What the Lightning Sees: Part One by Louise Bay Read Free Book Online Page A

girl.”
    Luke was laughing. “It’s true though, Haven. ‘Fine’ is the equivalent of you saying that you want to lick him all over.”
    “Well, I have no intention of licking him anywhere. You guys are gross,” I said as I got up and headed over to the kitchen. “No kissing while I turn my back for five seconds to get more booze.”
    “Okay, we’ll skip straight to the sex,” Ash called after me.
    Ash and Luke started to argue about which film to put on. I was still thinking about my tongue trailing down Harry’s chest.
    My phone vibrating interrupted my inappropriate thought and my mouth went dry when I saw it was a text from Harry. Shit. That was a coincidence.
    H: Sorry, can’t do Monday. Will have to rearrange or go without me.
    What a fucker. Just when I thought he was a half-decent guy he went and pulled a stunt like that. I tossed my phone onto the table and Luke and Ash snapped their heads toward me.
    “It’s nothing. Someone at work being a wanker.”
    “Was it licky Harry?” Ash asked.
    I threw a napkin at her. “You’re gross.”
    “Come on Rapunzel, let down your golden hair and pour out the shots,” Ash said.
    The call of tequila. Something I could never resist.
    “Can I play with it?” she asked as I started pouring out too-full shot glasses.
    “You are a freak,” I said. “Luke, you’re never to marry this girl, do you hear me?”
    “Have you both forgotten that I’m living with Emma?”
    “She’s just a phase,” Ash and I said in unison and then collapsed into laughter. Emma was okay, but I honestly couldn’t see him with her forever. She didn’t laugh enough. She didn’t make Luke laugh enough, and it always seemed to be him who was making all the compromises. I wanted my brother to be happy, and I wasn’t sure he was.
    “If you don’t want me to play with it, perhaps you could have it cut and make a wig and I could have that?” Ash asked.
    “You’re not playing with my hair and I’m not having it cut, you weirdo.”
    “I’m not weird, you know I’ve always wanted your Rapunzel-like hair.”
     
    Jake
    I was pretty sure Haven would be mad at me for cancelling the Monday trip to the studio, but there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t miss this follow up meeting with Hal. Robert was fine with me setting my own hours, and Haven could go on her own. I didn’t need to be there every time she went, although she hadn’t exactly hit it off with Sandy. Or anyone, apparently.
    “Are you okay? You’re frowning,” Beth said.
    “Yeah, I’ve had to cancel on Haven on Monday because Hal wants me to meet with his corporate finance guy.”
    “Haven’s the uptight one who’s writing the story on Sandy?”
    I nodded. “I think she’ll struggle with Sandy on her own.”
    “You’re a good man Jake.”
    “Hardly, I’m letting her down.”
    “Yeah, but at least you have the decency to feel bad about it.” Beth laughed and I grinned at her.
    “I’m not sure that counts, but thanks for your faith. I better get going or I’m going to be late for my date with Millie and I’ll have another woman mad at me.” I scanned the room for my keys and wallet.
    “Well that’s no bad thing as far as I’m concerned.”
    “Millie isn’t as awful as you think. You just caught her on the spot.”
    “Whatever. I can smell a gold-digger when I see one.” Beth was very protective of me.
    “You think all women are after my money.”
    “That’s because they are.”
    “Maybe it’s my big dick,” I said, grinning at my sister.
    “You’re gross. Get out.”
    “I’m going. Don’t wait up.” I leaned over the sofa and kissed her on the head. She swatted me away.
    Sure enough, Millie texted me to check if I had left before I’d had a chance to get out of the building. When I arrived at her place, she opened the front door as soon as I knocked, like she was standing behind it, waiting.
    “Hey, you look beautiful,” I told her. She always looked good. We’d been dating