Wounded Birds (The Grayson Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

we meet again.” He grins with a twinkle in his eyes.
    “Yes,” I murmur, still spellbound by his presence and glued to the sidewalk, holding my breath and pray he doesn’t notice me perspiring. Thank God I’m wearing black.
    Right before stepping back into the limo, he turns giving me one last beaming grin and winks as he blows me a kiss through the autumn breeze.
    The vehicle pulls away, disappearing as they merge into the heavy traffic of New York City. I’m jolted out of my dreamy haze.
    “Good afternoon, Miss DiMarco,” the building’s attendant greets me and tips his hat. He’s such a kind man.
    “Good afternoon, Bobby. A lovely day, wouldn’t you say?”
    He nods with a brilliant smile and opens the door for me, and I walk into the lobby.
    “Good afternoon, Miss DiMarco. This package came in for you.”
    I stop and turn to face our security guard. “Good afternoon, Ryan. For me?” I ask, surprised.
    “Yes. It was left on the desk this morning.” He hands me the pretty navy blue box, embraced with a pale yellow satin ribbon. An envelope is taped over the wrapping. I pull the card out. I adore you on your show. Enjoy the homemade chocolate truffles. Regards, YL
    “Mmm, yummy.”
    “Must be from a fan,” Ryan expresses with a shy smile.
    I beam back and place the chocolates in my bag. “Thank you. Have a wonderful day.”
    I practically skip with excitement into the elevator and insert the key for the penthouse. I’m still stunned over my inheritance from my grandfather. He left me such a generous gift, along with his real estate in Monte Carlo.
    I tap my foot nervously against the floor of the elevator, wondering what came over me, and these unexplained erotic thoughts that ran through my mind, but for the first time in my life, I felt invigorated, adventurous, vivacious and lust . Ah! This is so wrong, how do I justify my actions? This has never happened to me before. I just hope I can get through the night without having these lusty visions. I take a deep breath, convincing myself that I can do this, keep my mind focused and from wandering off into an x-rated scene while keeping my cool. I close my eyes and say a silent prayer that I will have full control of my thoughts, but in conclusion, I know damn well that isn’t going to happen. Because I don’t have a prayer in hell when it comes to Mr. Grayson.
    I jerk as the elevator stops. The polished cherry doors slide open into my foyer. I remove my heels and pad across the black-and-sand cool marble floor. A surprise has me skidding to a stop as I walk into the living room. Displayed inside is an array of beautiful tropical flowers dancing with radiant colors and expelling an alluring fragrance throughout the apartment. Where did all these come from? A gold shimmering envelope sitting up against one of the vases catches my eye. I rush over and tug the card out with anticipation.
    Dear Ariana,
    This was premeditated. I already knew from the way Sean spoke of you that our lunch together was going to be a memorable one for me. I hope for you, as well.
    I look forward to seeing you this evening.
    Should you have any questions, as I’m sure you will, I have enclosed a business card with my cell phone number written on the back.
     
    With warm regards,
    Michael J. Grayson
     
    I chuckle at the note and stare bewildered at all the exquisite flowers. I reach into my handbag for my phone and instead pull out the box of chocolates Ryan handed me earlier.
    I admire the decorative packaging. Mmm, I’ll need to indulge in these later. I set them down on a small table near the kitchen. I dig deeper into my bag until I find my cell. With eagerness, I dial his number.
    “Michael Grayson,” he answers on the first ring. God, even over the phone his voice sounds erotic.
    “Mr. Grayson,” I whisper, bubbling with excitement.
    “Don’t tell me; let me guess. You hate the flowers,” he teases.
    “That’s preposterous. I love them, thank you,” I say