Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page B

whispers. Nina tilts her head back and stares into my eyes with a look of longing, as if willing me to kiss her.
    I back away from her. She’s kept her guard up all night and now the drinks have taken a toll. I don’t want to be the cause of regret the following day. We separate and down our shots with Dillon, Kade, and Emme staring at us with shocked expressions and mouths wide open.
    The celebration comes to an end. I discreetly hand my card to the waitress and pay for everyone’s tab. We agree to meet on Wednesday at a different bar for the first game of the World Series. I can’t get enough of Nina and want to remain by her side, but I grudgingly leave her behind with her friends. Dillon and I are the first to leave and head our separate ways.

    Work has never seemed so vibrant and inspiring. Instead of waking up with a hangover, I wake up feeling refreshed, and enthusiastic, eager to begin a day’s work. The sooner I commence my day, the quicker it ends, and the faster tomorrow will arrive. And then…I get to see her again. I fall asleep with Nina as my last thought. She’s such a mystery, so succumbed to her privacy. I want to peel those layers of armory and unveil her true self.
    After work, I decide to check in with my mother. Her home is a condo within the Millennium Tower located in the Financial District. She lives by herself. Early retirement wasn’t something she welcomed; she actually put up a fight and refused to go down without kicking and screaming. After persistent orders from her physician, she finally left her position as CFO of my company, E-Con Solutions (ECS). She has always been a workaholic. She’s goal driven and doesn’t stop until her purpose has been accomplished. Now that she is able to relax and enjoy life, she chooses to sulk in misery.
    I call before I arrive. She tells me she’s at a nearby coffee shop and requests that I meet her there instead of her home. The place is quaint and smells amazing with a rich coffee aroma. My mother is sitting in a corner reading a health magazine. She looks up and waves me over to her seating area.
    I hug her and plant a kiss on her cheek. She’s a stunning woman in her early fifties with gracious elegance. Her emerald eyes and fine features are captivating against her short auburn hair. She’s a natural blonde, but has always changed her hair since I can remember. I’ve never seen her with golden, long hair the way she used to have it before I was born. I’ve only seen pictures.
    “How are you, son? How’s the company? Did you decide which supplier you’ll be purchasing the expanded clay aggregate from? I think—”
    “Mom, can you please stop thinking about work? You’re no longer Celeste Ryan, CFO of ECS, you’re stressing out about insignificant things that aren’t a part of your life anymore. Prioritize! You’re the only mother I have, so now you need to make your health and well-being your main concerns.” I scold her like a child.
    “Fine. When are you giving me grandbabies?” She folds her fragile arms in front of her chest and gives me a scrutinizing look.
    Fuck. There she goes…
    “When will you stop dating floozies? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you with the same girl twice. Why are you so adamant about not having a family? One day, I’ll die and you’ll be left alone if you don’t get over this relationship phobia you have. I’m not getting any younger, but don’t get me wrong, I still have my looks, and admirers from a distance, you know.” She says matter-of-factly.
    “Mom, I’m gay. So, there goes your dream of being a grandmother.” I do my best to distract her.
    “Bullshit. Pardon my vulgarity. Gay couples can adopt. I’m aware it can be a long and strenuous process, but it’s still a possibility. So, don’t give me that nonsense that having grandkids will never be a reality. Try again.” She means business.
    “I’m impotent.” I keep my fingers crossed hoping she’ll drop the