Beyond the Past by Carly Fall Read Free Book Online

there,” she said as she sipped her Cosmo.
    Gabby narrowed her gaze on her friend. She couldn’t remember Rachel ever hiking anywhere. In fact, Rachel probably didn’t own a pair of boots without a heel.
    Jerrod talked of his love of the outdoors and the conversation flowed easily between the four of them. Gabby actually found herself enjoying the evening, as well as Jerrod’s company. He proved funny, charming, and yes, he flirted with her despite the wedding ring she still wore.
    They decided to order dinner, and she settled on the steak and vegetables. Jerrod had the same; Rachel had tortilla soup and a salad; Cherri ordered a burger.
    Where did all that food go?
    The touching of legs under the table, the graze of his fingers over hers as he handed her the pepper, and the gazes that lasted just a little too long, sent a shiver down her spine and guilt twisted her gut. Although this man represented the complete physical opposite of Lucas, she found her heart beating just a little bit quicker, and a slow blush heated her cheeks. Sure, men flirted with her, but she never paid them any notice as Lucas had always been the center of her heart. But now... now, he’d disappeared, and having no indication he would return, she found herself enjoying being the object of Jerrod’s attention. Did she like it because she was so lonely, or because of the man himself?
    After dinner, they stood to leave, and Gabby realized she’d completely forgotten that Jerrod was a potential client and hadn’t talked at all about what he wanted in a house.
    “I’m sorry about that,” she said as they maneuvered through the now crowded bar.
    “Don’t worry about it,” Jerrod said, stopping and turning to her. “It gives me a chance to get your phone number.”
    She came up to his chest and needed to tilt her head to meet his gaze. His eyes were so damn blue—did he wear colored contacts?
    Gabby glanced around him and noticed Cherri and Rachel waiting for them at the door.
    “Do you have a card?” he asked. “Can I call you a little bit later tonight?”
    She smiled and reached into her purse, finding her business cards after moving around a few items. “Here.”
    He looked it over and smiled at her. “It was really nice to meet you, Gabby,” he said above the din. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”
    Just then, another bar patron jostled them, sending her off balance and heading for the floor. Jerrod grabbed her arm and surprised her with his strength as he righted her back on her feet. She always equated power with girth, but that must’ve been because of Lucas’ strong, stocky build.
    “Are you okay?” he asked.
    She nodded and flashed the apologizing patron a nasty look.
    “Let’s get out of here,” he said, not letting go over her arm, but loosening his grip.
    She allowed him to lead her to the door, and they pushed out into the chilly, wet night.
    “C’mon, girl.” Rachel pushed open her umbrella.
    “Goodnight,” Gabby said to Jerrod and Cherri.
    “I’ll call you later,” he shouted as Gabby and Rachel made a dash to the car.
    Once inside, Rachel cranked the heater and rubbed her hands in front of it. “He got your number?”
    Gabby nodded, a shiver traveling down her spine. She didn’t mind being cold, but preferred snow to rain. She loved watching the quiet flakes as they fell to the ground, leaving a winter wonderland. Rain, on the other hand, just left puddles for her to dodge, bad hair days, and wet feet. “Yes.”
    “Oh, yeah, my girl Gabby is going to be getting some wood any day now!” Rachel exclaimed, pulling out of the parking lot.
    “Don’t be ridiculous!”
    “Oh, I’m not. That dude back there, he’s all hot for you. I saw the way he was giving you that ‘I want to fuck you’ look with those baby blues.”
    “Stop it, Rachel.” She laughed. “He was not.”
    “Oh, yes, he was.”
    She sighed, knowing that arguing with Rachel would be an exercise in futility.
    “I’m