Fearless by Eve Carter Read Free Book Online

believe he did that. What a manipulative…”
    This was going to be really awkward for Jesse. Pangs of guilt shot through me as I realized the situation I had put him in.
    “Don’t worry. I can handle Jason. It’s your dad I’m worried about.” A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “He doesn’t own a shotgun, does he?”
    I let out a breath “Okay, now you’re freaking me out.” I laughed. “No guns, it’s his wife that I’m most worried about.”
    He slammed the truck into ‘park’ and reached for the door handle, then paused. “Hey, wait. How will I know which one is Cinnamon?”
    “Her boobs will greet you before she does.”
    “Oh crap.” He shoved his hand through his hair. “Let’s do this.” He kicked open the door then popped up on my side of the truck and gallantly opened my door to help me out.
    We were within ten feet of the porch when the front door sprung open and out came Cinnamon with a high cheek boned, slender, trendy looking guy with black lined eyes, Adam Lambert style. They laughed loudly, like something she said was the wittiest remark ever. Her brain was incapable of housing witty remarks. It looked like she and ‘Adam Lambert’ were sneaking out for a cigarette.
    Dad didn’t know she still smoked. A few years ago he bought her a new, flashy, convertible BMW, when she had promised to quit smoking. That didn’t last long. Before the ink was dry on the sales contract, she developed the habit of sneaking out, whenever she could, for a quick smoke. She had the backbone of a snake.
    “Niki, baby!” She squeaked in surprise, her long blonde curls bouncing as she started. So glad you could make it.” She pulled the front door shut behind her. Her spiky silver high heels clicked on the stone pavers as she baby-stepped her way back to her friend’s side. The short, tight fitting, red dress she wore was so tight it hobbled her, and forced her to take little short steps when she walked. The dress had various geometric ‘cutouts’ that showed off the dark tan of her skin and covered only the most essential areas.
    “Cinnamon, I’m hardly your baby.” I rolled my eyes. “Please refrain from using any such terms of endearment, for my sake.”
    She waved her hand in the air in a dismissive manner and tipped her head sideways toward her friend. “She’s always in a grouchy mood.”
    Jesse’s eyes were wide as saucers and glued on a pair of boobs that nearly had as much square footage as the house. No doubt he was thinking how huge they were. I didn’t blame him. Everyone had the same reaction. They were huge, actually, huge as planets. Complete withtheir own gravitational pull.
    “Who’s your friend, Niki? Is he my birthday present?” Jesse had managed to unglue his eyes and was kicking an imaginary rock. She looked him over with flirtatious eyes, threw her head back and laughed like a horse. God, I hated that laugh.
    “Cinnamon, meet Jesse; and no, he is not your present. He’s with me.” I shot her a cold glare and hung both my arms around Jesse’s neck.
    “Jesus, girl. No need to be all territorial. I was just joking,” she teased as her gaze raked him up and down.
    Jesse turned on his charm. “So nice to meet you, Mrs. Milani. I’ve heard great things about you. May I wish you a very happy birthday?” He extended his hand.
    Oh, he was good. Way to go, Jesse. I’d never heard him smooth talk like that before.
    “Oooh, the pleasure is all mine, darling.”
    It was not only my stepmom who stole lusty glances at Jesse. Her Latino friend certainly claimed his share as well. “Cinnamon, who’s your friend? You haven’t introduced us yet. Is he your choreographer from Vegas?” She turned slightly towards him. “Oh, sorry. Carlos, this is well…my step-daughter, Niki. Carlos is a friend of mine from Vegas. He came for my birthday and…” She dipped her fingers into the cigarette purse and pulled out a tightly rolled joint between her forefinger and thumb.