The Shooting by Chris Taylor Read Free Book Online Page A

like he’d evidently forgotten about her, she turned back to the men she’d been entertaining with an amusing tale from a day in the life of a college student and continued on with her story. She was about to deliver the punch line when there was the sound of a thud, and a grunt, followed quickly by a curse.
    “Fuck!”
    The men around Lily turned in unison and stared at the man on the floor. A chuckle built up in Lily’s chest and burst out before she could stop it. She laughed and gasped and held her hand over her mouth in an effort to contain her mirth. The stranger stared balefully up at her from his place on the hard floor. His eyes narrowed dangerously.
    Lily should have taken his dark look as her cue to stop, but her laughter continued to sound. He looked so surprised to find himself flat on his butt on the floor. Now, she simply had to know who he was.
    * * *
    Tom heaved himself up off the floor and surreptitiously rubbed his sore ass. One minute he’d been listening to the angel regale the men near her with tales of college shenanigans and the next he was coming into contact with the very hard, wooden floor. The least Charlie could have done was find an apartment that had carpet. Tom’s bum would be bruised for a week.
    Not that anyone cared, from the looks of amusement on their faces. Even the angel thought it was funny. In fact, from the way she was splitting her sides laughing, she found it downright hysterical.
    He shot her an intimidating look that would make most people go weak with fear, but it didn’t have the same effect on her. She looked like she had no intention of stopping. How could he have found her so desirable? She was a heartless, little witch. At last, Charlie appeared in the doorway, looking concerned.
    “Tom, are you all right? What happened? Someone said you fell over. Did you hurt yourself?”
    Knowing the angel could hear every word that was said and not wanting to embarrass himself further, Tom shrugged his shoulders in response and remained silent. If he were honest, his pride was damaged far worse than his ass.
    Had he really fallen asleep? Christ, he must have been more exhausted than he’d thought. He was at a party and he’d fallen asleep, right after locking eyes with the most beautiful girl in the world. And now she was laughing at him.
    He snuck another glance in her direction and was relieved to find she’d sobered and was looking suitably concerned. She pushed her way through the crowd of men and came up to Tom with her hand extended.
    It was pale and slender and her fingers were long. It was all Tom had time to comprehend before her soft, slim hand was in his. Her handshake was firm and sure and reminded him of the hidden strength he’d sensed in her earlier. She was made of sterner stuff than she looked. Her eyes, a bright, clear blue now sparkled with intelligence tinged with humor.
    “Lily Strickland. Nice to meet you.”
    “T-Tom. Tom Munro. It’s… It’s nice to meet you, too.”
    “Really? A moment ago you were snoring. I was sure I’d bored you to sleep.” She grinned and then offered him a wink.
    A fresh wave of embarrassment swept over his cheeks, but her teasing went right through him. It unsettled his gut and suddenly it felt like a swarm of butterflies had been let loose inside him. He swallowed and tried to get his tongue to work so he would appear somewhat in control of his faculties. At the same time, he silently cursed the rum that clouded his brain.
    He wanted to be sharp and witty and clever for this vision in front of him who still couldn’t help but grin. He opened his mouth and waited for some brilliant repartee to come pouring forth.
    “I don’t snore.”
    He clamped his mouth shut in horror, unable to believe he’d come out with such a lame line. Here was the chance of a lifetime and all he could do was dispute her powers of observation. She’d more than likely turn away and never speak to him again.
    He almost didn’t dare to look up