Scandal: The Lies We Tell (Volume 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

yet.”
       So I leaned back and let Nick take over the conversation. He had a soothing voice and an engaging manner that had me hanging on every word. I could’ve listened to him for hours. Only my excessive yawning betrayed how tired I felt.
       “We should turn in,” Nick said when he caught me stifling a yawn. “Plenty of time to chat tomorrow.”
       He picked up our glasses and empty bottle and I reluctantly followed him inside. Whenever I did finally let myself remember what happened that day ten years ago, I had nightmares about for days. Tonight would be no exception.
       “I’m glad you agree d to come with me this weekend,” Nick said as he walked me to my assigned bedroom. We stopped in front of the open door, each of us awkwardly waiting for the other to make the first move.
       “So far my only regret is that last glass of scotch.”
       Nick smirked in an adorably cute way. “I was just thinking my only regret was not encouraging you to have one more glass of scotch.”
       I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re not trying to take advantage of me are you, Senator?”
       “Not yet.” Nick took a small step forward and that was all the encouragement I needed in my semi-drunk state.
       I grabbed the front of his shirt and twisted it in my hand, drawing him closer. His hand found the back of my neck and he guided my head toward his until our lips met in a drunken, searching kiss. He tasted like scotch and his lips were warm and inviting. Just as my body began to melt against his, Nick sighed heavily and pulled away.
       “We shouldn’t do this tonight,” he said, slightly out of breath. “We’ve both had too much to drink.”
       I didn’t agree with him, but I nodded anyway. Protesting seemed futile at this point, not to mention that I’m not the type of girl that begs guys to sleep with her. “Good night then,” I said, backing away reluctantly.
       “Sweet dreams, Charley.” Nick came close again, this time to kiss me on the cheek. He flashed me one last killer smile and then disappeared down the hall.
       An hour later I was snuggled deep beneath the covers of my temporary bed, trying in vain to fall asleep. The last few hours had dredged up a lot of feelings I hadn’t allowed to the surface in a long time- fear about what happened that day ten years ago, grief over losing Tim and guilt for being the one that survived. But what kept me awake long after I had pushed those other feelings away had nothing to do with my past and had everything to do with Nick Cooper.
       My last serious relationship ended two years ago, and had lasted just short of five months. Both of us had known it wasn’t  going to last forever and we had been more than okay with that. I had dated a few men off and on since then, none of them seriously and none of them for longer than a few dates. One thing they all had in common was that I had never opened up to any of them about my past. I had known Nick for less than a week and had let him see the darkest, most hidden parts of me. Even more concerning, I didn’t regret it.  I liked talking to Nick, liked being around him, and I really liked kissing him.
       Needless to say, I was a little disconcerted when I woke the next morning and found myself alone in the house. I did a quick check of every room but Nick was nowhere to be found. His car was still parked in front of the house so he probably hadn’t gone very far. After a long, hot shower, I made myself at home and got the coffee pot brewing. I was just pouring my first cup when the back door flew open and Nick appeared, sweaty and smiling.
       “You’re up!”
       “As are you.” I tried not to stare as he lifted the bottom of his shirt to wipe sweat from his face. An undeniably fit torso taunted my wandering eyes. “Morning run?”
       “No better way to start the day.” He dropped his shirt back into place.
       “I beg to differ.” I lifted my coffee and took a