The One Who Got Away Read Online Free PDF Page B

his life in San Diego. Kansas was a terrible mistake, Ben felt it in his bones.
    Maybe he should just shut up and let Steve do whathe needed to. Or maybe, this was what being a friend was all about.
    Whatever, he wasn’t going to be any good to anyone if he didn’t get some sleep.
    His hand moved down his stomach until he gripped his length in his hand. Eyes closed, he pictured Taylor sitting across from him in the cabana. That tantalizing stretch of bare thigh.
    Before he’d even gotten to the really good parts, it was over. He forced himself to get up, go to the bathroom, but now, exhaustion had taken over full-force. Once he was back in bed, the minute he’d plunked his head on the pillow he fell into a deep sleep.
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    T AYLOR DIALED B EN’S cell from the pay phone next to the Pink Taco. It rang once, and she heard his sleepy voice growl his “Hello.”
    â€œOh, God, I’m sorry. Go back to sleep. Call me later.”
    â€œNo, no. I’m up. I just haven’t had coffee yet.”
    â€œHave it down here. Let’s meet at the coffee shop.”
    â€œSure. Give me about ten minutes.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll get a table.”
    He hung up and so did she. Damn, even his voice made her twitchy. That low grumble made her want to be there in person when he woke up. She desperately wanted to see his hair tousled, the first smile of the day. Maybe tomorrow.
    She brushed her hair back from her shoulder, and went looking for the coffee shop. It was called Mister Lucky’s, and there was a small line of people waitingfor a table. Almost everyone wore shorts and T-shirts, mostly brightly colored, although more so with the women than the men. Sandals were the footwear of choice, and the accessory of the day was small cameras, equally divided between still and video.
    She had chosen her outfit with care. Khaki culottes with a nice leather belt, a pale green sleeveless cotton shirt, nothing spectacular at all, but she felt really comfortable in the outfit which was the important thing. She’d worn her angel earrings, the ones she’d picked up in Sedona two years before. They were kitschy, but she didn’t care. They were her favorites.
    Her gaze went toward the elevators, but she didn’t spot Ben. And then she did.
    He had on jeans, well-worn and perfect, with a navy polo shirt. His hair was slicked back, still damp from his shower. Her stomach tightened, and she had the urge to squeeze her legs together. What he did to her had to be illegal in most states. Luckily, Nevada wasn’t one of them.
    He walked right to her, leaned over and kissed her on the lips, stealing her breath and her equilibrium. She put her hand on the wall behind her to steady herself, and when he smiled at her, she gripped harder.
    â€œMorning.”
    â€œHi.”
    â€œI hope this doesn’t take long,” he said. “I’m a bear before my first cup of coffee.”
    She cleared her throat and her head, amazed at her reaction. Sure, she wanted the guy, but to flip out completely from a pleasant peck on the lips? Whatwould she do when he really kissed her? She’d have to make damn sure she was lying down.
    â€œWhat’s that smile for?”
    â€œNothing.” She turned toward the café entrance. “It’s moving pretty fast. Don’t worry.”
    â€œDid you speak to your mother?”
    She turned back to face him. “Yeah, I did. She’s just as mystified by this whole thing as we are.”
    â€œDid she have any ideas?”
    The people in front of them were led to their seats, and a moment later, a second hostess took them to a quiet table near the breakfast bar. They both ordered coffee, and didn’t speak until it arrived. Ben liked his black, which made some kind of weird sense. She wondered what else he liked. Wine with dinner? Sweets?
    â€œOkay,” he said, putting his cup down on the saucer. “Where were we?”
    â€œYou