One Lucky Hero by Codi Gary Read Free Book Online Page A

friend succeeded in hooking up with Tracy.
    Dean picked up the pace, wanting to get back to Violet and see her reaction to the wine. As they came down the grass, Dean saw that her pint-sized admirer was back, pushing his way between Tracy and Violet as they danced. When she caught sight of Dean, Violet appeared relieved, almost happy to see him. His reaction to that glow of joy was unsettling. It was as if her warm gaze was pulling him to her by an invisible rope and he was powerless to resist.
    When he finally broke through the crowd, he held out the cup of wine to her. “Since you’re not really a fan of beer.”
    Her smile flashed so big and bright, it nearly blinded him. “That was very considerate of you.”
    â€œI’m a considerate guy.”
    She didn’t comment as she took the wine; she just kept smiling.
    The short dude glanced between them and held his hand out to Dean. “I’m Robert.”
    â€œDean.” The guy actually tried to squeeze Dean’s hand harder than necessary, and Dean resisted the urge to crush the soft, dainty fingers in his.
    â€œHow do you know Violet?” Robert pulled his hand back and flexed it as if Dean had hurt him.
    Little pussy.
    Dean opened his mouth to answer, but Violet jumped in by taking his hand. “Dean and I have a friends-with-benefits thing going on.”
    Dean’s mouth hung open for half a second, then snapped shut as Robert’s expression shuttered and his lips thinned.
    â€œI see. You didn’t mention you were seeing anyone before,” he said.
    â€œHonestly, we don’t really tell anyone. Like I said, we’re casual. It works really well, since we’re both so busy,” Violet lied smoothly, impressing Dean further. Of all the things she could have said to run Robert off, he’d have never suspected she’d be bold enough for this.
    Then again, she had pointed out that he had judged her too quickly and had no idea what she was capable of.
    â€œWell, I don’t want to intrude, so I’ll catch up to my group. Nice to meet you.”
    â€œYou, too,” Dean said to Robert’s back.
    Tracy exploded into exaggerated giggles once Robert was gone. “Oh my God, I almost died! I can’t believe you said that to him.”
    â€œNeither can I.” Dean held up their entwined hands with a raised eyebrow. “Very convincing, but I don’t think casual FWBs hold hands.”
    Violet pulled her hand from his and took a sip of wine before responding. “Thank you for playing along.”
    â€œWho says I’m playing?” He spoke quietly, hoping that Tracy and Best wouldn’t hear.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Her brown eyes widened, and she nibbled on her lip, the sight of her worrying the soft pink flesh turning him on like crazy.
    Dean glanced over at Tracy and Best, who were dancing closely and ignoring them, before leaning down. “Maybe I am interested in something casual . . . with you.”

Chapter Five
    V IOLET ’ S HEART THREATENED to pound right out of her chest. She’d been talking a big game, but could she really get involved with a guy she hardly knew . . . just for the sake of her hormones?
    She definitely couldn’t bring him back to her place. She had been fighting with Daisy for months about Daisy sneaking her loser boyfriend into the house when Violet was at work, and bringing someone home would just blow her reasoning all to hell. Despite the fact that Violet had raised Daisy, she’d never let Violet forget that she was just her sister, not her mom. Still, Violet had never let her boyfriends stay over, not that there had been many, and she definitely wasn’t going to bend the rules for a friends-with-benefits situation.
    â€œDid I cross the line?” Dean’s breath warmed the shell of her ear, and her stomach clenched with lust. She really did love his voice, the deep tenor playing her like a guitar, pulling her