The Path to James Read Online Free PDF Page B

bereft without his touch.
    “I don't know the exact time, but it's way past breakfast,” I'm deflecting.
    His grin broadens, “Lunch with me, then. And I have an outlet with your name on it,” he gestures to my phone.
    “You're inviting me to eat when you don't even know my name?” Now it's my turn to sound chastising.
    This stranger arches a brow, “Are you always this difficult?”
    “I don't know what you mean,” my eyes gleam. I reach to take his hand once more, it's an excuse to touch him again, but it doesn't feel awkward through introductions. “Alex Henton.”
    “ Alex, ” he breathes my name, and my pelvis tenses. “I'm James,” I note the absence of his last name, and I feel immediately shortchanged.
    “Lunch then, Miss Henton?” The 'miss' is as much in question as the meal. I flush when I notice he is holding his breath in anticipation. I'm suddenly more aware of my own scent, of my sweat and grime coated body, of my unwashed clothes and skin.
    “Can—” I shift uncomfortably. I am not entirely certain why I'm asking this, “can I use your washing machine?” There. I said it, can't take it back now.
    James cocks his head, assessing me.
    I pinch the form-fitting fabric of my tank-top, peeling it away from my skin. “You have no idea. You don't want me in close proximity in this condition.”
    “Debatable.”
    “What?” I had to have misunderstood him.
    “I would be perfectly happy to wash your clothes for you,” he doesn't repeat himself. For a moment I think I see his eyes heat. “I also have a shower, but I wouldn't want to sound too forward.”
    Oh, this just got worse. I'm biting my lip again. Fine, I'll get to the real reason I am hindered in making a decision, “You swear you won't...ax-murder me?”
    James' mouth falls open a second, he is actually stunned. He falters. I stunned him, I beam. I can't help but feel proud of myself.
    “I swear,” he manages after a moment, “no murdering of any kind.” He gives me a peculiar look.
    I've never felt so attracted to someone, I can't stop staring. Even when I didn't know Jaren was a psychopath, I'd never felt this kind of desire before. I eye James a moment longer. He is handsome, so what the hell? “Lunch, then.”
    His grin returns, and my heart melts. He doesn't seem like a crazy person, but I've been fooled before. As he leads me inside, just as a precaution, I keep a firm hold on my bear mace while I have my mind trained on my Taser.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
     
    “ Towels are in the linen closet,” I tell Alex as she shuffles timidly through my home. I point to the closet as we go by. She reminds me of a frightened animal, all wide-eyed and twitchy. I don't think she's listening to me. “Here is the bathroom, leave your clothes outside the door and I'll get them washed for you.”
    Alex's eyes scan everything but me. She looks as though she is waiting for a trap to spring.
    Do I really appear that menacing?
    “Are you okay?” I ask. I wish I knew how to put her at ease. I want to reach out and take Alex's hand again, but I don't want to make things any worse.
    “I'm fine, sorry.” She flushes, pulling a lock of hair behind one ear. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
    “Thank you for your company,” I sound like an idiot. I squeeze my eyes shut. “I am going to change into something more presentable. Make yourself at home,” I continue down the hall refusing to turn back to stare at my guest.
    There is an audible click of the bathroom door behind me, and I sigh in relief at the sound. The way she was acting I thought she was going to dart off. When I first saw her, I don't know what came over me. She was just...perfect. Tan and lean, a sheen of sweat glinting off of her skin. She was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. If I hadn't gone to work outside today, if I had gone in for breakfast when I had originally planned, if I hadn't fully charged my laptop last night, I could