Imperfectly Yours Volumes 1-4 (A New Adult Romance Series) : Imperfectly Yours, His Diversion, Of Fear And Fate, Hard To Love You by A. Gardner Read Free Book Online Page A

his head over the cubicle wall.
    “Yes?”
    “The coffee orders,” he continues. “I’ve called them in. All you have to do is pick them up.”
    “Of course,” I nod. Anything to get out of here. I stand and brace myself for the long walk back to the lobby. The coffee shop is down the street, and Main Street is next to the beach. I’ll have a nice ocean view to gawk at on my way back. My desk is in a room with no windows.
    My back feels tense. I put a fake smile on my face, the one I practiced at home. I pass a few cubicles and attorney offices. I gulp, seeing my co workers look up as I pass. My cheeks feel hot.
    Don’t blush. Whatever you do don’t blush. That’s so lame.
    I rush all the way to the elevators without looking back. I didn't think it was possible to feel claustrophobic before even getting into a small space. It is. My stomach is already hurting. The door dings and I step inside. The walls are metal. I’m surrounded by my own reflection. I can’t look at myself so instead I look down at the floor like always.
    The door dings again. Finally.
    I push through the front doors and inhale the fresh air. I can smell the ocean. I hear the waves crashing against the rocks. The sun peeks through scattered clouds and beats down on my pale skin. If only I could sit in the sand all day and listen to the ocean tide. I could spend my time acquiring a decent tan.
    If only.
    My stride is slow. I’m taking my time. This will be the only outdoor time I get today. My feet still hurt from the stilettos I wore last the weekend. I think back to those fuzzy memories. What if Dane had been there with me? Maybe he’d like me more in that tight, black dress - think I’m sexy. Maybe he’d even have the guts to tell his family about me.
    The breeze behind me is blocked. I keep walking, feeling someone behind me gaining. I slow down hoping to be passed. I don’t want to feel rushed. With my hands in my pockets the coffee shop comes into view. It’s next to Seaside Jeweler’s and Nan’s Book Shop. I sigh, taking in the smell of fresh pastries and coffee grounds.
    “Hi,” I say to the barista. “I’m supposed to pick up an order.”
    “Banley building?” she replies, raising an eyebrow. She peers over the counter looking confused. “Just you?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Oh my,” she chuckles. “You might be making two trips here, dear.” She places a to-go tray on the counter. I can handle that.
    She reaches behind the counter and places a second tray next to the first. Okay I’ll just walk really really slow.
    Then she reaches again for a third. Crap. I only have two arms.
    “Oh,” I respond. It would have been nice if someone told me. “I guess I will be making two trips.”
    “No worries,” the barista answers. “Your coffees will be here waiting.”
    I grab the first two trays and carefully maneuver through the front door. This time I speed walk back to the office. There’s no time to stare at the swirling waves and soaring seagulls. I quickly push open the doors and leave the coffee order at reception. I turn around and see a flash of something in the glass. My eyes go wide and flurries of memories race back into my mind.
    It’s him.
    The guy with no name. The one whose charm and drink pouring got me to spill my guts about Dane. I had a moment of madness and ended up going out for a wild night with Zanna. Basically, I can’t remember much of that night. But I can still see his face, and I recognize the piercings across his eyebrow. Kind of hard to miss. My heart starts pounding. I need to know his name.
    I run outside and search in every direction. All I see are sidewalks full of picture-happy tourists and guys in swimming trunks. I stamp my foot on the ground. Maybe I’m just seeing things. I’m going crazy. I slump my shoulders as I walk back to the coffee shop. The wind rushes across my face, and my nose is filled with the familiar scent of seawater.
    Maybe I’ll just quit. They can pick up their own