The Holly Project by K.A. Sterritt Read Free Book Online Page A

quintessential bachelor pad in a modern apartment building overlooking Cockle Bay. I’d drunk enough to have a good time but not so much that I failed to appreciate the building. By coincidence, Slater Jenkins architects had designed it and Tresswells construction had completed the build, about a year ago. I had never seen inside any of the apartments, and was impressed by the interior design and high-end fit out. The furnishings were minimalist and monochromatic. He could have done with a woman’s touch to add a sense of warmth. However, I was from the “less is more” school of design, so it was generally appealing to my critical eye. I couldn’t help wonder what Ryan’s apartment would look like. Shit.
    Sensing my distraction, Sam pushed me against the lounge room wall and kissed me hard on the mouth. His hands made their way to my backside. Once again I could feel his erection straining in his pants, and it pressed into me. With the wall against my back and Sam’s hips grinding into me, I tried to shut my mind down and lose myself in the moment. His tongue greedily explored my mouth. My sequinned top was wrenched over my head, causing a few slightly awkward moments. I would no doubt be finding rogue sequins in my hair the following day. Breaking away briefly, he quickly rid himself of his own t-shirt, then resumed his exploration.
    The guy knew what he was doing. It just wasn’t working for me. My mind was working overtime on providing interference. The way I’d felt when Ryan kissed me in the bar was all-consuming, and highly confusing. I knew I had to get him out of my mind, but this wasn’t the way to do it.
    Sam’s hands moved to my zipper. I stopped him gently.
    “I’m sorry, Sam.” I looked into his eyes so he could see that my apology was genuine. “I can’t do this now.”
    “What the fuck, Holly?” He took a step back and put his hands on his head.
    “I… um… I’m not feeling great.” It wasn’t a lie. I did feel mildly nauseous. “I think those shots are disagreeing with me.”
    “Oh man, I’m going to need a cold shower now.” He smirked so I knew he wasn’t pissed off with me. “Are you sure?” He stepped forward and attempted to kiss me again.
    Placing my hands on his bare chest, I pushed against him gently. “I’m really so sorry. Can I use your bathroom, please?”
    Once I’d composed myself in his bathroom, I found Sam in the kitchen. He was leaning back against the counter sipping coffee.
    “Coffee?” he asked, giving me a warm smile.
    “No thanks. I might head home,” I replied, returning his smile. “I’m just going to call myself a cab.” I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through my contacts.
    “Can I get your number, Holly? I had a really good time with you tonight, even if you are a tease.” He chuckled to himself.
    He was a nice guy. This could have gone really badly – not all guys would have taken my change of heart as well. I gave him my number and he immediately dialled it so I would have his number, too. Sam was a fun, casual, good-looking guy. He was safe. Once I had sorted my head out, I’d be happy to see him again.

Chapter Ten
    “Did you have a good night?” I asked Audrey when we eventually surfaced for a caffeine hit mid-morning.
    “Yes and no,” she replied, taking the coffee mug I offered her. “The music was great and there were a few cute guys. One in particular – a surfer from the northern beaches.”
    “That’s great. So what was the problem?”
    “It’s probably nothing.” She appeared awkward and unsure. “Jason was a bit weird at the club. I caught him looking at me strangely a few times.”
    “Oh,” I said sheepishly, staring into my coffee. “I may have told Jason you think he’s hot.” I clenched my teeth and scrunched up my face.
    Her whole demeanour relaxed and she took a swig of her coffee. She laughed a little. “I tell him that all the time. Why would that be news to him?”
    “That’s what I