Unafraid (Beachwood Bay) Read Online Free PDF

pissed at his arrogance now. Or maybe it’s because he’s not buying my ‘keep away’ act, when every other guy in town would have cut bait and bailed for an easier target by now.
    “Yeah.” Hunter fixes me with a knowing look. “You want to spend time with me. You want to hang out, and laugh over a couple of drinks, and have me kiss you senseless on the front porch out there when I bring you home. So why don’t you drop this bullshit tough girl act, and give me one good reason why not.”
    Kiss me senseless…
    My mind races. How can he see through me like this? What can I say to make him leave me alone?
    “I’m working!” I finally blurt, but the words make me glance over to the clock above the mantle, and I realize that my excuse is true. “Shit, I’m late. Garrett!” I exclaim.
    Hunter’s face darkens. “Is Garrett your boyfriend?”
    I’m tempted to lie, but that would only drag this out longer. “My boss.” I drop the donut box to the table, grab my purse and head for the door. “Or rather, soon to be ex-boss, if I don’t get my ass to Jimmy’s in the next five minutes.”
    I steam outside, this time glad that Hunter follows on my heels. “You need a ride?” Hunter offers.
    “I can take care of myself.” I lock up, and head for Garrett’s truck without another look.
    “Think about what I said,” Hunter calls after me. “You, me, a bottle of wine, the lame excuse for fine dining this town has to offer. You’ll have fun, I promise.”
    “Don’t hold your breath.” I yell back, starting the engine. “I’d rather pull teeth.”
    Hunter’s laughter echoes after me as I squeal out of the driveway. When I glance in my rearview mirror, he’s standing there on the front porch, golden in the setting sun, reaching into—
    Damn. He took the donuts.

 
     
    I rush into the bar, breathless and apologetic. “Sorry, sorry, sorry!” I yelp, grabbing my apron and yanking the ties into a knot around my waist. “I know, I’m late.”
    “That’s OK,” Garrett sounds chill, and when I get it together enough to look around, I realize why. “This is Jade,” he says, introducing me to the cute, African American girl already wearing her work apron. She’s standing by the bar, gazing adoringly at Garrett. “She’s going to be helping out now that Melissa is gone.”
    “I bet she will.” I give Garrett a glare, then switch on a smile for poor Jade. She doesn’t know what she’s in for. “Welcome to Jimmy’s. You need me to show you around?”
    “Already covered.” Garrett interrupts me, flashing Jade an irresistible grin. “Why don’t you head on back and grab me some paper napkins from the store room?”
    “Sure thing, boss!” Jade disappears down the hallway.
    Garrett watches her go. “I like the way she says that. Boss .”
    I lean over the bar and punch Garrett in the arm.
    “Oww!” he glares. “What was that for?”
    “That was for Jade.”
    “I haven’t laid a finger on her!” Garrett protests.
    “And she’s been here all of ten minutes.” I roll my eyes. “You must be getting sloppy.”
    “You make it sound like I’m some lecherous old perv.” Garrett puts on his wounded, puppy-dog face. “I can’t help it if women find me irresistible.”
    “What a dreadful curse, my heart breaks for you!” I slide his keys across the bar. “Here, boss . The truck’s right outside, I even filled her up with gas.”
    “Thanks.” Garrett takes the keys and sets about taking down the chairs from the tables and getting the bar ready for opening. He pauses, looking over at me. “You good?” he checks.
    I nod.
    “Sure?” he asks, awkward. “Because if you want to talk about it…”
    “And then we braid our hair and paint our nails and talk about boys?” I joke, trying to change the subject.
    Garrett laughs, clearly relieved. He’ll happily beat Trey to a pulp for me, but he’s more the playful, joking type—talking about feelings is definitely not his thing. “I