Her Wounded Warrior by Kristi Rose Read Free Book Online Page A

patient visits because her heart wasn't in it. When it was time to leave, she couldn't get out fast enough, afraid she might not make it to her car before the tears would overcome her.  
    She walked out the same doors Jeff did earlier and nearly started sobbing.  
    "Excuse me?"   A voice said behind her.
    Kelly turned and gave a start, surprised to see Jeff standing there.  
    "What-" She wiped at her eyes.
    "My name’s Jeff; I use to be a patient here. I've seen you in the halls. I know this is awkward since we don't know each other." He gave her a wink. "But I was wondering if you might go out with me? My sister’s wedding is coming and you look like you know how to dance."  
    Kelly couldn't contain herself; she rushed to him and buried her face in his chest. She felt his arms come around her, "I thought you'd never ask."  

    Hi, I hope you enjoyed this short-short story. I originally wrote it for submission to a magazine. If you’re interested in some of my other work I have a ‘first chapter’ available on Wattpad and a book, THE GIRL HE KNOWS, available online. I’ve included the blurb and the first chapter of my book. Hope you enjoy.  
    Happy reading. ~Kristi

BLURB for THE GIRL HE KNOWS:

    Waking up naked next to a good looking man is not a bad way to start the day. Especially since Paisley missed all those opportunities in college, when she was too busy supporting her no good, thankfully now, ex-husband. The problem? This hottie is Hank, her best friend’s older brother, a guy she’s known her entire life.
    Stopping after one night is the right thing to do. Being with him clearly breaks the best friend code, and from his career as a Naval officer to his Boy Scout reputation, everything about him screams monogamy and commitment. Two things Paisley has had enough of.
    When Hank presents a “no strings attached” offer, it’s too good to be true. She can enjoy him while still embracing being single. But, poor choices force her to confront old fears of love and loss, and Paisley has to decide if Hank is worth the risk. The alternative is never experiencing the real deal. Or far worse, settling for less.

“THE GIRL HE KNOWS”
     
    A No Strings Attached Novel
     
    By KRISTI ROSE
     
     
      
     

    LYRICAL PRESS
    An imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp.
     
    KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
    http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/

    Excerpt From: Kristi Rose. “The Girl He Knows.”  

Chapter 1

    “Hank, honey. Time to get up.” Hank’s mom, calling through the door, wakes me from my sleep.
    Disorientated, I sit up with a jerk. The blanket falls, exposing my bare breasts. Gasping, I pull the sheet up to my chin, squint, and do a long blink. My contacts are dry, which makes them feel stiff and scratchy and my vision blurry. Each blink offers a short snapshot of my surroundings.
    I know where I am. Mortified, I drop my head and cover my eyes with the sheet. Why had I agreed to come here? What would make me throw caution to the wind and risk ruining a friendship?
    Lust. That’s what.
    “Hank, Dad says you have a tee time in one hour. Time to get up, sleepyhead,” his mom calls.
    “Sweet Jesus,” I whisper. Panic seizes me as I glance to my left. Lying next to me is my best friend’s older brother, Hank. I’ve known Gigi and Hank my entire life. This is her childhood bedroom, now a converted guest room, and the voice on the other side of the thin door is their mother, Ms. Becky. I’d rather face all of hell’s demons than have her find me here, in her guest bed, naked, with Hank.
    “Hmmphh? To slee....” Hank mumbles and his warm body rolls away, exposing his firm, well-defined backside. I close my eyes and count to ten. Now is not the time to get distracted by his assets or lost in the memory of how wonderful last night was. Now is the time to get the hell out of Dodge. I clutch the sheet to me as I shake his shoulder.
    “Wake up,” I whisper. When he doesn’t move, I lean close to his ear. “Wake.