What Lies Beneath: Romantic Suspense Read Online Free PDF

to have a nanny. They want a nanny that’s college educated and speaks multiple language. Wealthy families like the Devereauxes pay top dollar.”
    I wondered what else Mrs. Devereaux paid top dollar for.
    My eyes drifted over his arms. Theo was wearing a tight black athletic shirt that clung to his biceps. The fabric looked like it was on the verge of ripping. I swallowed hard and quickly looked back down at my menu. The names of beers and wines bled together. I couldn’t concentrate.
    “Why don’t you order?” I said. “I’m not sure which to choose.”
    “Okay. Do you prefer beer or wine?”
    Normally, I drank wine. “Beer,” I said.
    If I was on a date with Tom we would have split a bottle of wine. I wanted this- whatever this was- to be different.
    The server came over. Theo ordered us each a beer and appetizers. I started to fidget while waiting for the drinks. I rearranged the condiments on the table, straightening everything again and again. I wished the server would hurry up with the beers. Anxiety had taken root deep in my gut. Alcohol would soothe my nerves.
    “I’m sorry about yesterday.”
    “Why?” I asked.
    “Mr. Devereaux shouldn’t have treated you that way. He’s a real piece of work.”
    “So is she,” I muttered.
    Theo frowned. “She shouldn’t have spoken to you the way she did. I’m sorry.”
    “It’s not your fault.”
    I waved away his apologies as the server set the beers in front of us. I was grateful to have them. I took a long drink from mine. It was ice cold with a sweet aftertaste of cherries. It tasted amazing. I took another deep drink and felt my anxiety retreat.
    “Besides,” I said, “I’m the one who should feel sorry for you. You have to put up with them every day. And with Mrs. Devereaux’s reputation, I’d be surprised if she hasn’t sunk her teeth into you already.”
    It had been a while since I’d had alcohol; the drink went straight to my head. I knew I was being rude, but I couldn’t help myself. I took another drink.
    “I mean, why else would she hire a guy as hot as you? She’s so transparent.”
    “Is that what you think?” he said. “That I’m only good for, what? Sleeping with Mrs. Devereaux?”
    His body was tense; I’d struck a nerve. I should have apologized. Instead I took another drink and said: “Look, if you want to sleep with her that’s your prerogative, but don’t expect to sleep with me too. I’m only here because you won’t take no for an answer.”
    He considered me closely then looked away. Guilt replaced the anxiety in my stomach. I was being nasty and for no good reason except that it felt good to vent my anger and frustration. Theo had done nothing to deserve this. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to apologize. I was sick of being the one who was sorry. Life had dealt me a bad hand. I felt bitter.
    “You shouldn’t have pressured me into this,” I said.
    “Into having a drink? I enjoy your company and I wanted to apologize for the way you were treated at the Devereauxes’. We were enjoying each other’s company until…”
    Theo let his words drift away as if he was trying to regain control.
    “Until, what?”
    “You have to learn to move on with your life,” he said, ignoring my question. “You have to stop living your life in fear.”
    I scoffed. “I don’t live my life in fear.” Though, clearly I did. My face burned red. I hated how quickly he’d sized me up.
    “The worst thing that can happen has already happened to you.”
    “‘Life can’t possibly get any worse for you,’ is not exactly the most inspiring advice.”
    “The point is that you have to move on and the only way you will is by living life. You can’t fear the future.”
    The beer left a bitter taste in my mouth. My head swam. I stood and walked quickly out of the bar. I heard Theo call my name. I kept walking. It suddenly occurred to me that I had no way to get home.
    Without thinking, I started walking down the road. It felt