Tap Out by Michele Mannon Read Free Book Online

over the side. A cool drink would have been nice, but the Tiki bar had been wheeled over to the party.
    Probably Caden’s idea. The unwelcome image of him flitted through her mind—his big body filling the hot tub, drinks in both hands and two bikini-clad women vying for a spot on his lap. Leaning back on her elbows, she concentrated on the blissful lapping sound. Content to simply kick her legs and create tiny waves with her feet.
    She was definitely out of place with her silk blouse unbuttoned and her pencil skirt hitched up on her long legs. A swimsuit would have been a better idea but she’d have to make do. The suitcase with her lingerie and swimwear was currently held hostage on the bus and Sal had informed her that Jerry had the keys. Being she’d had her fill of him for the moment, she didn’t pursue it any further.
    At least she’d had her flip-flops. Always kept a pair on hand—this pair being her favorite because of the bright, cheerful daisies. A habit, she supposed. Kids from Hawley spent a better part of the year in flip-flops. More affordable, and practical, than the Prada pumps she’d grown so fond of as an adult.
    She kicked her legs, deciding never to think about Hawley again. Letting herself enjoy the smell of chlorine and the feel of the water washing over her skin. Letting the pool rinse away her troubles. Letting herself contemplate something, someone , much more appealing.
    She took in the swimmer’s broad shoulders, thick arms, and tight butt in a long, gawking gape. His build rivaled any of the Boys’. Her trainers at the fitness club—when she’d had time to go—always encouraged her to take up swimming. Exercised all the muscles, or so they claimed.
    Mildly curious, she eyed the eye-candy slicing through the water and heading toward the other end. He wore some kind of black armbands on each bicep. Floaties? No, not the way he cut through the water with long, powerful strokes. Certifiably hot.
    Sophie leaned back, let the sun warm her face, and sent up a silent prayer that the next time she looked, he’d be doing the backstroke, so she could ogle his chest.
    Down girl . She kicked her legs as if trying to tread the murky waters of her thoughts. It had been a while since she’d been intimately involved with a man.
    Over the past few years, she could count on one hand the guys she’d dated. Most didn’t get past the first date. A television executive, who after wining and dining her, thought he’d take her for a spin on the casting couch. She’d threatened to file sexual harassment charges—clearly that so-called date hadn’t ended well. A few average guys who turned out to be fans, expecting a raunchy, kinky , Sophie Morelle, got instead...nothing, not even a kiss.
    Two short-term boyfriends: one who lasted a few months until Sophie’s schedule became so hectic she didn’t have time for him. The second guy, Jeff, lasted a few more months, and was someone who genuinely cared about her—which freaked her out more than the television executive. On one dreary Mademoiselle Freak Out evening, she’d cut the cord and broken his heart.
    Commitment phobia? Hung up on her past? Possibly both? Sophie didn’t like to dwell on things she couldn’t control. Or change. As far as relationships were concerned, better to let sleeping dogs lie and live in the present, or so she told herself. And judging by the splashing water, her present was making his way toward her.
    The sound of wet feet slapping across the tiled pool deck caused Sophie to snap her eyes open, just in time to spot the two fighters headed her way.
    Was it too much to ask luck to work for her, and not against her? She was so sure they’d be too preoccupied. How the heck had they spotted her?
    Sophie hurried to stand, slid into her flip-flops, and turned to make a hasty retreat. But she was too late.
    “Lookie who decided to join us,” the fighter with the weird scorpion tattooed on his head slurred. Jaysin someone? It