Waylaid by Ruth J. Hartman Read Free Book Online Page A

not, uh, making out.”
    I’d wondered if that might happen, but had tried not to dwell on it while I drove. Better not to know.“Great. Sorry.”
    “Not your fault. Although from what I could see through your window to the cab, you had to watch the same thing.”
    I pushed down irritation at the thought. “Yeah, Marcus and Kendra didn’t even know I was there.”
    “Sounds like you had about as much fun as I did.”
    “Pretty much.” I wanted to add, except for the kiss . Something held me back. She might already not trust me after last night. “Oh, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
    “What’s that?” She tilted her head in a way that made me want to grab her and hold her forever.
    “What is Addy short for? Addison?”
    “No.”
    “Adeline?”
    “Adeline? Is that even a name?”
    “It’s kinda like Madeline, without the first letter.”
    The left side of her mouth pulled upward and the dimple appeared but she didn’t answer.
    Adorable . “So…” I moved my hand in a circle, hoping she’d continue.
    “What?”
    “Are you going to tell me what it’s short for? I already know the middle and last.”
    She shook her head, causing her hair to dance around her shoulders. “I’m not sure that’s such a great idea.”
    “How come?”
    Addy bumped her shoulder against mine, the slight pressure leaving me wanting more. Much more.
    I leaned against the side of the truck next to the sidewalk. What should I do next? I knew what I wanted to do. I just needed some encouragement from her first. So I waited.
    Addy let out a sigh. “I’m named after my grandma.”
    “Okay.”
    “It’s one of those old lady names.”
    “And Hildegard isn’t? So, you’re not going to tell me?” Please tell me. Suddenly, I wanted to know everything about her.
    She lowered her voice even though no one else was nearby. “It’s top secret. I’d need something from you to know you wouldn’t spread it around.”
    I bumped her shoulder back. “What kind of thing are we talking about?”
    “Oh, I don’t know.” She looked at me from beneath her dark lashes. “Got any ideas?”
    “I have one, but you might not like it.”
    Addy stepped away from the truck and turned to face me. With one finger, she touched my cheek and then lowered her hand. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she said, “You won’t know until you try it.”
    That’s all I needed. I reached out both arms toward her. She stepped into my embrace as if she did it every day. I held her close, rubbing my hand up and down her back. Addy was so warm. She let out a small sigh when I set my chin on top of her head. I wanted to stay like that forever.
    “Adelaide.” Her warm breath fanned across my neck.
    “What?”
    “That’s my name.”
    “I like it.” I smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
    Addy pulled back, but not very far. She looked me straight in the eye. “This probably isn’t a good idea.”
    “It isn’t?” I thought it was the best idea ever.
    “No.” She reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck.
    With our difference in height, I had no choice but to bend down. Not that I minded. I breathed in her lavender scent and pressed my lips to hers. Last night’s kiss was great, but this one was better. Different. Addy wasn’t surprised this time. She seemed to want it too even though she’d said it was a bad idea.
    I’d worry about whatever she’d meant by that later.
    Her fingers kneaded the back of my neck and slid up into my hair. Shivers ran down my core and then lower.
    I pulled her closer and she rested her hands between us on my chest. Once again, she massaged my skin through my shirt. That girl had magic fingers. Her short nails pulled at the fabric. She’d obviously been kissed and held before. That was something I didn’t want to think about, though.
    I braced my back against the truck and spread my feet apart which dropped me a little nearer to her level. I couldn’t get close enough. I ran