A Major Distraction by Marie Harte Read Free Book Online

around you. But I don’t know. I think if you were really with someone, you’d stick, not stray.”
    “I did. She didn’t.”
    “Ah.” So Brad’s ex had cheated on him or left him. A sad story there, and one she didn’t think they needed to get into despite dying to know more about his past. “Well, like I was telling you, my last ex got too needy. Demanded I stop spending so much time at work, which was not my fault, mind you. And when he saw me laughing with my very married Navy buddy, he got incredibly jealous. It was weird. I was great friends with Dan’s wife. Even Tim, my ex, had gone out with the pair. But he was a little crazy. Maybe because…”
    “Yeah?” Brad had lost the frown, thankfully.
    “Because I was honest about him not meeting my needs.”
    “Needs.” Brad chewed, and his eyes widened. “Oh. Needs. So what didn’t he do for you?”
    She glanced around, keeping her voice low as she answered. “He wasn’t very skilled. Orally. He wasn’t creative either.”
    “Too bad.” Brad gave her a long, lingering onceover. “No shows through his window for you?”
    She grinned. “Nope. I think he would have died on the spot before showing off like you did.” She had to know. “Did you know I was in my room when you did…that?”
    “Nope. I saw your lights out and just wanted another night of fresh air before a new neighbor moved in. I just went with it.”
    She fanned herself. “You sure did.”
    He laughed. “You crack me up.” He watched her with curiosity in those light brown eyes. “I wouldn’t have thought you could be so open about sex. You seem so buttoned down at work.” When she would have explained herself again he stopped her. “I know, I know. You don’t screw around in the office. I respect that.”
    “Thanks. You know, I don’t sense anything weird between you and Marcy. Even though it was pretty stupid to date a woman across the hall.”
    He sighed. “I know. I was new to the shop and had just moved into town. I wasn’t smart, and trust me, Marcy and I… not a good fit. She’s so quiet and shy. I wanted a good time. She wanted something a lot more. So we ended before things got serious.”
    “You ended it.” She could tell.
    “I did. I’m not a bastard, you know. I date, and my friends know the score.”
    “So what do you want with me?”
    “Honestly?” He frowned again. “Besides wanting inside you like crazy, I’m not sure.”
    Her heart flipped and tumbled into the butterflies in her belly. “Well, that’s not too clear.”
    “I know.” His sudden smile surprised her. “But I’m sure I’ll know more after I’ve had you.”
    “Had me?” She arched a brow.
    “In every way possible.” He licked his lips, and she stifled a groan.
    “Now who’s the tease?”
    He laughed. They made safer small-talk, recounting stories about the people they worked with, how best to stay on the colonel’s good side, and about how much Brad’s family loved screwing with him.
    Before she knew it, they’d finished their meal and walked outside, taking in the gorgeous day.
    “About that project,” Brad began. “I’m thinking we should tackle it from my angle.” He launched into a detailed—and wrong—way of looking at it.
    So she corrected him and had a fabulous time arguing with an intelligent man who could give as well as he got. They talked about everything through their walk, over double scoops of ice cream, and through some competitive swinging on the playground at a nearby park. Breathless with laughter by the time they arrived back at her house, she noted the sun had begun to set. “Wow. How long were we out?”
    He checked his watch. “Damn. Nearly six hours. The time flew by.” He smiled at her. “I don’t suppose we could make this the perfect day with a sexy nightcap?”
    “Considering I’m pretty sure nightcap to you means getting naked and horizontal with me, no. I liked being with you today. Wouldn’t want to ruin it by letting you