Bedrock by Britney King Read Free Book Online Page A

twenty-minute ride to Jessica’s
house. Thankfully, Jessica had agreed to watch the twins while Addie
interviewed.
    She arrived in front of Jessica’s expansive colonial without a
minute to spare and practically dumped the boys off at the curb. Jessica and
her two children, Sophie and Liam were watering flowers in the massive front
yard as she pulled up. “Thank you so much for taking them for me. You’re a
lifesaver.”
    “Yeah, well, I don’t know what I’m going to do if you get this
job. Who will I call and bug all day?”
    “You can still bug me.”
    “Yes, but it won’t be the same. Now, you’ll have a real excuse
for not picking up.” Jessica winked.
    Addie winked back. “I’ve gotta run.”
    Jessica blew her bangs out of her eyes and looked at Addie
intently. “You look nice. And you didn’t even ask for my help. I’m proud of
you. Now, go! Break a leg.”
    “I plan on it.”
    Luckily, the twins were so excited to see their friends they
hardly noticed as Addie kissed them goodbye and drove away. As she pulled out
on to the street, Addie glanced in the rearview mirror and wished she could be
more like her best friend. Jessica was such a patient mother, the kind who did
daily arts-and-crafts projects with her children—the kind who still made
homemade Halloween costumes and cookies from scratch. Addie knew that no matter
how hard she tried she could never be that kind of mom. First of all, she
wasn’t crafty, and second, she wasn’t all that patient. She just didn’t seem to
be in love with motherhood in the way that Jessica was. And that fact always
made her just a tad bit envious.
    Addie parked in the garage and checked her hair and makeup in the
mirror briefly before making her way to the elevators. The office was in a
beautiful high-rise building in downtown Austin. As she rode the elevator up to
the thirteenth floor, Addie tried to remain calm. It’s just a conversation .
She reminded herself. What’s meant to be will be.
    The doors closed as Addie checked her phone and texted Jessica to
check on the boys. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the man in the suit
standing behind her until she stumbled backward into him. She hadn’t worn heels
in a while.
    Startled, Addie glanced up and caught the man’s eye in the
mirror. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.” The man seemed amused but only
nodded.
    As the elevator started to climb, Addie turned her attention back
to her phone, waiting for Jessica’s reply.
    “Don’t you think it’s strange how two people can be standing
inches from one another in such a confined space and yet hardly acknowledge one
another?” the deep voice behind her said.
    Addie looked up, her eyes meeting his in the mirror.
    He didn’t wait for her reply. “I’ve always thought so anyway.”
    Addie smiled nervously. For the first time, she really took
notice of the man. He was tall and very handsome with dark hair, piercing blue
eyes, and was dressed impeccably. Probably gay. Men this beautiful
usually were.
    He extended his hand. “I’m William Hartman. And no, I’m not gay. It’s
a pleasure to meet you. What did you say your name was again?”
    Holy shit. Did I say that out loud? Addie swallowed nervously,
pretty sure she hadn’t. This man was clearly messing with her. She hadn’t said
her name. Two can play at this game.
    She placed her hand in his and then quickly pulled away,
frowning. “Have we met?
    The man chuckled. “I don’t think so. But you can’t say it’s for
lack of trying on my part.”
    What the hell? Is he seriously flirting with me? “I’m
Addison Greyer. And just so we’re straight here, pun intended, I’m not gay
either. I’m married, actually.”
    He leaned back, taking her in. He had to admit, she surprised
him. Not only was she not amused by his charms but she seemed downright
annoyed. This, combined with the fact that she was incredibly attractive and
quick-witted, made him want her that much more. “Well, I’m