Hand of Thorns by Ashley Beale Read Free Book Online Page B

for quite some time now. I'm more than blessed that you have decided to devote your time and life to make ours even more perfect than it already is." She has the fakest smile on her face when she reaches over and grabs Leon's hand, giving it a kiss before placing it back down. "Please, Monica, tell us more about yourself."
    "Oh, well, I’m…” I start out uneasy, trying to gain confidence with each passing word. “I'm eighteen, almost nineteen. I'm in my last week of my freshman year of college, and I want to become a nurse. I'm an only child. I don't do anything too wild and exciting, mainly go to the beach with my friends or do some shopping. I enjoy being outdoors and traveling." I can't think of anything else about myself, because I'm too aware of my surroundings. He has a crazy effect on me already. I hate it.
    Except... I love it.
    Way too much.
    "Oh, that is a wonderful career choice. Where do you attend college?" Ellie asks.
    "LASC."
    "Isn't that... a community college?" She glances over at Leon. "I can't think of anyone notable that has attended there. How about you?"
    I finally find the courage to glance over at him. He is staring intently at me, his brows pinched like he is trying to figure something out. He slowly turns his head to glance at Ellie. "I don't know," he says with a shrug. "I don't think it matters, does it?"
    "I'm just stating." She sounds offended by the fact he didn't immediately agree with her. She is certainly a high maintenance diva kind of female, something completely opposite from me. Which makes me piece together the final part I was missing- there is no way Leon could be interested in me for so many reasons, but the fact I'm laid back and uncaring about style, and grace, and what people think is obviously another big factor as to why he'd never want me. Not that I had ever actually thought he'd be interested.
    To interrupt, I tell her, "Wesley Snipes is an alumni from there."
    Her smile changes, from a pleased greeting to an unpleasant awareness. She doesn't like feeling outwitted, and I hope that doesn't mean she is going to deny me the chance to do this for them. "Oh. Well, I'm sure there are a few then."
    "Are you in a relationship?" Leon suddenly asks. His voice is deeper than I remember.
    There is an invisible man in my stomach doing hurdles. I don't understand his need to ask the question, but after I gulp down the nonexistence lump in my throat I tell him, "No. I've been single for... well, a while."
    "So are you in and out of relationships?" Ellie asks this time.
    "No. I have had one serious relationship, which was in high school. Now I want to focus on my schooling and future."
    "Then why did you decide to help us?"
    Suddenly I'm unaware of any intentions.
    This isn't me. I'm not this kind of female. I don't pine over a man, especially one that's not mine. I don't stutter and get nervous from someone I don't even know. But here I am, shredding every ounce of self-dignity away because I can't think of an answer to the question.
    "Miss Rockwell has been extremely nervous," Marney interrupts. I have been silent probably for a few minutes thinking of something to say. "It is highly common with potential surrogacy mothers, in fact, we think of it as something positive. That typically means their heart is in it."
    I appreciate her diversion probably more than she knows.
    "That's fine," Ellie answers. Her smile turns to smug. I don't think I'm going to like her, and not only for the sake she has the heart of someone I've Googled a hundred times this past week. "We understand. You seem like a wonderful young lady, Monica. I guess your lack of a social life benefits us." She laughs to herself but no one else cracks a smile, thankfully.
    In fact, I can feel my cheeks turn pink from her witticism.
    "That was a joke, by the way," she adds in. Straightening her shoulders out, she looks to Leon. "What do you think sweetheart? Shall we go home and discuss everything so we can get started on the