The Running Series Complete Collection: 3-Book Set plus Bonus Novella by Suzanne Sweeney Read Free Book Online

cabinets, and dark walnut wooden furnishings.  It’s Zen and tranquil.  The large mirror reflects my image back to me and I’m pleasantly surprised.  I splash a little cool water on my face, wash my hands, and head back to find Evan.  I take a deep breath and smile.  Fate has brought me here and for now, I’m glad.
    My eyes sweep across the living room area and Evan’s nowhere to be seen.  Maddy is sound asleep in the middle of the room, alone.  I timidly call out, “Evan?”
    “I’m in here.”  I follow his voice and find him in the kitchen rummaging through some cabinets.  He’s reaching high into a cabinet and his t-shirt rides up just enough so I can admire the contours of his well-sculptured back muscles.  His shorts hang low on his hips in a way that makes me want to put my arms around his waist and feel the warmth of his skin.  There’s no doubt he’s worked very hard to create this body.  He turns with a large bowl in his hand and I’m caught gawking.  A devilish grin sweeps across his face as he places the bowl on the counter.  He leans back dramatically and gives a big yawn with outstretched arms.  This time when his shirt reveals the skin beneath, I get a beautiful view of his taut stomach muscles and an incredibly sexy treasure trail leading right into the button of his shorts.  Two can play at this game.
    “Hungry?” Evan asks me, still grinning.
    “Nope. I’m on a diet.  I try to avoid the ... food ... that I know is bad for my health.”
    “A little light snack never hurt anyone.  I’m sure I could find something that would temp you,” he continues.  I forgot how much fun it is to flirt.  Let’s see how long I can keep this going.
    “Oh, sure, but I’d just regret it in the morning.  I’m actually pretty good in the ... kitchen ... myself.  Maybe I could make something for you.”  I lean on the island in the center of the kitchen, facing him.  I pull my elbows close to my side, exposing an abundant amount of cleavage.  “You’ve been such a wonderful host, I’d like to reciprocate.  What are you in the mood for?”
    “Actually, I’m starving.  What do you recommend?”  He leans on the island directly across from me.  Our faces are mere inches apart.
    I whisper, “That all depends on your particular tastes.  I could whip you up something sweet and simple or perhaps something more adventurous and unexpected.  I am a professional and I know how to please a man’s deepest hungers.” 
    Evan throws his hands up in the air. “That’s it.  I surrender.  You win!”  The game’s over and I am quite proud of my performance.  I take a bow and ceremoniously hop onto one of the kitchen chairs nearby. 
    Evan rinses some grapes in the sink and places them in the bowl between us.  The next hour passes by quickly.  We find ourselves laughing at the memories of our childhood and adolescent trials and tribulations.  It turns out that Evan is a really nice guy who’s easy to talk to.  Not at all what I expected.
    Wanting to end on a positive note, I make the decision that it’s time for me to make a well-timed exit.  For the final time, I take off the ice pack and place it on the counter.  I take an experimental step or two and I’m good to go.
    “Excuse me, Evan, I’ll be right back.”  I head out to the deck to collect Maddy’s water bowl and leash.  Evan’s eyes follow me as I make my way back to the kitchen and wash the bowl.  He quietly watches me flit around his kitchen, looking for a dishtowel so I can dry the bowl.  After I open a few cabinets, I identify the proper location, and I put the bowl away.
    “I like the way you look in my kitchen, Juliette.”  His face takes on a serious expression, like there’s more he wants to say. 
    “Evan, can I ask you one final favor?”
    “Anything.  Name it!”
    “My car is parked just around the corner on the street.  Would it be too much trouble for you to get it and bring it up to the