When We Met Read Online Free PDF Page B

she thought. Normally he was on top of things. “Do you have any details? You know we have to make sure our clients have a good time, right? And they’re bringing their families, which ups the pressure. You three are the ones who wanted to move here in the first place. You’re the ones who insisted on this party. Don’t come to me a week before and say there’s a problem, because I’m not going to fix this.”
    â€œThere she goes,” Kenny said conversationally. “Sam, you’ve riled Taryn, and no good comes of that. Back where I come from—”
    Taryn slapped both hands on the conference table. “Do not tell me some good-ol’-boy farm story, Kenneth Anderson Scott. You may want the world to think you’re just some down-home guy from Iowa, but I know better.”
    Kenny glanced at his watch. “Look at the time. Larissa should be ready for me now.”
    He nearly ran from the room. Jack watched him go.
    â€œThat wasn’t nice, Taryn. You know Kenny hates it when you use his whole name. It reminds him of being yelled at by his mom.”
    â€œYes, and that’s why I do it.” She returned her attention to Sam. “About the party.”
    â€œIt’s handled,” he told her.
    Exactly what she wanted to hear. So why didn’t she believe him? “You’re sure.”
    â€œVery.”
    She nodded and Sam ducked out of the room. Jack stayed in his seat.
    â€œWant to talk about it?” he asked.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œYou’re a little crabby.”
    She pressed her lips together. “It’s not like you guys make it easy.”
    He stood and circled around the table until he was next to her. Then he pulled her close and hugged her. She relaxed in his familiar embrace. His large hands rested on her back and she breathed in the scent of him.
    When they’d first met, Jack was the star quarterback of the L.A. Stallions and she was the newly hired PR assistant. She’d never expected their night together to lead to anything more. But one night had turned into two, then a week.
    When everything fell apart, they’d stayed friends. She loved Kenny and Sam, but Jack was the one who knew her best. A point he proved when he said, “Still not sure you’re going to like it here?”
    â€œIt’s different. People are nice.”
    â€œDamn them.”
    She smiled into his shoulder, then stepped back. “I’m not like you.”
    â€œThat’s true.” His dark eyes crinkled with amusement. “You’d look funny with my penis.”
    â€œI’d have it removed.”
    He winced. “Don’t even joke about that.” He kissed her forehead. “We’re going to be here awhile, Taryn. Relax. Make nice with the ladies in town. Go to lunch and give them a chance to prove they mean what they say.”
    â€œThey really want me to have a nice day?”
    â€œThey do. Let them get to know you while you get to know them. Make friends. It’s fun.”
    â€œMaybe,” she grumbled.
    â€œThat’s my girl. Always willing to try new things.” He put his arm around her and led her from the room. “Come on. I’ll buy you some lunch. I’ll order the fries.”
    Because if she didn’t order the food, the calories didn’t count, she thought, leaning into him. “You’re the best,” she told him.
    â€œYeah, I know. My greatness has always been a burden.”

CHAPTER THREE
    â€œT HIS CAME FOR YOU .”
    Taryn glanced up as Larissa walked into her office. She was carrying what looked like a very exotic orchid. One that Taryn had never seen before.
    â€œIt’s beautiful,” she murmured, reaching for the plant.
    Larissa grinned. “There’s a card.”
    Taryn touched the soft petals of the flower. The colors were unusual, she thought. Pink and a blue violet. “What does it say?”
    â€œI haven’t read