Salesmen on the Rise by Cheryl Dragon Read Free Book Online Page A

consumed her healthy cereal and nibbled a granola bar, but there was no satisfaction. Maybe it’d be worth a two-hour drive just to walk through a mall. She needed to get out but where?
    In the back of her mind, she knew where she wanted to be, but she ignored that option, again and again. If she encouraged them too much, she’d screw it all up. Deep down, she knew she could hurt those great guys. Jar already lacked confidence in the group thing. Owen refused to come out and say it, but she sensed he had doubts it’d work. She saw how his eyes darted. The men all wanted it to work, and Zoe hated being the bad guy. Keeping it casual and slow was smart.
    She’d dumped enough men in her life. Some were clingy, some were leeches and some were losers masquerading as winners. These guys were genuine, and if it didn’t work, they’d be hurt and she’d end up being the bitch. How could it work? The only thing on the social agenda all weekend in Lucky Springs was a fall festival and a movie showing on the side of an old barn. How could she be content here?
    Grabbing her Smartphone, she checked her email and found nothing. She’d sent a message to her headhunter yesterday looking for an update on job prospects. It was the weekend, so she didn’t expect a response until Monday, but she needed to do something or she’d go mad!
    Road trip? DVD marathon of Sex and the City? Or the festival?
    She texted Cam about their earlier invitation to the festival and pushed away the embarrassment of wanting their attention. It wasn’t the allure of Main Street fun in Lucky Springs. She missed them.
    If they didn’t text her back, she’d go jogging then spend the day trolling for other jobs online with a DVD marathon playing in the background. The plan felt good. She didn’t need men to entertain her or make her feel special. They did, but she’d be just fine on her own!
    She was headed into her bedroom to pick out appropriate jogging attire when her phone beeped. Checking it casually, she felt a flutter of excitement. The guys would be there to pick her up in twenty minutes. No doubt, she’d be headed for the fest, but with four men of her own, she wouldn’t be tagging along with anyone else. When she was new to Lucky Springs, she hadn’t minded. Ash knew everyone and had the inside info. Now, Zoe needed to spread her wings and have a little fun with the men devoted to her.
    With jogging long forgotten, she slid on a gauzy white bra and panties. Black jeans and a casual T-shirt with winding green ivy all over it seemed just right. After slipping on sandals plus touching up her makeup, she was ready to go.
    It would’ve taken an hour to get ready for a big date, even just back in Shreveport. But here, natural beauty ruled and the only people who overdid makeup were the few drag queens she’d spotted in one of the bars.
    The knock on the front door sparked excitement in Zoe. She wanted to run to answer, but she walked calmly. She dabbed a little perfume on her neck and grabbed her purse before opening the door.
    Cam and Don stood there. “Come on. You don’t want to miss your first fall festival.”
    She kissed them each on the cheek and locked up the house. Sliding into the backseat of their SUV, she hugged Owen and leaned over to kiss Jar. They all made her feel special, and it wouldn’t be the same without them.
    “Thanks for taking me out. It gets a little dull here.”
    “We can keep you out late. They’re showing My Big Fat Greek Wedding on the side of the old barn tonight,” Don said.
    “The latest and greatest.” Zoe chuckled.
    “It’s free and something to do. Of course, we can keep you busy at our place all night with some very X-rated fun. We can start now if you’d rather ditch the fest.” Cam started the SUV.
    Jar frowned. “No, let’s be social. It’s not like all we want is sex.”
    “I know. I texted you guys to get out not to get naked.” Zoe smiled. Sex alone wasn’t enough. She liked these guys.