Hard Ride, Part 3 by Opal Carew Read Free Book Online Page A

together and sat on the nearby bench.
    Damn it, last night he had asked her to pretend she loved him. To get the “girlfriend experience,” he’d said. Just a role-playing scenario. But from his reaction this morning, she realized it had been a test of sorts. He
wanted
her to be in love with him.
    But why? Damn it, the man was married!
    He’d pursued her in college, but she’d turned him down. She’d done it because of what had happened to her, but he hadn’t known about that. Now she’d seen just how much that rejection had affected him.
    Because he was in love with her. She had seen it in his eyes.
    Had he been in love with her since college?
    A small hope nudged at her and she barely wanted to acknowledge it. The hope that maybe Amy had been lying to her. The photo was pretty conclusive, but maybe Shock had been married in the past, and was now divorced or widowed. She had no idea why Amy would try to convince her that he still was married, but—
    â€œHey, you doing okay?”
    She glanced up to see Rip standing in front of her, wearing a wet bathing suit, water dripping down his legs. His muscular chest was broad and heavily inked. Every one of these men was tough looking, incredibly sexy … and deeply caring.
    She nodded. “I’m fine.”
    â€œYou sure?”
    â€œYeah, thanks. Just tired.”
    â€œWhy don’t you come for a swim with us? That might revive you.”
    He held out his hand and she took it without thinking. He helped her to her feet.
    â€œThanks. I’m not sure about the swim.”
    â€œCome on. It’s a beautiful day.” His handsome face lit up with a smile. “What else are you going to do?”
    That was a good question. She didn’t want to go back to the bedroom. She didn’t want to face Shock right now, but even if he wasn’t there, she didn’t want to stay holed up somewhere.
    She managed a smile. “I guess.”
    She was a little embarrassed by the thought of facing the three men after they all must have heard her moans of pleasure, but there was nothing she could do to change that, so she’d just have to get over it. She followed him across the patio, then along a stone path to the curved pool.
    The other two men, Steele and Wild Card, were sitting on the steps in the water.
    â€œLiv’s going to join us for a swim.”
    â€œGreat. The water’s perfect,” Steele said.
    She would actually love to go for a swim right now, but she didn’t want to go upstairs and change because she might have to face Shock. Then she realized she didn’t need to. They’d all seen her swimming in her underwear before. And these men might be big and rough looking, but she felt safe with them. And she knew they wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want them to do.
    She grabbed the hem of her T-shirt and pulled it over her head, tossing it onto the stone deck around the pool. Then she unzipped her jeans and pushed them to the ground, the men avidly watching her.
    Liv walked to the side of the pool and dove in, then swam to the shallow end where Steele sat on the steps. Wild Card and Rip were lounging on the other side of the pool.
    As soon as her feet felt the bottom, she stood up and walked toward the steps, then sat down beside Steele.
    â€œYou look like you lost your best friend,” he said.
    She gazed at his intense blue eyes. “I just might have.”
    â€œI saw Shock take off into the house. I take it you and he are having some problems.”
    She frowned and nodded.
    â€œDon’t worry. He’s probably taken off on his bike to clear his head. When he gets back, I’m sure everything will be fine.”
    She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
    â€œI’m sure whatever problems you and Shock are having—”
    â€œThere is no Shock and me. I don’t know if he told you or not, but I’m just here to repay a debt.” She