Unbound: The Pentagon Group, Book 2 by Rosemary Rey Read Free Book Online Page A

safe.” He handed me the book as he looked around for another and plucked it from the shelf. “This one was a great story of a young woman trying to make a name for herself and all the obstacles she overcomes. Lots of witty and funny dialogue, you’d like it.” I took it from him.
    “Thanks, these are a good start.”
    “So, do you come here often?” He paused and snorted. “That was lame. I didn’t mean it the cliché way it’s typically asked. Sorry.” He stated sheepishly.
    “I didn’t take it that way. Actually, I do come here often . . . in between shifts at my jobs. I love reading here. It’s relaxing. Are you a librarian?”
    “I’m interning here. I’m a Master’s student in library science, so I get to work here a few shifts a week.”
    “Ah, no wonder you’re so knowledgeable, and literate. You’re doing a great job. You’ve eliminated endless options for me, and I thank you.” I smiled.
    “Well, you could return the favor by going out to coffee with me.” He smiled hopefully.
    “Umm. . . Wow. I’m sorry.” I paused, gathering my words so I could be sensitive and firm. “I think you’re a kind man, and yes there is a ‘but’. But I’m not in a place to date anyone. Super complicated life, hence no romance books for now, so regrettably, I must decline. If we would’ve had this encounter three months ago I would’ve asked you for coffee.”
    “My loss.” He extended, sincerely. “I’m Jonah.” He extended his hand.
    I shifted the books to my left arm, “I’m Perla. Nice meeting you and again, thanks. Good luck with your studies.”
    “Thanks. I hope to see you again.” He smiled. I nodded and returned the smile, and walked away.
    The pain and humiliation from Matt’s lies still lingered in my mind, but having a complete stranger try to pick me up was ego inflating at such a delicate time. As always, the universe’s timing sucked, but it was for the best. I needed time to evaluate what I wanted from a long term relationship. As I checked out the books at the automatic checkout stand, I felt so much better. Even the minor interaction with Jonah was worth the trip.
    I walked out of the library, seeking out a coffee shop because I needed to get a latte and some food before commuting back to my place. I found a shop across from the T’s entrance. It wasn’t very busy, which kept it quiet. After selecting a sandwich, ordering a latte, and paying for it all, I found a seat and waited for my latte to be up. I pulled out one of the novels Jonah recommended and started reading. The first paragraph hooked me. It was funny, and I couldn’t wait to delve in deeper.
    My name was called to pick up my latte, and I retrieved it to infuse a vat of sugar in the creamy concoction. I needed the sugar to energize me. By the time the crash occurred, I’d be home in bed reading the novel. A man sidled up beside me at the coffee prep station.
    “Hi.” He said. I looked up and it was Eric.
    “Eric . . . Hi. What are you doing here?” I asked nervously.
    “My office is nearby. I’m just taking a break, getting some coffee so I can go back to work. What are you doing here?”
    “I went to the library to get a few books. Now, I’m getting lunch.”
    “I called you last night, but you didn’t respond. I wanted to make sure you’re okay. How are you doing?”
    “I’m as best as I can be considering it all.” I stirred the sugar and replaced the lid. “Look, Eric. I don’t mean to be ungrateful for your trying to protect me, but I need to distance myself from this whole sordid tale. I can’t continue to see you or talk to you after this revelation. It isn’t appropriate for me to talk to someone who is connected to Pentagon. I just want to move on and part of it is distancing myself from you too.”
    “What?” He looked hurt, and it wasn’t my intention. I wasn’t prepared for the discussion, but my request was best said sooner than later. “Perla, I’d like to be your friend.