Turn It On: Turner Twins, Book 1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

out the door, waiting for her to lock it behind them. “Yeah, I heard that version too. Poor cat, either way.”
    He wore an old pair of runners that looked comfortable and lived in. Faded blue jeans fit nice and snug around his thighs, cupping his butt like a glove. His white button-down shirt fought his biceps. Max tried not to drool as she linked her fingers around the elbow he offered to escort her to his car. At the door he stopped and faced her.
    “Now you can have your surprise.” He handed her a set of envelopes, all tightly sealed. “You get to help plan the evening. I’ve arranged the locations, you pick the order we do things.” Max turned over the envelopes, looking for a clue of what they contained.
    “What’s inside?” she asked. “Tickets? Coupons?”
    “I’m not giving away any secrets. Pick one and let’s get started.”
    She selected one from the pile, and he tucked the rest away, seating her before walking around to the driver’s side. Maxine took a deep breath and ordered herself to calm down. The chance to enjoy time with another adult who wasn’t family—especially one who made her tingle just being close to him—was going to be wonderful. The edge of arousal bubbling through her all afternoon had left her aching for his touch. His presence. This mischievous side was a treat she hadn’t expected.
    The last date she’d been on with Mr. Wishy-Washy, she’d planned the whole thing, and then Jamie had arrived an hour late and messed it up. Max glanced at Ryan as he sat behind the wheel smiling at her.
    “Are you going to open it?” he asked.
    She slipped the card from inside and read out loud. “ Chinatown. ”
    Ryan nodded and put the car in gear. “A wonderful choice. I knew you had exquisite taste.”
    Max laughed at him and made herself comfortable. “I never realized you were this much of a goof. Chinese food for supper?”
    “Appetizers only. I’ve planned a progressive dinner, and we’ll walk between courses.”
    “Seriously, a progressive dinner? I haven’t done one of those since I was a teenager,” Maxine said.
    He gasped. “What? It’s the best way to dine out. There’s no way I can chose one type of food. This way I get to indulge in all my favorites in one evening.”
    Maxine stared out the window at the passing scenery, enjoying the cool evening air rushing past. “I didn’t picture you as the type who had trouble making decisions.”
    Ryan didn’t respond immediately and she wondered if she’d offended him. “Thank you. I’m very good at making decisions when it comes to things like security systems, and personal safety.” His tone of voice lightened and he joked, “But picking a favorite food, that’s damn near impossible.”
    He fell silent, and she watched the traffic go by outside and tried to relax. She snuck secretive glances at Ryan, admiring his rugged good looks, his firm control behind the wheel. The kisses they’d shared were scorchers, but they were still getting to know each other. He was very different from her ex—older, rougher—something wild and untamed showing in his eyes at times. The wildness made her heart race with desire, not fear. She’d dated before, only never with a man like Ryan, someone more mature and experienced. Jamie had been her first serious relationship, her first lover, although curiosity more than passion had encouraged that venture.
    Ryan pulled into a parking spot and turned his full attention on her.
    “All our stops for the rest of the night are within walking distance. Let me know when you’re getting tired.”
    Chinese spring rolls and pork dumplings were followed by a bowl of Thai sweet and sour soup. They shared an enormous Greek salad then wandered across the street to an Italian restaurant to enjoy a slab of lasagna big enough for a family. In between courses they strolled, arm in arm along the boardwalk, the crash of the ocean and the wind blowing over the sea adding to the magic of the