard my goblet clinked noisily on the plate when I tried to set it back on the table. Instantly, I watched every set of eyes except one turn in my direction. Gregory kept his gaze averted to the table across from us. I stood up. I had to leave. With a murmured “Excuse me,” I fled to the safety of the restaurant bathrooms.
    Once in the ladies’ restroom, I moved past a couple of women chatting near the doorway and walked around the fancy stalls to an excluded spot for women who wished to nurse their infants, or rest a moment. The area was vacant. Gratefully, I sank into one of the lavish plum- and gold-colored settees. For a moment I held my trembling hands together and attempted to suppress my emotions.
    Okay, okay, okay. I need to stop stressing out. My life is not over just because Greg has moved on. Sure, the chance to see him again and be with him again has only been my biggest wish for the last three years, but it’s time to get over that. I know he must hate me. The best thing I can hope for is that I can be his friend. Or maybe I can help him find a perfect girl to be with.
    See? Now that’s an idea, right? I quickly wiped a tear off my cheek and forced myself to accept the situation. Right? Just think, there are a ton of girls who could use Greg—I mean Gregory—in their lives. He can build their self-confidence and love and cherish them and make them feel like they are actually worth something. Everyone needs to feel loved and beautiful. Helping girls feel that way is what Gregory does best. There are hundreds right here in Farmington who’d even treat him good. They’d treat him better than I did and actually deserve him. I had my chance, and it’s pointless to hope for another one. The best I can do is help him find someone who will never hurt him.
    There. That’s the plan, got it? I’m going to head out of here and smile and think of ways to help Gregory Wentworth find the girl of his dreams. And under no circumstances am I going to cry when he does—even if he chooses Sydney.
    After taking a deep breath, I walked over to the sink and put some cold water in my palm. I smoothed it on the back of my neck and felt the tension ease a bit. I glanced in the mirror and splashed a couple of drops of water on my tense features. Then I quickly grabbed some paper towels and blotted myself dry before tossing them in the trash can. I pasted on a smile, hurried out of the restroom, and ran straight into Gregory’s hard chest. Instinctively his arms wrapped around me to keep me from falling.

Four: Heart Attack

    “Oh! Sorry.” Shocked, I stepped away from him and stared up at his face. We were all alone in the little foyer that separated the men’s and the women’s restrooms.
    “I—uh, are you all right?” Gregory’s eyes searched mine.
    My heart began to race. “Y–yes.” I managed a weak smile. “I’m fine. Thank