Wildly (Crimson Romance) by Debra Kayn Read Free Book Online

around the soccer fields to make up for her vandalism.
    John placed his hand on her arm. “The coast is clear.”
    She glanced over her shoulder and found Luke gone to fill drinks. “Thanks. The way people act around here makes me feel like they’ll view me as a teenager forever. I’m not the same person they remember. I’ve lost all the angsty mood swings.”
    “They missed you, that’s all.” He cocked his head. “So, is there a boyfriend in the picture? You’re dad said you weren’t married.”
    She rubbed her arm. “Nope. It’s just me.”
    He leaned into her personal space, and she willed herself to feel something. A flutter in her stomach, a little heart palpations, anything to signal she was a living, breathing woman. She inhaled the musky scent of his cologne in one last-ditch effort, and tried not to let her disappointment show. She felt nothing.
    She studied his blue eyes, the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes, and the straight white teeth. He was handsome, young, and eager. He’d be a great catch for any woman.
    “Shauna?” John brushed her hand with his fingers. “I think I lost you there for a minute. I didn’t mean to pry.”
    She shook her head and smiled. “You’re a sweet man. It’s been a long day, and I was just thinking about everything I need to do yet before tomorrow’s big event.”
    “You’re going to McMillian’s?” He held out one of the drinks to her, and stood up with the other two glasses.
    “Yes.” She inhaled deeply. “First time. I’m nervous.”
    “Do you have a date you’re going with?”
    She sipped the cosmo, swallowed, and laughed. “No. I’m going by myself. I’m still trying to convince myself that I’m really going.”
    “Hey, why don’t we go together?” He grinned. “I got a ticket this year too, and I wasn’t going to go because I didn’t want to show up by myself.”
    “Oh … I — ” She clamped her lips together. Why shouldn’t she go with John? Grayson had other plans, and probably would skip the entire event, not that it mattered. “I would love to go with you.”
    “Great! I’ll pick you up at three.” He motioned for her to lead the way back to her friends. “I’ll follow you and help you carry the drinks.”
    She weaved her way across the room, smiling at the lucky turn of events. Tomorrow’s party would be more enjoyable with someone to talk with, and John was a nice guy.
Nice guys are good.

Chapter Six
    The most sought after party of the year — hosted by Stan McMillian to celebrate the beginning of summer with a friendly fundraiser — gave Shauna the opportunity to see how the other half lived. The Grayson Schylers of the world.
    She stood on the edge of the lawn beside John. Rumors of the state senator showing up, along with Cottage Grove’s better-known residents, gave Shauna pause. All the schooling in the world never prepared her to talk about the stock market, oil prices, or the latest grant achieved by the hospital. She was more comfortable talking about oil changes and U-Joint replacements, thanks to her dad owning the town’s only repair shop.
    Attending the benefit were Peter Fontaine, a world-renowned heart surgeon, and his wife, Gloria, who headed the children’s society. Next to the champagne fountain — oh lord, was that real crystal? — stood Nickolas Jenson, founder of Top Burgers, a world-famous fast food chain. She didn’t recognize the blond-haired beauty beside him.
    “Quite the party, huh?” John held up his glass. “Have you ever wondered how it would be to go through life having everyone cater to you? I imagine this is close to what a celebrity must feel like every day.”
    Shauna giggled. “I could get used to the clothes and finer things, but I’m not sure I’m up for such an active social life. You should’ve seen me all day. I could barely sit still, and I almost changed my mind about coming. My dress cost a hundred dollars, not a thousand. I even painted my own nails. I