Sticks and Stones by Kerrie Dubrock Read Free Book Online Page A

narrowed when the
punk winked at him. “I need to talk to you and I, uh, brought these as a peace
offering,” he murmured, handing her purple Calla Lilies. “But now I see I need
to get you to a doctor.”
              Grace eyed the
flowers, then pinned Ben with a glare. “Give them to your wife because I’m not
interested.” She took Rick’s hand into hers. “Does your offer still stand?”
              “You bet,
sweetheart!” he replied, sweeping her off the bench. In one hand she held her
purse and shoes, the other wrapped around the back of his neck. Rick grinned
down at her and as he carried her to the elevator, he planted his lips firmly
onto hers.
              She began to
protest when his tongue pushed through her lips, but then, gave up. As immature
as it was, she needed this. She wanted to hurt Ben, but at the same time
it just felt good to be kissed and kissed thoroughly.

Chapter
Three
              “Damn! That
chick’s lucky!” a young woman said softly to her friend.
              Ben stopped the
women. “Who is that guy?”
              The brunette in
the business suit stifled a laugh. “You’re kidding, right?” When Ben shook his
head she rolled her eyes. “Only the best defenseman the Wind has ever had!”
              Ben shrugged,
“The ‘Wind’?”
              She glanced at
her friend and sighed. “Ah, number eight? Rick O’Shea, also known as Ricochet.
The Wind is a hockey team.”
              “I don’t watch
hockey,” Ben mumbled. “Here, take these as exchange for the information.” He
handed her the flowers and walked away, numb.
     
    *        *        *
              Grace tore her
lips from Ricks. He said softly, “‘My God, you’re fun to kiss.’”
              “Isn’t that a
Fitzgerald quote?” she grinned.
              He nodded, “My
favorite writer.”
               “You can put
me down now.”
              He sighed and
gently placed her feet on the floor. She winced at the pain in her ankle.
              “Funny, I
didn’t picture you to be a mistress to a married man,” he mused wrapping his
arm around her waist to steady her.
              Her eyes
narrowed, “I’m not !” She pushed his rock hard chest and glared. “Why did
you kiss me, anyway?”
              “Because I
wanted to.”
              She gaped at
him, not knowing how to respond.
              Grace began to
hobble from the elevator when Rick wrapped a strong arm around her waist. “Lean
into me,” he ordered.
              She half-walked
as he mostly carried her into the office.  Zee hung up the phone and gasped.
“Girl! What happened to you?”
              “Gracie! What
happened?” Blake shrieked.
              Rick led Grace
to a chair. “We need ice.” Blake nodded and sprinted for the kitchen.
              Rick lifted his
head and saw Chase staring intently at him. He shot him a lopsided smile. “Chase,
this is the woman.”
              Chase nodded
solemnly with a grin. “My work here is done.” He walked towards the door and
turned. “Miss Ryan? I look forward to your sketches and take care of that
ankle.”
              Blake returned
with ice wrapped in a dish towel. “Now will you tell me what happened?”
              “Olga Cabot is
a demon from hell!” Grace grimaced when Rick placed the ice on her ankle. “Said
she only lived a few blocks away and we should walk to her home. She lives five
blocks away!”
              “That old
witch,” Zee growled. “Sorry, Grace. No disrespect.”
              Grace shrugged.
“ Then when we get to her lair she tells me the elevator is out of
service and she lives on the sixth floor!” Grace hissed. “So, when I got back
here I used every ounce of energy I had and made a run for the elevator