Taking Chances (Learning to Love) Read Online Free PDF Page B

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    It didn't take long for some of the other guests to notice the perfect specimen of manhood sitting at the end of the table eyeing me like I was dessert. I was not used to being the center of attention and at that moment, that's exactly what I was. I saw Jamie's mother lean over to her aunt to whisper, and felt everyone's eyes on me. I was done. I excused myself from the table and practically ran to the bar.
    As quick as I could get the bartender's attention, I ordered a shot of tequila and tipped it back. Gary came up behind me before I even had the chance to place the glass back down.
    "They're about to serve dessert." He touched my arm bravely.
    I motioned to the bartender to give me two more shots and handed one to Gary. He looked unsure and a little afraid, but he took a deep breath and knocked the shot back with me. He set the glass on the bar with a clink as he tried not to gag.
    "Look Gary, I'm not sure what gave you the idea I was interested, but this isn't going to happen."
    "I'm sorry, it's just that I saw what you said to your friend, and well, I figured you were just being shy."
    "What do you mean?" I narrowed my eyes at him, as the heat from the alcohol spread out from my throat across my body.
    "Back at the church, you said you wanted to leave with me. You asked your friend to cover for you, and well..." he trailed off, turning a bright shade of scarlet.
    I fumbled around, trying to figure out what the hell he was talking about when it hit me. "How did you…"
    Gary noticed my complete confusion and a triumphant look spread across his face. "I uh, can read lips."
    Of course he fucking can .
    Karma really was a bitch. I motioned to the bartender for two more shots, wishing they could just be poured straight into my veins.
    "I'm really sorry about that. I had no idea that you would know what I was saying." I knocked back my shot and pushed the other toward Gary.
    His face turned pale and he shook his head. "I…uh…better not."
    "Suit yourself." I shrugged. "I guess I owe you an explanation. My friend was pestering me to hook up with someone and I was just trying to get her off my back. I'm so sorry you got the wrong idea."
    Gary's face fell and I felt even worse. He probably thought he'd hit the jackpot when he eavesdropped. I almost comforted him, but I didn't want to lead him on anymore, because there was no way I was going home with sweaty hands Gary.
    Now Sebastian, was a different story .
    Where the hell did that come from? I don't even know him .
    I downed one more shot of tequila, the amber liquid slid smoothly down my throat, and slammed the shot glass down on the bar with a thud. I really needed to get some fresh air.
    I made my way out onto the terrace as the tequila began warming me from the inside out. I half expected to find Gary trailing behind me, but it seemed he had come to his senses and was sitting back in his seat. He was probably eating both our desserts, not that I cared. The tequila was all the dessert I needed. The other guests funneled out onto the terrace or gathered at the bar.
    It was a beautiful night, warm with a nice breeze. The moon was full, bathing the grounds in a bluish light. I took a deep breath and noticed the scent of jasmine in the breeze. I was a little dizzy from the tequila but it didn't stop me from taking the glass of champagne offered to me by a boy in a white tuxedo carrying around a tray of drinks.
    Maybe Kat was right. Maybe I did need to find someone to take care of my needs. I certainly did not need another relationship, that was for sure, but what would it hurt if I found someone to scratch the itch every once in a while?
    "You sure you want to drink that?" Sebastian asked, sneaking up from behind, startling me. His sexy smile was gone and he looked almost disappointed.
    "Positive," I said, downing the champagne just as my friend in the white tux came back with a refill.
    I was all about the bad decisions tonight .
    Sebastian looked at the new glass in my