Running in Place (Mending Hearts) Read Online Free PDF Page A

in the silver shaker between his hands. My eyes graze slowly along the sinewy muscles in his arms as he works. From the tightened cords that make up his forearms, all the way to the shoulders that flex each time he moves, I’m completely mesmerized watching him. And the tightening of his muscle-fit polo across his chest isn’t helping.
    I’m once again jolted out of my disturbing thoughts when a huge purple monstrosity slams down beside me. There’s only one person I know with a huge purple Mary Poppins carpetbag for a purse. I swear she keeps floor lamps and plants in there too.
    Turning my head slowly, I watch my best friend as she takes the seat next to me. Hair in pig-tails, two dimples sinking deeply into her face, and the same short-ass shorts she should have been busted for wearing to work the other night are the first things I notice about her. After a longer look, I also note that she took the time to change out of her work shirt, into a yellow sequined tube top that shows off her bronzed skin, and I suddenly get the feeling we’re staying here for a while.
    “Tate, you okay?” she asks breathlessly, no doubt from the purple sack of rocks she’s just flung on the bar top. “I’m so pissed about Cash. I can’t believe he did that to you! Asshole.”
    She raises her hand, calling attention to Daniel who must have stepped in for Noah, who’s no longer behind the bar. Thank God.
    “I’ve got you girl. Don’t worry about a thing. I told Daniel to get him out of here so we can do some damage, but we’re going to have to hurry. We sent him to find Trace, who just left to pick up Harlow. That buys us some time, but not a lot.”
    As she orders a round of tequila shots and two Long Islands for the both of us, I zone out, thinking about tonight.
    First, I’m deserted by my shithead boyfriend — again.
    Second, I meet Mrs. Harris who likes to imply that Noah is taken, by whom I’m not totally sure, but I think she’s insinuating it’s me, which is ludicrous.
    Third, between the shots of tequila and the implications of Mrs. Harris, I can’t seem to keep my eyes off of Noah, who suddenly seems to be infatuated with my mouth.
    As soon as the shot glasses fly in front of me, I down them both, taking Sadie’s in the process.
    Numb. That’s what I plan on being tonight. No more anger, no more questions, no more thinking.
    Just numb.
    Starting now .
     
     
     
     
     

 

     

     
    Where the hell is Trace? I’ve been sent on a mission to find him, but with every second that ticks by, I get more anxious. I feel as if I’ve been deliberately led astray.
    Looking down at my watch, I realize that I’ve been gone from the bar for almost half an hour. Definitely not a good sign.
    After taking one more pass by his office, I give up my search and head back to the bar. I don’t like leaving Tatum there by herself with Sadie, who’s probably been pouring shots down her throat in my absence. I know I’m supposed to be keeping my distance, but there’s just something about her that I’m drawn to, and I’m seemingly defenseless against it. There’s a part of me that’s just overcome with the need to protect her, mainly from her own masochistic tendencies.
    Turning the corner, my eyes scan the bar for Tatum until I find her. With her arm draped over Sadie’s shoulders, she’s yelling something over the music.
    She looks… wasted . When the hell did that happen?
    Picking up the pace, I make my way towards the bar just as Tatum turns her neck, glaring at me over her shoulder, the look on her face clearly indicating that she’s not happy my mission has been aborted.
    Well, too fucking bad.
    Just as I’m about two feet from my destination, my path is blocked by blonde hair, a pouty expression, and massive attitude. Ryder.
    “I’ve been looking for you forever,” she whines. “Where have you been? I needed you to comp some stuff for my table. Daniel messed up every single drink they ordered, which isn’t