Reach Me by J. L. Mac, Erin Roth Read Free Book Online

don’t regret meeting you in the flesh. No matter the circumstance.”
     
    The only response his confession elicits from me is a small nod. I can’t help but hope that maybe he isn’t a raging jerk. The Russ that I’ve known for nine years is compassionate and kind. I remember every conversation where he spent encouraging me and using his wit to distract me when I needed a moment to escape. I search his conflicted eyes for insight, but there’s no obvious answer in those vibrant green depths. I wish there was.
    I lean back in my chair and make my best attempt to feign indifference. I can only hope that I’m not too transparent. He has always had great intuition where I’m concerned. Even through typed conversations, he has always been able to decipher my mood. I expect nothing less in person.
    “What’s this proposition you mentioned?”
    He nods and presses his lips together before going on. “Yesterday, I told you that you had thirty days to clear out. I want to be afforded the same opportunity. Date me. Give me one month to prove to you that I’m not who or what you think I am. If I can’t persuade you by then, I’ll leave you alone… if that’s what you really want.”
    The confidence that seeps from his mouth through every syllable is distracting. I envy him for it.
    “Coercion, huh?” I lift my brows mockingly, but Russ doesn’t seem entertained by my half-hearted accusation. “What’s in this for me?” I ask honestly.
    A look of relief seems to flicker in his eyes and it only adds to my confusion. “You and Trey can stay here as long as you like. I’ll take care of any of your outstanding debts and expenses. Just give me one month. I, of course, have a few conditions, but it’s just to ensure that I have a fair shot at this.”
    His matter of fact tone has me all bristled and gritting my teeth. I feel like a complete whore right now. How dare he? If he thinks that he can just buy me like some new toy, he’s sorely mistaken.
    “Think about it, Linds,” he urges me, successfully stunting my budding indignation.
    It’s enough to pull me from my anger just long enough to realize this could be a small miracle for me. We both know I don’t really have another choice. I need a chance to get on my feet. If nothing else, Russ may be just that for me. My only other viable option is to reach out to Jonathan and my pride can’t withstand a blow like that. Not again. Not now.
    I know Russ is the lesser of two evils and whether I like it or not, I’m in no position to be choosy. I’ll take his stupid deal, give him his thirty days to prove nothing, and be on my merry way. Simple.
    I take in a deep breath and let it fill my lungs to capacity, looking up to see him watching me, waiting. I’m about to extend my hand to him across the table to seal the deal, but the scorned woman in me wants to make him suffer. I withdraw my hand at the last minute and shake my head.
    “I have to sleep on this,” I respond curtly, “and I want to know what all of your conditions are before I agree.”
    “Understandable,” he replies, calmly nodding. “When can I see you again?”
    “Well, my schedule is pretty flexible right now, so—”
    “Tonight? Can I take you out for dinner so we can discuss my proposition?”
    “Okay. Dinner.” My response is a little meek, but I can’t help it. I’m sitting, entranced, in front of a man who means so much to me, a man I’ve known for the better part of a decade but only just met. He’s gorgeous and intimidating and only partially what I pictured, but I can see the traces of the Russ that I’ve known for so long. It’s not just that he ditched the suit for the jeans and cotton tee, it’s simply that I feel like us. Comfortable. Safe. This is my Russ.
    “I’ll pick you up tonight at six.” Russ stands, obviously ready to leave, and worry inundates me.
    “Wait. Wait. I, uh, where are we going to have dinner?”
    “Do you have a request?”
    “No. Nothing like