She Shouldnt, But She Will by Francis Drake Read Free Book Online Page A

picked up her other work and lost herself in it.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 3
     
     
    Finally, about seven thirty that night, Thia opened the door to her condo and kicked her shoes off. While sorting the mail, she pressed the message button on her answering machine. There were two. The first was a telemarketer but the second was a carrier company saying they had a letter for her and if she would call they would send it right over.
    A few minutes after her return call, the carrier arrived. She tipped the delivery lady and took the letter. It was addressed to Thia Parker.
    Very curious, she opened the letter, unfolded the paper and read,
    Thia,
    Meet me Saturday morning at
10:00
under the clock tower in front of the
Ferry
Building
. Wear something comfortable and shoes for boating. Bring a bathing suit, and an overnight bag.
    Derek
    Thia made her way to the sofa, unsure her legs would support her.
    How did he know where she lived? She used her married name at work, Cynthia Williams, but her maiden name for her personal life, a decision she’d made after Henry’s death.
    Her mind replayed the night she’d spent in his studio. She’d thought of him often since then, but had known they’d shared a one-night adventure she wouldn’t repeat. She was an accountant, a profession not known for wild flings or trips on the wild side. She’d had hers. The excitement would have to last a long time.
    Then again, maybe this was a mistake. She looked at the envelope. There was no return address. She picked up the phone and called the carrier company back. “You delivered a letter to Thia Parker on
Lombard Street
a few minutes ago. There is no return address. Can you tell me where it came from?”
    The man at the other end paused for a second, and then said, “It was dropped off here at three-ten this afternoon. There’s no name.”
    “Thank you.” Thia slowly hung up the phone, consumed with dismay. “Oh, damn.”
    This was too embarrassing. She didn’t know the man, yet she’d had sex with him—more than once. Fabulous sex. Better sex than she’d ever had in her life. Better than she’d ever imagined in her life.
    But, still.
    There was no way she could see him again. It was bad enough going off into the night with a guy she didn’t know. At least people at the gallery had seen her with him and the cab driver knew she’d gone to
Third Street
with him.
    She looked at the note again. Bring an overnight bag? That meant more than a quick tour past Angel and
Tiberon
Islands
. Alone with a man on a boat, a lot could happen, and who would know?
    No. No way. She absolutely couldn’t go. Not on a boat with a stranger, who no doubt would want sex again. Multiple times. Oh, God, what I’d give to —
    No. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—go.
    Thia sat quietly staring into space. By the time she realized she was thinking about which bathing suit to take, she knew the decision had been made. One more walk on the wild side wouldn’t hurt.
    Oh, I shouldn’t. I really shouldn’t.
    She frowned and tapped her fingernail on her lips. But I think I will.
     
    * * * *
     
    Friday afternoon finally arrived, ending a work week that had been long and exhausting. Friday nights often were depressing, being the start of another lonely weekend. But tonight, a drink, some food and a hot bath represented paradise.
    Thia set her briefcase on the table beside the note from Derek. Her stomach did a back flip thinking about spending time on a boat with a man she barely knew, especially one who embodied equal parts sex and danger. A line had to be drawn and adhered to. Drawing said line was easy enough. She wouldn’t show up at the
Ferry
Building
and he’d know she wasn’t interested. Her stomach settled a bit, but the heat of a blush flamed her cheeks, just thinking about the letter and where it might lead.
    She checked the freezer and found half a package of green beans. Opening the refrigerator was just as disappointing. “I guess I’ll eat