Relentless Liberation Read Online Free PDF Page B

elaborate on just what Chloe’s mission statement was when it came to
her. He’d most definitely take that and run with it.
    “Chloe will be there so it’s not too far out of your comfort
zone.” When she said nothing, just bit her lip and eyed him warily, he used
that killer smile on her, upping the ante. “Come on, Mina. You’ll have fun, I
promise.”
    How was it possible that she found herself in this
situation? The sexiest man she’d ever seen had not only noticed her but was now
standing in the middle of a grocery store all but begging her to have a drink
with him. It was beyond surreal.
    In spite of her aversion to social gatherings, she knew
she’d be mad as hell if she missed this new opportunity to spend time with him.
And maybe she might even find out what it was he hoped to gain from this
acquaintance, for she was sure they wanted very different things from each
other.
    Sighing, she acquiesced. “Okay, I’ll be there.” The slow,
sexy grin she got in response was almost enough to make her change her mind.

Chapter Four
     
    “Relax, Mina. If you held yourself any stiffer you’d
probably shatter into a million pieces,” Chloe said, sliding a beer to Brian
across the table at which they were seated. “And quit staring at the door while
you’re at it. He’ll be here.”
    Not wanting to enter the unknown abyss that was the
mysterious inside Able’s by herself, Mina had asked Chloe and Brian for a ride.
She wasn’t at all confident enough in herself to walk into a bar on her own.
Just the thought of having to stand there and wait by herself in a crowd full
of strangers was enough to give her hives.
    Chloe was more than happy to give her a lift and was elated
that she had agreed to come, which meant she’d been privy to Tyler’s plan to
ask her. The need to grill Chloe about that particular conversation was
overwhelming but she didn’t want to get into it front of Brian.
    They’d gotten there around seven-thirty and quickly scouted
out a table. Mina had been distractedly staring at the door ever since, too
preoccupied with Tyler’s imminent arrival to notice much else about the place.
    Her nerves felt like they were on fire, sending that pins-and-needles
sensation coursing through her limbs and causing her to shake. She wasn’t even
really sure where all this anxiety was coming from. It wasn’t like she’d never
seen or spoken to Tyler before. More than likely it was the buildup. She’d had
hours since her encounter with him in the grocery store that morning to
anticipate the coming evening.
    And true to her nature she’d agonized over it the whole
time.
    But it wasn’t just seeing Tyler again that was getting to
her. It was the whole experience in general. The prospect of spending time in
another bar was bringing back memories she would sooner forget.
    She’d only been to a bar one other time and hadn’t set foot
in any such establishment again for four years. Since that night.
    She shook her head to expel those unwanted thoughts. Things
were much different now. For starters, she was with people who actually gave a
shit about her and weren’t using her for their own ends. The thought made her
smile at Chloe.
    Chloe winked then asked, “Are you sure you don’t want
something to drink?”
    Mina had declined all offers of alcohol, even though Lord
knew she could use the liquid courage right about now. But she was determined
to do this clearheaded. Tyler had been right earlier when he said that she
needed to loosen up and expand her horizons. No matter how hard it was, she
wouldn’t let old wounds control her.
    “Yes, I’m sure. I’m just antsy. Distract me. Let’s talk
about something else.”
    Brian chuckled. “I really wish I knew what it was about him
that got women all tied up in knots like this. I sure as fuck can’t see it.”
    “That’s because you’ve been friends since you were twelve
years old, baby.” Chloe linked her fingers with his. “And you’re a man.”
    His