And The Beat Goes On by Abby Reynolds Read Free Book Online

eyebrow. Even when he looked incredulous, he looked sexy. His face had a slight curve to his cheeks, making them appear hollow. His lips were thin and curved. I wondered if they were soft. His brown hair had a slight curl to it. I wondered how it would feel in my fingers.
    “I don’t want to be poor, but I don’t necessarily want to make money either.”
    “You want nice things, don’t you? A roof over your head, a nice car, a retirement.”
    “All you care about is money. There are more important things in life.” Shit. Did I just say that? It came out of my mouth so quickly. I really wish I could pull my foot out of my mouth.
    “That’s what you think?” Even though his voice was low and controlled, I knew he was angry.
    “Am I wrong?” I didn’t see how he could challenge that statement based on everything he said.
    “Money is important to me. But I do care about other things. Don’t judge me before you know me.”
    “I’m sorry…”
    I expected him to leave but he didn’t. He stayed beside me, still gripping his glass.
    “What other things do you care about?” I asked quietly.
    “My friends and family.”
    “Are you married?” I really wanted to know but couldn’t think of an appropriate time to ask. But now seemed like the best time.
    “No.”
    “Do you have any kids?”
    He shook his head. “No.”
    “Then what family are you referring to?”
    “My sister.”
    Was that all the family he had? “You’re close?”
    “She’s one of my closest friends. We’re close in age.”
    “What does she do?”
    He changed the subject. “Is that blond guy your boyfriend?”
    Blond guy? “Who?”
    “That guy you always sit next to in class.”
    That was an odd question. “Why do you care?” I blurted.
    “Why do you care if I’m married?” He stared me down, the intensity returning.
    I didn’t have a response to that, at least an appropriate one.
    “Is he your boyfriend?” he repeated. He studied my face.
    “No.”
    The intensity died down. “I see.”
    “Do you have a girlfriend?” Since we were asking personal questions, I decided to go with it.
    “No.” He turned his body and faced me, almost pinning me to the counter. We were closer than we were a moment before. My heart raced in my chest because of the proximity. “Nothing is happening between you?”
    I just said he wasn’t my boyfriend. “No…”
    “Because he seems to be into you.”
    “How would you know?” I blurted.
    “I observe people.” That was all he said. And it was an odd response. “So, is he?”
    “Umm…”
    “He is.” It wasn’t a question.
    I was getting too uncomfortable. Mr. Clearwater was too close to me. His face was close to mine, blocking me in. I couldn’t get away, and a part of me didn’t want to.  “I…I should go.” Forget about the damn drinks. “My friend is waiting for me.”
    He glanced at my old table. “She looks busy.”
    When I looked at Heather, I saw her cuddled close to a guy. His arm was around her shoulders and he was whispering with her. Judging by her hand on his thigh and the smile on her lips, I knew she didn’t want to be bothered.
    “Let’s sit at my table.” Before I could respond, he put his hand on my waist and guided me to the secluded booth. As soon as his hand touched me , my breathing hitched. His hand felt warm through my shirt. And it was large against my back, almost spanning me.
    After we sat down in the booth, he nodded to someone in the corner. A man appeared at our table. “Athena, what would you like?”
    “Umm…” Was this guy his butler? “I’ll have a white wine.”
    He nodded then retrieved the glass. After he placed it in front of me, he disappeared.
    “Who was that?”
    “My driver.” He stared at me like I was supposed to say something.
    “Oh.” I sipped the wine because I didn’t know what to do. Mr. Clearwater made me nervous. I lost my voice. And that never happened before. I wasn’t easily intimidated.
    Mr. Clearwater