The Heartbroker by Kate O'Keeffe Read Free Book Online Page B

rumbling voice.
    ‘ Hello there, Big Boy ,’ my Girly Bits reply, clenching at the chocolaty, masculine sound of it.
    I tighten my towel over my chest.
    I want to dive back into the pool and hide there like an embarrassed mermaid. But then I’d have to flash him my undies again. I don’t think I could face that level of humiliation once more.
    “What are you doing here?” My eyes dart to his swimming trunks and towel as he stands next to the pool. “Other than going for a swim, that is.” I laugh to cover my embarrassment, hoping he’ll laugh with me.
    I remind myself he’s almost undoubtedly slept with Lucinda by now. He’s damaged goods. Hot and sexy damaged goods, but damaged goods all the same.
    “Yes. I’m going for a swim,” he confirms, still smiling at me, holding my gaze. “And it looks like you’ve just had one.” Once again his eyes slide down my body and back up again, causing me to catch my breath. “Water nice?”
    I swallow. “Lovely. I needed to cool off after my run. But I’m going to get some work in now. So, I’ll see you later?” I ask in a sing-song-y voice, inching away from him.
    I’m so flustered by his unexpected arrival—and the fact he looks so darn gorgeous—I can’t get out of here fast enough.
    “Sure. Catch you later, Brooke,” he replies, putting his towel down on one of the lounge chairs.
    He pulls his T-shirt over his head, and I’m mesmerized by what can only be called a Magic Mike Moment. Only he’s here, in the flesh. And my, what flesh!
    I’m rooted to the spot, transfixed by his toned, tanned body. He’s in great shape: broad shoulders, defined torso, and strong, muscular arms.
    My body thrums at the sight of him. I tell you, it’s all I can do to stop myself reaching out and stroking his chest there and then.
    I shake my head to break the spell he’s cast over me and walk as fast as I can towards the door. Just as I’m about to push it open, blushing fiercely, he calls out to me.
    “Hey Brooke? What are you doing later? Do you have some time to get together, say after lunch?”
    He’s now standing facing me, wearing just his hip hugging trunks. I steel myself as I turn to face him. He’s just a man, Brooke, like your brother. Yes, that’s right, just like your brother. And seeing your brother in his swimming shorts is no big deal is it?
    “Um, just working.” I concentrate hard on looking at the spot just to the right of his head so as to control myself, causing him to look behind him to see what’s attracted my attention.
    “Everything okay?” he enquires, looking concerned.
    “Ah, fine. Never better.”
    Just keep looking to the side, Brooke. Not at him, whatever you do.
    “Okay. Good.” He’s clearly feeling awkward at my odd behaviour. “Can we get together then? At about two?”
    “Oh, sure. Of course. Two would be great.”
    “See you in the lobby then.”
    I turn to leave, scuttling through the door as quickly as I can as I hear him splash into the pool.
    How’s that ‘I-can-ignore-my-feelings-for-Logan-and-just-focus-on-work’ thing working out right now, Brooke? Hmmm, yes, it’s definitely a work in progress.
     
     

Chapter 6
     
    I ARRIVE AT THE lobby a few minutes before two o’clock, aiming to be a little more poised and prepared than I was for our last encounter. Which, let’s face it, isn’t exactly hard, considering I’m pretty sure there’s very little mystery surrounding my physical appearance for Logan after this morning’s efforts at the pool.
    I’ve agonized over what to wear to our meeting: too casual and I’ll look like I’m not professional enough; too formal and I’ll look like I can’t relax. I settled on my favourite pair of skinny jeans, a white collared shirt, with a slim-fitting black merino V-neck, and a pair of black ankle boots with a low heel.
    I’m carrying my laptop bag in case he needs to see any documents or I need to refer to anything, and I’m confident and prepared for our