Layers Crossed by Lacey Silks Read Free Book Online

of freedom I had by dating men for pure
enjoyment, and she’d treated her dates as if they were all the
one, ultimately scaring them off before they got a chance to
know what a wonderful woman she was. That is, until she found
Hunter, to whom her clinging issues didn’t matter.
    “I don’t know
if he’s the one , Grace. I just met him. But he’s definitely
not from the city quarters, and he’s so different and genuine.”
    “Wow, look at
you. You mean to tell me he actually has a personality? That’s an
improvement.”
    She picked up
her curling iron and began working her magic with styling my hair.
I was glad I’d had a chance to jump into a quick shower right after
work so that we could have this time to get ready.
    “Of course he
has a personality. I wouldn’t be gushing over him if he didn’t,
would I? Now stop interrogating me, finish up, and help me pick an
outfit. We don’t have much time.”
    “I’m doing
your makeup, too.”
    Of course she
would be. Neither I nor Grace would have it any other way.
    After the
first fifteen minutes of throwing my clothes onto my bed, pushing
aside all the skimpy dresses I usually wore, I’d finally found a
peach one that hugged my figure but fluttered out just above my
knees. It was sexy but cute at the same time.
    “I don’t think
I’ve ever seen you wear that. You look gorgeous.”
    “That’s
because I haven’t. I knew I was saving it for the right man.”
    At my words,
the intercom rang.
    I pressed the
button, saying, “I’ll be right down.”
    “Go get him,
Em.”
    “Thanks,
Grace.” I hugged my friend feeling the fluttering butterflies in my
stomach turn into a wild elephant stampede.
    * * *
    Downstairs,
Eric stood in the lobby with his back turned, looking out the front
door. His wide shoulders and narrow hips gave him that perfect
shape of an irresistible hunk. My body tingled with desire. His
tight behind fit perfectly in his jeans, and I’d already imagined
squeezing it to feel the taut muscles. I’d never seen a man wear
jeans on a first date. Most of the ones I’d dated had worn suits
and looked like they had a pole stuck up their asses, the way they
stood when they saw me. But not Eric. My Cowboy’s style was much
sexier and more relaxed, which I totally appreciated as it removed
any unnecessary tension. But this was just a date, to get to know
him better and to make my work easier. It couldn’t be more because
my brothers would freak if they knew I was getting involved with a
client, and I’d have to go back to my job of investigating
cheaters. That was the last thing I wanted. If they only
knew how much pain that responsibility had brought me. But I wasn’t
a quitter or a whiner. I would do what had to be done. Solve this
case, and maybe then see whether Eric and I had something more than
sparks flying each time we saw each other. And what my brothers
didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. Or me.
    Letting out a
long breath, I made my way toward the front. As my heels clicked,
echoing with each step, Eric turned slowly toward me, removed his
cowboy hat, and smiled. I paused for a moment, taking in his strong
stance, hard muscles, and that one dimple that formed on his right
cheek. My gaze lowered to the bouquet of freesias in his hands. The
delicate yellow and purple flowers were so lovely and so different
than the roses I was used to.
    “Hello, Emma.”
His deep voice vibrated through my body and I nearly melted. If we
continued at this rate, I’d be in his arms way sooner than I wanted
to be.
    “Hello.” Was
that all I could say? What did he do to me to make me so
breathless?
    He reached
forward to hand me the flowers.
    “Thank you. Do
you mind if I leave them here? I wouldn’t want them to be without
water.”
    “Of
course.”
    I handed the
bouquet to Harold, our security guard, and he knew what to do
immediately. “Would you like these in your apartment, Ms.
Cross?”
    “Yes, please.
And thank you.” Then I turned to Eric,