Seducing Fortune (A Serendipity Novel Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tire.”
    “Yeah. Thanks.” I shake my head at his concern. “There’re a lot of crazies in the world.”
    I school my expression to look unconcerned, so Dylan will quit staring at me, tension tightening the skin around his eyes.
    Toby nods and walks toward the garage entrance. “I’ll grab that new tire. If you’ll pop your trunk, I’ll be out in a second.”
    Dylan is already heading to the shop’s front door and holds it open. “You have enemies?”
    “What?” I bristle at the implication. It’s back to the lifestyle he thinks I have—one that invites Jerry Springer type controversy. “No. I’m sure he’s wrong.”
    “You should be careful.”
    I roll my eyes at him and walk through the door he’s holding. “I always am.”
    Dylan puts his hand on the small of my back as we walk to the car and I stiffen. Toby is already there with the tire at the back of the car. Dylan is giving him a bland stare and Toby stares right back. And although I’m not tied to either one of them in a romantic way, I can’t help thinking they both look like they’re going to throw down in the parking lot and stake a claim.
    “Thanks, Toby.” I give him an overly warm smile.
    “Anytime,” he says. Dylan hits a button on his key fob and the trunk door lifts. Once the tire is stored, Toby gives me a nod and heads back into the garage.
    “I hope you aren’t thinking of going out with that guy.” Dylan opens my door for me.
    “That’s none of your business.” I settle in as he walks around to the driver’s side.
    He sits behind the wheel, not starting the car, and grunts. “Maybe so. What about the possibility that Toby slashed your tire?”
    I scrunch my eyebrows together. “What? You’re crazy. Oh, come on. That’s ridiculous.”
    “I hear of crazier things all the time. You’re a hot girl. He wants to meet you and thinks you’re out of his league. He slashes your tire and then rescues you.”
    “Sounds like you have practice with this pickup method.” I fold my arms over my chest.
    Dylan laughs. “Honey, if I wanted a date with you I wouldn’t have to slash your tires.”
    His comment drives a thorn under my thin skin. Before yesterday, it was true. He could’ve snapped his fingers and I would be ready at the door with my purse on my shoulder.
    Today? I peer at him without turning my head. He’s still as beautiful on the outside as he was yesterday. Still gives off a smell sexier than the designer purses I used to own. Still makes my heart thump faster with a hooded look I imagine says secret things.
    But he thinks I’m less.
    I know I’m more. I’m not defined by what I’ve had to do to survive.
    “You’re right. You wouldn’t have to ruin my tire,” I say with a perky smile. “Absolutely.”
    He raises a brow suspiciously.
    “Oh,” I continue, “you wouldn’t have to ruin my tire.” I pause for effect. “Because there is no way in hell or heaven or anywhere in between that you could get a date with me.”
    Dylan looks from the road for a moment. “Really,” he says skeptically. “I thought you said I’m forgiven.”
    “That has nothing to do with this conversation.” Oh, the wicked lies I’m telling now. “You’re not my type.”
    “And that guy is?” Dylan pulls onto the main campus drive.
    “Take a left up here.” I point to a parking lot. “Maybe he is. So what?”
    “You can do better than him.”
    “Has anyone told you that you’re a snob?”
    “Hey, all I’m saying—”
    “Don’t. Every word you say digs the hole a little deeper. Here’s my car.” The second we stop, I hop out in a race to my car. I don’t want to hear anymore. I’m disillusioned enough for one day.
    “Wait. Emerson...”
    My name on his lips sounds tortured for some strange reason. He must be back to feeling guilty again. What is his problem?
    I pretend I don’t hear him and drop gratefully into my car. I have to get away before I do something really stupid like break down and cry. How