Get To Me (8th Sin #1) by Holly Hood Read Free Book Online Page B

That doesn’t make me damaged goods.”
    “I don’t think that.” He shrugs. “And you’re right. We’ve all been mentally shit on by someone in our lives. There’s always a reason we are who we are.”
    I nod. “So tell me your reason.” I’m curious to know.
    “I am who I am because of my life. I’ve been fortunate to come by everything I’ve wanted very easily. And I know a lot of people don’t get that chance. So I decided to give back. That’s why I run the shelter, and that’s why I invest in real estate.”
    “That’s awesome.” Most people who have it all would rather keep it than share with others. “I’m glad I’m working for you.”
    Jackson nods. “Good. I think we’re good for each other.”
    I scoff. “Are you flirting with me again?”
    “What can I say? I can’t help myself. It’s who I am.”
    I shake my head. “If that was true you would be flirting with our very attractive waitress and you haven’t even noticed her the entire time we’ve been here.”
    “Oh, so you noticed I wasn’t flirting with her.” He smiles. “I must say, for a girl who says she’s not looking, you have given me many compliments today.”
    I start tapping my foot nervously. ”It just happens. You’re easy to compliment.”
    “Tell me about this guy.” He runs a hand over his five o’clock shadow.
    “He’s an old friend that I haven’t seen in a long time.” I don’t know how to explain Ryker. “He’s also very successful. We used to be good friends in high school, but things changed.”
    “What things?”
    “Life--life changed.” I purse my lips. “We were both in an accident, and afterwards my parents and his decided the best place for him was far away from here and me. So I never saw him again.”
    “Sounds like the plot to a good movie.” He looks at me. “And do you think now that you’ve seen him again that there’s still something there after all these years?”
    “Maybe. I won’t know unless I try.” I realize what I’m doing is exactly what I don’t like doing. I’m taking a chance by letting someone inside my heart and giving them a chance to hurt me.
     
    ***
    “I had a great time,” I tell him when we pull into the shelter. “The food was amazing, and you weren’t so bad to hang out with.”
    Jackson puts his hands in his slacks pockets and nods. “See you tomorrow, Savy.”
    He leans close, and my hearts starts pounding. And just when I think he is going to try and kiss me, he doesn’t. He’s a perfect gentleman. He opens my door. I welcome the cool air, sure that my embarrassment is evident on my cheeks. “I would never kiss you under these circumstances,” he assures me. “You have a thing. And I don’t want in the middle of anyone’s chance at something real.”
    I nod as I climb out of the car. I lean down looking back in. “Thank you, Jackson, for everything. See you tomorrow.”
    “See you tomorrow.”
     

I make it back to Sophie’s and let out a huge sigh of relief. Now that I am alone I can breathe. I hadn’t noticed how overly cautious I had been about my every movement around Jackson. I think it’s the boss thing. I didn’t want to screw up and make him think less of me.
    I hope I didn’t say anything to him that he found offensive. There were moments at lunch where he felt more like a friend than my boss. And my mouth has a habit of saying things it shouldn’t.
    I shut my door and head up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. I could use the chance to burn off a little energy.
    After the fourth flight, I’m out of breath. I throw my hair off my shoulder and fan my face, going at a snail’s pace now that I am almost to Sophie’s apartment.
    Before I have my hand on the doorknob, I hear voices coming from inside. She hasn’t said anything about company so I don’t have a clue who it could be. I turn the knob and go inside without a warning and gasp.
    “Surprise!” Sophie shouts.
    I slip my purse off my shoulder and set