When We Met by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page B

he came to me and offered to be a silent partner in a new PR firm. I agreed and Score was born. A few years later, he brought Sam and Kenny on board and we’ve been together ever since.”
    They’d turned a business partnership into a family. No matter what, she and Jack would be there for each other. He hadn’t been the great love of her life, but she cared for him more than she’d ever cared about anyone. No matter what, she would be there for Jack and he would there for her. In a way, that was better than romance, because she could depend on it.
    Angel smiled at her. “You win. I can’t top that story.”
    â€œYou could tell me about the guy who slit your throat.”
    â€œHe had a bad week, too. Enough on that. So what’s your favorite business in town?”
    He was changing the subject—something she was happy to have happen. She’d already said too much and couldn’t figure out why. It certainly couldn’t be the wine. She was on her first glass.
    â€œI can’t pick,” she admitted. “I like them all. Favorite season?”
    â€œSummer.”
    â€œGirls in bikinis?”
    â€œI like running when it’s warm.”
    â€œRunning as in exercising outdoors on purpose?”
    He chuckled. “That would be it, yes.”
    â€œMy idea of hell.”
    â€œYou work out in a gym.”
    â€œHow do you know I work out at all?”
    His gaze traveled over her body. “I’m not going to bother answering that.”
    â€œI do yoga, too,” she murmured.
    He chuckled. “Lucky me. Favorite James Bond actor?”
    â€œPierce Brosnan. James Bond movies should come with a wink. The new guy is too serious. I miss all the gadgets.” She looked at him. “You, however, are old-school. Your favorite is Sean Connery.”
    * * *
    â€œH E IS ,” A NGEL admitted, watching the last rays of sun play across Taryn’s face. For a second they flashed on her sculpted cheekbones and then the sun slipped below the horizon.
    Lights had already come on around them, but even with them, she was mostly in shadow. Her pale skin gleamed while her dark eyes stayed mysterious.
    He held in a chuckle, knowing he was acting like a sixteen-year-old on his first date with the prom queen. Horny and out of his league.
    â€œI’m very much old-school,” he said as she rose.
    Before he could figure out what she was doing, she slipped off her jacket and hung it over the back of the chair. Whatever he’d been going to say next was lost when he took in her bare back and how the dress dipped low to her hips.
    Her skin was smooth, her waist narrow. She settled back in the chair and angled toward him. What had been a tailored dress that hugged her curves had suddenly become so much more than that. His mouth went dry. Hunger boiled and sent blood flooding his groin.
    â€œYou’re probably the kind of person who enjoys books rather than an e-reader,” she said, picking up her wine again.
    â€œI like how they feel in my hands,” he said without thinking, his gaze still on her. “The smell of the paper. It’s a tactile experience.” He raised his gaze to hers. “Nicely played.”
    â€œThank you.” She gave him a measured look. “I like that you don’t assume I’m easy.”
    â€œAny man who does that is a fool.”
    â€œThe world is a foolish place.”
    â€œWhen was the last time you let a man take care of you?”
    She paused and something flashed in her eyes. A memory, he would guess. But good or bad? He couldn’t say.
    â€œIt’s been a while. I don’t trust easily. Just like you don’t give up control.”
    â€œI can.”
    â€œWhen was the last time? Nineteen ninety-eight?”
    She was teasing. The real answer was 1992. With Marie. But he wasn’t going to talk about that.
    He rose and walked around the table, then gently drew Taryn to her feet. He