Taking Tiffany Read Online Free PDF Page B

made my skin prickle. The time we’d spent together, the memories, the love—it was all a lie.
    His hooded eyes slid up and down my body.  I needed to get back to my table. Now.
    He smiled and moved closer, making my stomach churn. The reek of strong, stale liquor hit me like a slap in the face. He must have been on a bender, weeks, or even months maybe.
    His glassy eyes stared past me, focusing on the wall above my head. “What I did was wrong. I regret it every day.”
     “Yeah? Well, you’re about ten years too late.” I’d seen Fletcher a few times over the years, but he’d never given me a second look until tonight.
    “We were just kids, you know that. Remember how good it was?” He took another step closer.
    I remembered the good times, just like I remembered how Fletcher had been full of hopes and dreams and promises. All of them broken.
    “Like I said, Fletcher, far too late. I’ve moved on, and I suggest you do the same.”
    He was only a foot away from me, too close for comfort. I backed up.
    “Now, now, sweet Tiffie. Don’t leave yet.” His eyes did another slow perusal. “You owe me.”
    My mouth dropped open.
    “You left me, and ever since, I’ve been stuck with Emory…for ten long years. I had to settle for a house in the country. We had plans, and you ruined it. We were going to get married right after college. Remember? Your dad promised me a job.” He tried to capture my elbow, but I pulled away. “My family counted on me. I disappointed them.” He swayed and mumbled to himself, “I should be living in a penthouse in the city.”
    With each word, the realization struck me harder. “This was about money? You only wanted me because of your family’s expectations and my dad’s wealth?” My heart sank, and my already battered ego took a dive, splattering on the floor like a broken egg. I thought I was over this. Over him and his betrayal. Heat rushed up my cheeks and I had to close my eyes for a moment and focus on breathing. 
    I jerked my arm from his grip. “You’re a loser, Fletcher. You always have been and always will be.” That was the best I could come up. Adrenalin and anger fogged my brain. I needed a few hours and a bubble bath to think of a better comeback.
    He sneered. “You’re gorgeous, I'll give you that. But everyone knows about your dad. Nothing but the best for his precious little girl. Even with all your daddy's money, you still haven’t snagged yourself a husband, have you?” His eyes narrowed, and his body stiffened, leaning toward me once again. Going in for the kill, he mocked, “Everyone laughs at you. The girl who has everything, but has nothing at the same time. Trust me, sweetheart, I’m the best you’re going to get.”
    What? The rejections from the past year flickered through my mind. I’m a laughing stock? Tears welled up in my eyes, but I’d scratch them out before I allowed him to see me cry.
    “Hey, baby,” the voice, so familiar, jolted me from my plans for possible eye removal.
    “Todd?”
    “Missed you, Tiff. I’ve been looking for you.” He grabbed me around my waist and drew me to him. Fletcher stood behind him, his mouth agape.
    Todd turned to Fletcher. “I hope you don’t mind, but I need a kiss from my girl.” He turned back toward me with an intense, penetrating stare, asking silent permission.
    I nodded.
    It wasn’t the quick kiss I expected. His gaze dropped to my mouth, and I held my breath. He twirled a lock of my hair between two fingers and brought it to his nose and inhaled deeply.
    “Tiffany,” Todd spoke softly as he pulled me closer and buried his head in my neck, leaving a soft, sensuous kiss.
     Oh, that felt good. My head fell back a little, enjoying the tingling sensations all through my body. Wow. It was just a kiss on the neck. I had to keep it together, but as his hands roamed over my back, I shivered. My body had a mind of its own, and apparently, it liked what was happening…very much.
    Todd