My Blue River by Leslie Trammell Read Free Book Online

too happy to help with my joke. Looks like Addy has already offended someone other than me in Blue River. I knew that wouldn’t take too long. My only regret is not being able to see her first response to the note. Aaron’s expression was pretty priceless though, so I assume I would have loved how she looked.
     
    It’s interesting that she’s spending time with her brother. I haven’t quite figured out what his deal is or just how well they get along, but it makes me wish I had a brother or sister myself.
     
    I sat next to her in the booth just to irritate her, but when I sat down, I felt her arm against mine. It sent a jolt straight through my heart that I’ve never, ever, felt before. I hope she didn’t notice. I couldn’t even bring myself to look at her. I have a feeling this is going to go horribly wrong…or right…and maybe even right will be wrong. Oh hell, now I’ve confused myself.
     
    ********
     
     
    Three weeks had passed since my encounter with Jack at Café 200, which I now affectionately called Café Barf. I hated to admit I was growing accustomed to seeing him. Today, he was helping dad with the yard. I thought we should just light a match and start over but then again, I wouldn’t have such an enjoyable view if we did. Dad had gone to a store for some supplies so Mom insisted I take lemonade out to Jack. I feigned a protest, but really, I couldn’t wait to see him. I walked apprehensively toward him with a pitcher of lemonade and a glass that had already been filled. Just as I came up behind him, he turned around and removed his t-shirt. I sucked in a breath. I now truly understood the definition of breathtaking. He was slender, but muscular, and tan. His six pack abs were well defined. Clearly, he spent a lot of time outside and a lot of time working hard or working out, either way, he looked great. Boy, this guy isn’t hard on the eyes at all!
     
    “Uh-um,” I cleared my throat, announcing my arrival. I felt like I may have been blushing. I knew if I touched my cheeks they would feel warm.
     
    I must have surprised him because he jumped a little when he heard me. He was dripping with sweat as he scrubbed the backside of his hand across his forehead. He then ran his fingers through his wavy hair. If I could have pressed a slow-motion button, the whole scene could have been in a music video. He wasn’t the least bit embarrassed of his bare torso. I was impressed by his confidence.
     
    “Oh, hey!” he said, a little out of breath. He eyed the lemonade and licked his lips. “That looks good.”
     
    “Well, that’s good. It’s for you.” I made an attempt at sounding friendly—as in “the girl next door” friendly. I extended the full glass to him. In two gulps it was down his throat. I added more lemonade to his glass, which he drank a little slower.
     
    When he finished, he said, “Thanks. I really appreciate this.”
     
    “Thank my mom. She insisted I bring it out.”
     
    “Well, then, thank your mom for me.” A brief silence ensued until he said, “It wasn’t your idea to feed the help , huh?”
     
    “No. I don’t typically offer drinks to people who are rude,” I tried to sound like I was joking.
     
    “Yeah…” He dragged the word out. “Is this about the butter?”
     
    “Very funny, by the way.”
     
    “Thanks. I thought so. Oh wait. That wasn’t an actual compliment?” He laughed. “One of the benefits of a small town is that you can get just about anyone to help you pull off a joke,” he added.
     
    I couldn’t help it. I laughed, which seemed to relax him and he laughed along with me. He was funny and extremely charming.
     
    I submitted to the situation. “Okay, I have to admit that really was pretty funny and this time, it’s an actual compliment,” I said with a smile.
     
    “Hey, I have an idea,” he offered, “Let’s start over or at least have a truce because...I actually enjoyed having lunch with you at Café 200, despite my