Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

his attention on her. A rare feeling to
have someone’s genuine interest rather than the fawning and head patting she
receives from Team Shae. “I doubt that.”
    She winks before nodding at the vibrations rustling the cushion
between them. “I think someone’s trying to get a hold of you.”
    The door opens and a tall man with close-cropped black hair
walks out. His muscles bulge even through the white dress shirt and black suit
coat. Yet his gentle eyes and the small smile he gives her soften the tough-guy
physique. He gestures to Nick. “I’m sorry to bother you, but we have a
situation. Carter’s here and needs to talk to you.”
    Nick sighs and shakes his head before standing. “Tell him I’ll
be right there.” Turning back to her, he frowns. “I’m sorry. I’ll be back in a
few minutes.”
    She nods before taking a sip of wine and setting the glass on
the side table. Two emergencies in two hours on a Sunday night. No wonder all
he does is work. There’s no time for anything or anyone else. Especially not a
woman he just met with a crazy life of her own. One who knows how foolish it is
to let her heart absorb any more of his tender affection before she falls
completely. And has to walk away.
    Listening to the relaxing sounds of the crashing waves, she
leans her head against the cushion. She’ll have him take her home as soon as he
comes back.

 
    * * * *

 
    Irritated by the interruption, Nick runs his fingers through his
hair as he walks toward the lounge chair. He leaves her twice in one date. Not
a great way to start off…whatever this is. He may not know what to call it, but
he sure doesn’t want to mess it up. “I’m sorry, Shae. It’s…”
    She’s curled onto her side, arms hugging herself, eyes closed.
He sits the plate of cookies next to the half-full wine glass and takes the
opportunity to study her. Aching to push back the strand of wavy, dark hair
that’s fallen over her face and caress her cheek, he shoves his hands into his
pockets. The softness of her expression exudes a peace he envies. She’s sweet
and playful, yet holds something back. Just when he thinks they’ve made a
connection, timidity creeps in, creating a shield around her. Perhaps from whoever’s
hurting her.
    After picking up his glass, he sits down in the chair across
from her. Her pink dress fully covers her body, from the hollow of her throat
to the tops of her knees, with only her sculpted arms and lower legs visible. How
can she be so modest and so sexy at the same time?
    Yet, his stomach turns from what he can’t see—the damage
inflicted on her creamy, soft skin. She doesn’t have a boyfriend, and her dad’s
not in the picture. Who the hell could it be? He takes a long drink. Once he
finds out, she won’t have to worry about him anymore.
    His mind drifts to her earlier comment. God, how he would love
‘more’ with her. To taste her pink lips. To lose himself in her gentle touch.
To feel her body pressed against his. Inhaling deeply, he tries to cool the
heat rising in his body.
    Long, dark lashes flutter against her cheeks before her eyes fly
open and she gasps. His stomach knots at her panic. Resisting the urge to take
her in his arms and soothe her fear, he kneels down on the floor next to the
chaise. “Hey, it’s okay. You fell asleep. Everything’s okay.”
    She turns to him, searching his face for reassurance. Her body
relaxes when her eyes meet his, overwhelming him with the trust she places in
him not to be afraid. She drops her head, tucking the wayward hair behind her
ear. “I’m sorry. I guess I'm more tired than I realized.”
    “Don’t apologize. I know you had a big night last night.” He
wraps his fingers around hers and helps her up, his pulse racing when she
doesn’t let go of his hand as they walk. “Come on, I’ll take you back to your
car.”
    In the garage, he opens the door to the Audi. “I thought this
might be easier than climbing into the Jeep.”
    Her face lights up