Color Me a Crime by Tonya Kappes Read Free Book Online

the bright orange light around him.
    Joel doesn’t even help me in the car. Before I can even buckle my seat belt, we are flying down the dirt road and onto the highway toward my house.
    “I can explain everything.” I turn in my seat to face him. But I know it is useless because his aura around his blue aura turns a crimson red and fades into a light violet. This tells me he is trying to rationalize what just happened, and no matter how much I talk, he isn’t going to listen.
    I give up.
    In silence, we ride back to my little cottage and pull into the drive.
    I reach for the handle.
    “I need space,” he whispers. I turn to face him, but he stares ahead. “I don’t trust liars. It’s part of the job. I’m not sure who you really are, Jenn or Olivia, or what you have been hiding.”
    “Please let me explain,” I plead. But I know that what I have to say will probably seal our fate of never dating again.
    “I can’t take anymore tonight. It’s late. I’m tired. I’m confused. I have to work tomorrow, but I will call you in a few days when I settle down.” His knuckles are white from where he is gripping the steering wheel, which is my clue not to say another word, but just get out of the car and give him space.
    “I’m sorry.” I jump out of the car, slamming the door before I run into my house.
    “Whoa! What’s wrong?” Erin plummets off the couch with Michael right by her side.
    “My life is ruined! Just ruined.” I fall to the floor and let Herbie lick the tears flooding down my face.
    Michael Shultz bends down and strokes my hair. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was in this same position when Bradley and I broke up. Michael sitting on the floor stroking my hair is complete déjà vu.
    I met Michael a few years ago when a client of Splitsville.com turned up dead and I was the suspect, as well as Michael. Needless to say, we make a pretty good investigation team and best friends. Recently, he and Erin made their love connection and I have to say that they make a really cute couple. Their auras are completely compatible.
    “Slow down and tell us what happened.” Erin hands me a box of tissues and helps me sit up. Michael walks into the kitchen.
    I look around. “You cleaned?” The place looks great. There isn’t a piece of clothing anywhere.
    “I did, but you should see your room.” Erin shies away. “I don’t know if you are going to be able to find your bed.”
    “See. I told you this is a bad day.” I hang my head.
    “No, you said it is ruined.” She reminds me of the exact words I used. “Tell me why.”
    Michael walks back with two glasses of wine. One for me and the other is…for me.
    “Where is your glass?” I question him as I hold the two drinks ups. It isn’t right for him not to have one. I need him to help me drown my sorrows.
    “I have to get home to Belle.” He refers to his little dog, and kisses Erin on the head. “You take care of our girl.” He smiles. “I’ll check on you two in the morning.”
    Erin walks him out. I get up off the floor and plant myself on the couch. When Erin comes back in, I give her all the details, from me passing out to me punching Felicia Evans.
    Luckily, Erin is a good sport about it.
    “Here.” I hand her one of the drinks. “No sense in drinking alone.”
    “Don’t worry about Felicia. I can take care of her.” She holds her glass up for me to cheer. We clink them together. “Now you have to tell Joel everything if you are sure that you want to date him. You have to tell him about who you really are. It’s only fair.”
    Erin is right. Not only is it fair, but Joel deserves to know. He is a good guy. And I will leave it up to him to decide if he can live with the real me or not.

Chapter Eight
     
    “Come on.” I rub Herbie’s warm stomach lying next to my pillow. “You didn’t have any trouble sleeping last night.”
    He looks up, and then lays his head back down like he really understands. No matter how little