This Tangled Thing Called Love: A Contemporary Romance Novel by Marie Astor Read Free Book Online Page A

happen again. I still can’t live down the fact that I woke you up on a Saturday morning. May I take you out for a cup of coffee, or better yet a drink to make up for it?”
    Claire ignored the playfulness in his tone.
    “No worries; it’s already forgotten.” She fumbled with her keys in order to avoid looking at his face. “So, you’re doing more painting?” She purposely fixed her stare on the can of paint.
    “Just some finishing touches and then I’ll be ready to move in.”
    “Good for you. Well, this is my floor. Good luck with the painting.” Claire bolted out of the elevator.
    “Good night.”
    Alec’s voice carried through the hallway as Claire fumbled with her front door lock. Finally, she got inside her apartment and slammed the door behind her.
    God, that man is annoying, she thought and then bit her lip at the lie. Her new neighbor was anything but annoying, which was precisely why she was going to stay as far away from him as possible.
     
    As he opened his front door, a smile glinted on Alec’s face. Despite her icy demeanor, he could tell that Claire was anything but indifferent about him. So maybe her current feelings for him gravitated more toward irritation than affinity, but it was still way better than indifference. He liked a challenge, and irritation was a good place to start.

Chapter 6
     
     
    Claire stood on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Fifth Street, waiting for Amber and Lindsay to arrive. Only a week remained before her and David’s anniversary, and after countless failed attempts to decide on what gift to buy her wonderful boyfriend, she had decided to summon an emergency shopping session.
    “I think David would love a nice watch.” Amber air-kissed Claire on both cheeks.
    “Hello to you too, Amber.” Claire shook her head. In her typical business-woman mode, Amber always zeroed in on the kill.
    “What? You’re the one who called me, asking for help with ideas, so like the good friend that I am, I cancelled my morning meetings and rushed to the rescue.”
    “You have morning meetings on a Sunday?”
    “Not exactly; still, it was an important meeting.”
    “Oh? Could it have anything to do with you missing in action ever since the Metro opening?”
    “Yes, it could.” Amber giggled. “And I certainly was not missing any action – if you get my drift.”
    “Loud and clear.” Claire wrinkled her nose. Amber never held back about her sexual escapades. “Adam, right? Or is there someone new already?”
    “No, it’s still Adam. He is really growing on me.” Amber bit her lip, and her eyes turning dreamy. “But I pulled myself away from his gorgeous body to come and help you shop for David.”
    “And I really appreciate the sacrifice.” Claire fought a smirk. There were few things Amber valued more than hot sex.
    “So, getting back to the question at hand, what do you want to get for David? It’s not like you have much time. Your anniversary is only a week away.” Amber tapped her watch.
    “I don’t know… He has everything a man could possibly want. I want to get him something really special, but I can’t think of anything.”
    “Well, what about a nice watch?”
    “David has ten watches, all top brands. I don’t think he needs another one.”
    “I don’t see what that’s got to do with anything.” Amber pouted. “I have two pairs of diamond earrings, but I sure as hell would not refuse a third one.”
    “David is different.” Claire smiled, thinking of her perfect boyfriend. The past week had more than made up for David’s previous absences. Since then, they had been inseparable, going out almost every night. Last night had been no exception. David had taken her to Le Bernardin and hinted that he had something really big planned for their anniversary. This afternoon David had an important business lunch, and Claire snatched the opportunity to go shopping. Their anniversary was on Friday, and she had to decide on David’s present today.
    A