Seductive Guest by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online

terrible,” I blurted.
    She shrugged in guilt. “You won’t hear me say otherwise. But that’s the truth of the matter.”
    “So, you want me to make him realize what he’s missing?”
    “Essentially.”
    “Not that I don’t want your business or I can’t help you, but wouldn’t it make more sense to quit your job and move?”
    Judging the look on her face, this was something she considered numerous times. “Yes, it makes perfect sense. But every time I decided I’m going to get over him nothing happens. And after he ditched me at the charity event, I was so livid that I had the fuel to finally do it. But then he apologized and was so charming…and took me to dinner. This is my last option and I have to try. If it doesn’t work, then I’ll be forced to move to another state or something.”
    I’d never been hung up on a girl—especially like that. “Well, I think I can help you. But you’re going to have to listen to me—even if it hurts you.”
    “What is your meaning?”
    “As a guy, I understand other guys. And if he hasn’t showed any interest in you after this long, he probably never will. I don’t mean to come off harsh but that’s the reality of the situation.”
    She didn’t seem offended at all. “You’re probably right.”
    “And the best way to get a man’s attention is to ignore him.”
    “Ignore him?” she asked incredulously.
    “When he apologized to you for being a jerk, did he know you were mad?”
    “Well…I ignored him and refused to look at him.”
    “Exactly,” I said. “You ignored him. And that caught his attention.”
    She considered my words then nodded.
    “And this will probably make you feel like shit,” he said. “But I have to say it.”
    “I can handle it.” She stared me in the eye.
    “If you’ve felt this way for him this long, there’s not a doubt in my mind he knows.”
    She didn’t react.
    “As in, he knows you’re into him.”
    She ran her fingers through her hair then turned her gaze to the wall, like she was looking at something. She took a few minutes to gather her thoughts before she turned back to me. “I hope you’re wrong. Otherwise, I’ll be mortified.”
    I wasn’t wrong. But I didn’t need to rub it in. “You shouldn’t be mortified. If a beautiful woman like you had a crush on me for years I’d be flattered.”
    Her eyes lightened slightly. “You’re sweet.”
    “Just honest.” Our eyes locked for a moment, and I couldn’t help but notice the intense shade of her eyes. They almost looked fake. “So, you have a lot of work to do in order to make this work.”
    “Like what?” she asked.
    “Well, guys don’t like girls who will wait for anyone. Then they aren’t worth waiting for.” I tried to say this in a gentle way so I wouldn’t insult her. That wasn’t my intention.
    “Yes, I’m a loser,” she said. “I get it.”
    “I didn’t say you were a loser. I’m just explaining what he’s thinking. Guys like women they think they can’t get. Then it makes the women more desirable. And when a guy does get them, it makes them appreciate the girl. Trust me on this.”
    “Then what do I do?”
    “First, you’re going to ignore him and be indifferent to him. Do your job but don’t look at him. Don’t go that extra mile. Act like you have more important things to do than get exactly twelve cubes of sugar in his coffee.”
    “Okay,” she said.
    “Next, you’re going to change your wardrobe.”
    She looked down at herself. “What’s wrong with my clothes?”
    “Nothing,” I said. “You look very cute in that.”
    “Then what’s the problem?”
    I folded my hands on the table and try to say this politely. “With all due respect, you have a gorgeous body. You have long legs that guys love to feel wrapped around their waists, and you have an hourglass figure. Not to mention your rack and thick lips.”
    “Thanks…” Her cheeks reddened. “But I don’t understand the relevance.”
    “You need to